AQUA INCLINE TREADMILL
Aqua Incline Treadmills are another use of the natural properties of water to create a low-impact controlled workout, while increasing cardiovascular activity and muscle strength of injured or post-operative recovery horses. Aqua Treadmills are also utilized for more traditional workouts and accelerated conditioning.
Water provides natural resistance for fitness and the buoyancy of the water reduces the horse's body weight so there is less strain on the supporting structures of the legs—bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The buoyancy of the water displaces approximately 40% to 60% of the body weight – while contact with the treadmill and thrust of working against the water still affords sufficient concussion to promote bone density and encourage muscle development, while minimizing injury. This buoyancy enables the rehabilitation of the horse to be several times quicker and more beneficial than having to be ridden slowly or reintroduced to full weight bearing and impact, while in a safe controlled and monitored environment.
Aqua Treadmills are useful for treating injuries such as bowed tendons, pulled suspensory ligaments, bucked shins, and saucer fractures, quarter cracks or foot problems. Horses with relatively minor injuries like bruised soles, for example, can continue to exercise without losing valuable training time. Horses recovering from more serious injuries, which require more time and attention, can be gradually and safely exercised using the Aqua Treadmill, eventually returning them to a healthy and fit condition, to enable them to resume their normal training program.
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