Novotec Medical

Galileo Novotec Medical

The principle of Galileo is based on the natural movement of human walking. Because of its side alternating motion the system works like a seesaw with variable amplitude and frequency, thereby stimulating a movement pattern similar to the human gait. The rapid movement of the training platform causes a tilting movement of the pelvis, like walking, but much more frequently. As compensation the body responds with rhythmic muscle contractions, alternating between the left and right side of the body. From a frequency of ca. 12 Hz on these muscle contractions are not deliberately but under reflectory control by the so-called stretch reflex, which activates the muscles in legs, stomach and back right up into the trunk.

 The number of stretch reflexes per second is determined by the adjustable training frequency. For example, if a training frequency of 25 hertz is selected, 25 cycles of contraction in flexor and extensor muscles occur per second. A training session of 3 minutes at 25 Hz therefore causes the same number of muscle contractions as a walk distance of 4,500 steps. The vibrations generated by Galileo can be continuously varied in amplitude and frequency independent of body weight.

Frequency and amplitude

 The frequency in Hertz (= cycles per second) is set on the device and always chosen according to the training objective. Thus, low frequencies are used for mobilization, medium to train the muscle function and high frequencies to increase muscle performance.

 The amplitude, i.e. the deflection of the training platform upwards or downwards, is determined by the foot position. The farther the foot position, the more demanding is the training.

Simulation of human gait

Unlike other training platforms with a vertical up and down movement, the tilting movement of Galileo training simulates human gait in a physiological way. Only by this side alternating movement during Galileo training the spine is stimulated by a slight lateral tilt of the pelvis. On training platforms with a vertical up and down movement, however, it is continually compressed. Because of this physiological stimulation of the spine by the side alternating function of Galileo, the back and abdominal muscles are trained. On training platforms with a vertical up and down movement - not side alternating- this is possible to a very limited extent only.

Any human attempts to keep the head in a quiet and upright position as the balance and visual system function optimally only at a state of rest. Due to the design of the machine, no significant vibrations are transferred to the head during Galileo training, because the training platform only simulates the human gait, and the body thereby is able to maintain a stable upper body and head.

 Since during the Galileo training similar stimulus patterns are used as walking, in addition to the basic muscle functions itself, the interaction between different muscle groups – thus their coordination - is trained perfectly which causes an increase in muscle power. Especially in elderly muscle power is the relevant factor to prevent falls that can cause hip and femoral fractures. Due to its low burden for the cardiovascular system Galileo training is ideal for elderly.

Basically during the Galileo training always the entire chain of muscles of the legs is trained all the way up into the trunk. Training focuses on individual muscle groups can easily be achieved just by variation of body posture and body stiffness.