Rehab treadmills are a great investment for individuals who are recovering from injury or seniors who intend to keep fit. They offer a convenient option for improving cardio fitness, trimming extra calories, strengthening muscles as well as maintaining healthy body weight. Plus they are an all-time work out option since they can be used any time regardless of the weather from the comfort of the home environment. The best rehab treadmills come with the advantage of wide speed options, maximum comfort and folding frames for easy storage. They allow you to customize your own workout program and take a record of important data during the workout.
| Price | Product | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-Solid T50 Endurance Rehabilitation Treadmill | 8.9 | ||
| Exerpeutic TF2000 Recovery Treadmill | 9.2 | ||
| Exerpeutic TF1000 Rehab Treadmill | 9.1 | ||
| Exerpeutic TF900 Recovery Treadmill | 9.0 | ||
| ProGear HCXL 4000 Electric Treadmill | 9.4 |
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Here are some factors that you should bear in mind when selecting a treadmill specifically for medical or senior use:
Weight capacity
The 500 lb weight capacity treadmill is perhaps the highest. Regular treadmills range between 300 lb and 400 lb. It is recommended that the treadmill selected will be at least 50 lb more than the weight of the user.
Cushioning
Cushioning on the track comes with the comfort and safety needed by this delicate population. For the elderly, cushioning reduces impact by up to 40 % to protect their frail joints making walking exercise fun and gentle. High end walking treadmills will come with additional shock absorbers on the deck like the EXERPEUTIC TF2000.
Handrails
Treadmills have ¼-length, ½-length or full-length handrails. For seniors or users recovering from injury, full-length handrails are the most appropriate. The alternative is extra-long ½-length handrails.
Safety devices
Look out for safety features like stop cord for emergency stops, side rails by the track, and other safety measures.
Easy-to-read console
No senior wants to strain to read data on the console. For this reason, select screens with backlighting and large enough figures for easy reading. Check out that it records the data that is needed including time, distance covered, speed, and calories burned among others.
Motor
The motor is the power behind a treadmill. Most walking and medical treadmills will operate well with between 1.15 hp and 2.5 hp motor power.
Incline
Although not very necessary, an incline in a treadmill makes it easy to do intense workouts without the risk of injury. It also reduces the impact on joints.
Speed
Most treadmill workouts for seniors involve speed of not more than 8 mph. An increment of 0.1 mph is great as it will offer a wide range of speed options.
Storage and Portability
Look out for a folding frame and bottom wheels if you need a space-saving unit that is easy to transport around.
5 Best Rehab Treadmills 2023
We rounded up g treadmills that make the best fit for seniors and injured patients. Check out what makes them stand out.
#1 Body-Solid T50 Endurance Rehabilitation Treadmill
The T50 Cardio walking treadmill by Body-Solid is designed with impressive features for those recovering from injury as well as the elderly. With full-length padded handrails, an easy-to-read 2-inch LED display and large interface buttons, it happens to be the go-to walking machine for the elderly especially for those with visual challenges. Its aluminum ramp is strong, secure and wide and is lined with an 18.35 x 53-inch orthopedic walking belt. The small ramp at the rear can be removed when not needed. Its speeds adjust in increments of 0.1 mph between 0.1 mph and 5 mph. This unit operates on a 1.5 HP high torque motor and is set to a maximum weight capacity of 310 lbs. It weighs 162 lbs which is manageable for most users.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Safe removable rear entry ramp
- Full length padded handrails for safety and comfort
- Large interface buttons for easy operation
Cons
- Loud when on high speed
- A bit bulky
#2 Exerpeutic TF2000 Recovery Treadmill
The TF2000 treadmill for the elderly by Exerpeutic is a great choice for an assisted living facility or home workouts for the elderly. Because users usually need something to hold on to throughout their workout, the foam-padded 49-inch full-length handrails come in handy. They are comfortable and feel safe. The 50 x 16-inch walking belt would be rated medium size compared to others in its range yet it is still comfortable enough for any user. It comes with a speed setting ranging between 0.2 mph and 5 mph with increments of 0.1 mph to offer a wide range of speed and is powered by a 1.5 HP high torque motor with a quiet-drive feature that reduces noise. Quite uniquely, its deck is layered with 10 cushions that absorb shock and added reinforcement making it joint-friendly to senior users. Rather than the small rear entry deck found in most others, this one positioned closer to the ground making it easy to get on and off the treadmill. Finally, a backlit LCD console offers easy visibility for time, distance, calories, speed and pulse rate records. The additional feature includes two accessories holders placed on either side of the console and a safety clip and the stop button for emergency stops. The maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs which are fair enough.
Pros
- Low ramp for easy entry
- Shock absorption capability makes it friendly to joints
- Safety clip and a stop button for emergency
- Handrails extend to the back of the treadmill at waist level
- White dash on the treadmill for easy identification
- Comes with wheels for easy transportation
Cons
- Some users feel the walking belt is not wide enough
- Does not fold for easy storage
#3 Exerpeutic TF1000 Rehab Treadmill
TF1000 also by Exerpeutic is good for those looking for a wider walking belt and higher weight capacity. It is solidly built to support up to 400 lb. It comes with 1.5 HP high-torque motor that drives it to a maximum speed of 4 mph with increments of 0.1 mph. This treadmill lifts manually to two incline positions The motor has a ‘quiet drive’ feature that reduces noise especially when operating on its highest speed. It comes with a remarkably wide walking belt measuring 40 x 20 inches and for safety, it is designed with wide side rails that users can step on when they need to step off the belt for a moment. The ½-length handrails measure 18-inches in length which is considered extra-long and safe. It comes with an LCD console that takes a record of time, distance, calories, and pulse. With the heart pulse pads and speed control buttons conveniently located on the handle, it is easy to make adjustments while on the move. Finally and to the advantage of users, the TF1000 is integrated with wheels for easy transportation and folds for easy storage. This makes it the best treadmill for senior walking especially since it is designed for home use.
Pros
- Extra-wide walking belt and wide side rails
- Folding frame for easy storage
- Bottom wheels for easy transportation
- High weight capacity
- Noise-reducing feature on the motor
Cons
- Walking belt is not padded
- ½-length handrails
#4 Exerpeutic TF900 Recovery Treadmill
The TF900 is another Exerpeutic walking treadmill with remarkable features. It is a great investment for seniors intending to do their workout from home thanks to the fact that it is lightweight at just 110 lb, is designed with wheels for easy movement and folds for easy space-saving storage. It is a little lower in terms of weight capacity with 350 lb as its maximum yet still quite handy for physical therapy. A 1.5 HP motor integrated with a quiet-drive feature drives its speeds between 0.4 mph and 4 mph with increments of 0.1 mph which gives it the desired wide range. The LCD display shows records of time, distance, calories burned and speed. It comes with a wide ground-level belt measuring 36 x 16 inches along with side rails for easy stepping on and of the treadmill. With long ½-length handrails and a strong frame, this is agreeable
Pros
- Speed control conveniently positioned at the handlebar
Cons
- ½ length handlebars might not the safest for seniors
#5 ProGear HCXL 4000 Electric Treadmill
Powered by a high torque 1.5 HP motor, ProGear’s HCXL 4000 features a range of speeds between 0.4 mph and 4 mph with 0.1 mph increments and a quiet drive feature at lower speeds. It is rated 400 lb in weight capacity and comes with a 20-inch wide belt making it an excellent choice for heavy users with wide space requirements for their walks and jogs. A heart pulse feature located at the handlebar helps a user achieve their targeted heart rate for goal-oriented workouts and the LCD display will capture time, distance, burnt calories, and speed data. This unit is designed with a sturdy frame with reinforcement and 18-inch long half-length handlebars guaranteeing maximum stability, especially during vigorous workouts. On the other hand, it does incline manually to two positions for better workout achievements. Apart from the pulse monitor, the handlebars also host the speed buttons for easy speed adjustment. Finally, HCXL 4000 folds for space-saving storage and easy transportation. Thanks to its wheels and lightweight at just 120 lb, moving it around is never a hassle.
Pros
- Pulse and speed controls conveniently located at the handlebars
- Tough construction
- Wide belt and a high maximum weight capacity rating
Cons
- The display doesn’t have a backlight presenting visibility issues in low light conditions
- Seniors feel more stable with full length rather than half length handlebars
Conclusion
Compared to walking outdoor, treadmills come with immense benefits. The best treadmill for seniors and those looking forward to a fast recovery from injury come with shock absorption features and customization options making them the go-to option for seniors and those under physical therapy programs. Since treadmills are a big investment, it is important that the right decision is made during purchase.
