Anti-gravity treadmills use unweighting technology (also called body-weight support technology) to reduce the effective load a person feels while walking or running. A pressurized air chamber seals around the lower body, generating lift that can reduce perceived body weight by up to 80 percent. For example, a person weighing 100 pounds could feel as light as 20 pounds while on the treadmill.

This reduced loading allows people with conditions affecting strength, balance, or gait, including those living with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), to exercise with less impact on joints and muscles. It can also enable higher movement speeds than would otherwise be safe or comfortable, supporting cardiovascular conditioning and gait training at the same time.

For people managing CMT, which can cause progressive weakness and mobility challenges, low-impact exercise options like this technology may be a useful part of a physical therapy or rehabilitation program. Always consult a physical therapist or physician before starting any new exercise program.