Treadmill

A treadmill is a fitness device designed to simulate running and walking indoors. It features a moving belt, handles, and a control panel.

What does a treadmill look like?

Most treadmills have a large running surface covered with wear-resistant material. The running surface is on a platform that is incline-adjustable. At the front, there is a control panel to set and read information about the training, such as speed, heart rate, distance, and time.

Modern treadmills often have extra functions, such as fall protection, built-in speakers, fans, holders for water bottles and tablets, and connections for smartphones. Some treadmills even have a built-in screen to watch movies.

Who uses a treadmill?

You will find treadmills in every physiotherapy practice and fitness centre, but also in people's homes. They offer a safe and controlled training environment without you having to go outside. The speed and incline of the running surface are easy to set, allowing the intensity of the training to be adjusted.

Treadmills in fitness centres or at home are used for improving fitness, losing weight, or for other health goals. It is a good alternative to walking or running outdoors, for example, if the weather is bad or if you cannot or do not dare to leave the house.

In the physiotherapy practice, walking on the treadmill is often part of a rehabilitation programme. It is an effective way to train the walking ability and the endurance of patients. The treadmill is also ideal for improving running technique and performance.

Professional rehabilitation treadmills are often used for these rehabilitation trainings. These treadmills have, among other things, adjustable armrests that provide the patient with extra support while walking. In addition, it is possible to perform special tests and measurements while walking. This gives the physiotherapist an idea of how someone is doing in terms of fitness or how far someone can walk or run (pain-free).

A physiotherapist uses the treadmill with many patients, for example:

• After an operation, such as a new hip or cruciate ligament operation.
• After an accident.
• Intermittent claudication as a result of a circulatory problem.
• Neurological problems that lead to gait disorders, for example, brain injury, Parkinson's, and nerve failure.
• After a fracture or other leg injury.
• As part of fall prevention training.
• Analysing the gait pattern.
• Improving fitness and/or (running) performance.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of walking on a treadmill?

There are several advantages and disadvantages of walking on a treadmill compared to walking outside.

Advantages:

• Walking on a treadmill is, in some cases, safer than walking outside. This is because you do not have to deal with the distraction of traffic, slipperiness, or uneven surfaces that can lead to injuries or falls.
• A treadmill offers the possibility to set the incline and speed so that you can tailor your training to your individual needs. This is useful if you are training for a specific competition or if you want to strengthen certain muscle groups.
• The conditions during walking on a treadmill are better controllable (weather, temperature, distance, speed, traffic, etc.). If the conditions are the same each time, training sessions are easier to compare, and it is easier to keep track of progress.
• On a treadmill, you can stop whenever you want.

But there are not only advantages to walking on a treadmill. Some people find it (the first time) scary to walk on a treadmill. The belt keeps moving, and you therefore cannot just stop walking suddenly, because then you might stumble. In addition, there are a number of other reasons not to walk only indoors on a treadmill.

Disadvantages:

• Walking indoors is not very mentally stimulating. The environment does not change, which means there is little distraction. You are entirely dependent on yourself.
• Outdoors, you have the advantage of an ever-changing environment.
• When walking on a treadmill, the surface is always the same. There is little room to take a sidestep. You therefore have to watch your steps carefully.
• Outdoors, you get the chance to explore several different types of terrain. A training session is therefore more challenging and more varied.
• The treadmill is less suitable for abrupt pace changes, such as intermediate sprints.
• Walking indoors requires sufficient oxygen and ventilation, and that can be a limitation in smaller spaces.
• Walking outdoors provides natural light and fresh air. This contributes to wellbeing and overall health.