I keep seeing these specialized treadmills on TikTok that have bubbles on them. And its supposed to make you lighter by increasing the air pressure inside the bubble. And its being used for people that have mobility problems. But I’m so confused how increasing air pressure makes you lighter
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You put your lower body into an air chamber, though a gasket around your hips/groin. The higher the pressure in the chamber the more of your weight is supported by the air chamber.
It’s basically like being gently lifted by a super controlled air cushion. The increased air pressure inside the bubble creates an upward force (kind of like buoyancy in water) that counteracts some of your body weight. So instead of your legs bearing your full weight, the air is helping to support you, making movement easier, great for rehab or mobility issues. It’s not making you lighter, but it’s reducing the load your body has to carry.
When you are in something much denser like water you will be lighter because the medium is holding you up.
But even with crazy air pressure in things like diving bells the effect in air is tiny, so the pressure you get in a bubble the effect will be basically zero and the entire thing is a scam.