Galileo’s principles are based on the natural movement of the human gait. Galileo’s side-changing, swing-like movement of varying amplitude and frequency stimulates a sequence of movements reminiscent of human gait. The rapid movement of the training platform causes the pelvis to tilt – similar to walking, but much more frequent. The body responds with compensation: rhythmic muscle contractions, alternating between the left and right sides of the body. From a frequency of about 12 Hz, such contractions are not conscious – they are a reflex. The stretch reflex activates the muscles of the legs, abdomen and back, up to the upper body.
The number of contractions per second resulting from the stretch reflex is determined by the adjustable training frequency. For example, when a training frequency of 25 Hz is selected, 25 cycles of flexor and extensor muscle contractions take place every second. A training session of 3 minutes at 25 Hz therefore produces the same number of muscle contractions as walking 4,500 steps. The amplitude and frequency of the vibrations generated by the Galileo can be adjusted continuously, regardless of body weight.
