Advantages of the Z-Lift in Body-Weight Support Therapy and Training

Additionally, it is widely recognized that an organized relationship exists between muscles and other tissues during specific motor activities. Studies (Sanders, Southwest Texas State University, 1990, Dr. Tom Thortenson et al., Norway 1976,) have shown that body tissue is sensitive to how the load is applied--not just by how much. For example, if a person wants to improve his ability to run, he should practice running--not swimming. Specific functional tasks should be incorporated into the rehabilitation (and training) process, provided that those activities do not cause pain or otherwise slow the recovery process.  One benefit of using the Z-Lift in therapy is that most protocols apply body weight support until the patient no longer feels pain during functional movement.  Another benefit is that recovery times are often reduced significantly. In clinical trials, our incremental weight-bearing equipment has demonstrated a reduction in post-ACL reconstruction recovery time by more than 40 percent.

The engineers at Z-Lift designed The Z-Lift Incremental Body-Weight Support System (the "Z-Lift" or the "Z-Lift System") to mechanically support any amount* of a person's body weight (within an optimal load zone) in precise and repeatable one-pound increments, while allowing the subject to do functional activities or exercises using a normal gait. This allows the therapist to regulate exactly how much force is exerted on the injured tissue (with force proportional to load) --thereby adjusting the rehabilitation process to the needs of the injured tissue(s) and the patient. The Z-Lift System is also unique in that it is specifically designed to accommodate the quick vertical changes of motions in running and hopping. Generally used in conjunction with a treadmill, a Z-Lift will not "tug" and "jerk" the user during rapid exercise, unlike other systems.

In addition to physical therapy, the Z-Lift System is useful in athletic training and aerobic exercise. For example, an athlete, with 20% of body-weight supported by the Z-Lift System, can run nearly 10% faster than at full weight (on a suitable treadmill).  This overspeed training conditions the coordination of muscles and nerves at faster rates than the athlete will employ when at full weight on the field.  While top speed at full body-weight is increased only slightly, the greater benefit of overspeed training is that the athlete's form will no longer break down when running "flat out".  The athlete's reflexes are sharper, allowing faster reactions, which results in better performance on the field and reduced chance of injury.  An additional benefit of using a Z-Lift for exercise is the reduced impact stress on the lower extremities.  Many athletes use the Z-Lift for training and weight maintenance because of this ("You can run all day without pounding your knees into oblivion").  Further, during aerobic training a target heart rate may be maintained for longer periods by gradually increasing the amount of body-weight support once the desired rate is first reached at full weight. In today's competitive sports environment every "extra edge" is invaluable, and that is why many pro sports and college teams are using the Z-Lift for its benefits in training as well as rehabilitation. The Z-Lift is the only machine of its type capable of smooth, tug-free, body-weight support at the rapid cycle rates created during training exercise.

In clinical trials, our incremental weight-bearing equipment has demonstrated:

• A reduction in post-ACL reconstruction recovery time by more than 40 percent.
• A relief of patient back pain in 7 visits or less.
• Successful resolution of chronic back pain resulting in discharge in 6 weeks.
• An identification of pain threshold in patients with lower back pain, a prognostic indicator for recovery.
• Successful treatment programs for degenerative joint disease (knees, hips, etc.)
• Rapid recovery from lateral ankle sprains.
• Shorter rehabilitation cycles.
• enhanced athletic performance.

*Rarely is more than 50% of a person's body weight supported. The amount of support should be determined by a qualified professional, such as a physical therapist or athletic trainer. The amount of support is gradually reduced as the patient progresses until the patient can successfully perform tasks on a daily basis without support.  Standard Z-Lifts provide up to 100 pounds of support.  Up to 200 pounds can be supported on custom-ordered units. 

Z-Lift Corporation