During the initial phase of training with Galileo it is especially important that the user is engaged and questioned regularly (e.g. after each training session within the initial two weeks) concerning physical sensations and subjective training progress. This feedback is a key element for successful adaptation of the exercise plan and to avoid the side effects listed below.
- Nausea and dizziness due to swift, temporary drop in blood pressure
- Quick drop in blood sugar level in diabetics due to high muscular activity
- Itching in trained body parts (esp. lower legs) due to high muscular activity
- Skin lesions or blisters on contact surface (proper training instructions!)
The side effects nausea, dizziness, temporary drop in blood pressure or itching are usually harmless and are a sign of too high an intensity of exercise or excessive exercise, especially in untrained subjects. Side effects usually disappear after the first few training sessions when the subjects are familiar with the Galileo system and its effects. Note that a high intensity can easily be avoided by appropriate foot position (low amplitude) and adjustment of training time session by session. Due to the increased blood circulation during Galileo training a temporary drop in blood pressure may occur in sensitive trainees such as elderly and hypotonic (low blood pressure) subjects. In these cases the supervisor should pay attention to any signs of dizziness in order to prevent falling in the early stages of exercise.
For better preparation to the blood volume shift during Galileo Training the trainees may warm up on a bicycle or rowing ergometer prior to Galileo Training. This is especially important for chronically hypotonic and geriatric subjects.
Diabetics may respond with hypoglycemia due to intense muscle exercise especially during or, shortly after intense training sessions. A lways be prepared with glucose.
Skin lesions such as blisters on the platform contact surface can easily be avoided by wearing dry, clean socks or gymnastic shoes with thin soles. Avoid wearing overly cushioned shoes as thick soles may reduce the training effect and sturdy soles may damage the training platform’s surface cover.