Galileo

What is the Galileo?

The principle of Galileo floor equipment is based on the natural movement of humans when walking. The Galileo therapy platform works like a seesaw with variable amplitude and frequency due to its side-alternating movement form, which stimulates a movement pattern similar to the human gait’.

The rapid rocking movement of the therapy platform causes a tilting movement of the pelvis, just like walking, but much more frequent. To compensate, the body reacts with rhythmic muscle contractions alternating between the left and right sides of the body. From a frequency of about 10 hertz, these muscle contractions are not voluntary but reflex-controlled via the so-called stretch reflex, which activates the muscles in the legs, abdomen and back all the way up into the torso.

The vibrations generated by the Galileo therapy platform can be easily changed in amplitude and frequency independent of body weight and is dependent upon the aim of the treatment, such as whether you are working to reduce muscle tone, stretch the muscle or strengthen.

At KPL we use the Galileo machine during treatment sessions for addressing spasticity, increasing muscle strength, and improving graded muscle control.  Positive effects of Galileo training have been shown to be beneficial in children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions as well as musculoskeletal injuries and sports rehabilitation.

Benefits are:

• Reduction of spasticity
• Improvement in muscle force and power
• Improved gait speed
• Higher bone mass
• Reduction in pain following musculoskeletal injury