Whole body vibration therapy entails exercising on a vibrating platform or standing upon it while doing exercises, and has been proven to increase circulation, strengthen muscles and assist with recovery after exercise sessions. According to studies, whole body vibration therapy increases circulation while strengthening muscles. It may even support exercise recovery.
Studies indicate it may also help improve balance, gait and strength in people living with MS. A small study also found it may reduce spasticity among those suffering motor-incomplete spinal cord injury.
Reduces Pain
Vibration therapy triggers the body’s natural healing response by releasing endorphins and relieving pain. Additionally, vibration therapy increases flexibility, range of motion and posture and balance improvements which in turn reduce risk of injuries and falls. Vibration therapy is commonly employed as part of rehabilitation, wellness and prevention programs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis or back pain.
Vibrations stimulate muscle spindle endings, sending signals to the brain that instruct muscles how much to stretch and contract based on vibration amplitude and mechanical oscillation. Once received by the brain, these vibrations then calculate how to move or change positions accordingly. Vibrations also increase receptor sensitivity causing more forceful muscle contractions which strengthens them even further.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of whole-body vibration exercise on static balance and spinal curvature for people living with low back pain, as well as improving quality of life for those suffering from other musculoskeletal conditions. Yet results may vary among studies, making it hard to ascertain which form of vibration therapy modality will provide maximum effectiveness.
This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of whole-body vibration therapy versus traditional physiotherapy on postural stability and back function in patients suffering from low back pain. A total of 87 participants were randomly assigned either whole-body vibration therapy or control group, and their intervention lasted 12 weeks.
Researchers discovered that both whole-body vibration therapy and classic physiotherapy improved back pain symptoms significantly, with greater improvement seen in the treatment group than control group. Authors speculate that any differences may have been caused by age, duration of vibrations, amplitude/frequency ratio of vibrations etc.
Increases Muscle Strength
Vibration therapy helps increase muscle strength by stimulating the ends of muscles called muscle spindles. These send signals to your brain about muscle tension and stretch, giving you control of tight or relaxed muscle groups. Some health conditions and physical injuries may impede their functionality; vibration exercises can reactivate them to enhance flexibility and strength.
Whole body vibration therapy can also help enhance balance and range of motion, alleviate back pain, and alleviate joint issues such as arthritis. By activating proprioceptors – neurons within muscles and tendons which aid alignment of your body in space – whole body vibration therapy may prevent falls or injuries caused by misalignment.
Studies show that whole body vibration therapy can help build and maintain bone density, decrease fracture risk, and enhance balance. One research project demonstrated this when women performed four leg exercises three times weekly on a vibration plate for six weeks while taking L-citrulline, with subsequent reduction in arterial stiffness and blood pressure.
Studies also demonstrate the effectiveness of whole body vibration therapy in combatting sarcopenia, an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that makes everyday activities harder to complete. One 2021 study demonstrated how whole body and local vibration therapy improved muscle mass, strength and function for those living with sarcopenia when used alongside traditional exercises.
Increases Circulation
Integrating vibration therapy into a healthy lifestyle helps increase blood circulation by activating muscle spindles, prompting a chain of rapid contractions to stimulate a positive reaction in them and increase blood flow measurable increases blood flow can reduce pain caused by inflammation, injury or chronic diseases (including heart disease ).
Vibration therapy has long been used for rehabilitation and training purposes, demonstrating success in increasing bone density, muscle mass, and strength among many populations – including the elderly, children, patients with spinal cord injury and those unable to participate in conventional exercise programs due to gravity restrictions. Because WBV doesn’t rely on gravity forces to work its magic it can even be done from sitting in a chair or standing on a vibrating platform!
Frequency and amplitude of mechanical vibrations are critical in order to produce desired physical and biological effects, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues. Numerous studies have been performed in order to ascertain which frequency/amplitude combination would provide maximum beneficial results for treating various conditions, with cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems receiving special consideration.
One study that investigated vibration’s effect on human with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed that short sessions of whole-body vibration led to significantly higher peak pulmonary artery blood velocity than rest conditions alone, as well as the induction of serine endosymbionic acid N-acyltransferase 2 (SEASN2) during whole body vibration significantly increasing PBV.
Other studies have looked into the effects of localized vibration on blood flow and found it to significantly increase popliteal artery blood flow, similar to what occurs with exercise. More recently, another research group conducted on humans with vascular dementia confirmed this effect by seeing an increase in synaptic formation from Acetylcholinesterase (AchE).
Reduces Inflammation
Whole body vibration therapy (WBV) is a form of passive exercise that subjects the entire body to mechanical vibrations generated from a vibrating platform. While originally developed to increase muscle performance for athletes and those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, WBV is increasingly recognized for its positive impacts on brain health and immunity as well.
Physical activity has an inherently anti-inflammatory effect, and WBV is no exception. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at decreasing levels of inflammatory markers in blood, as well as improving muscle strength and postural stability.
Vibration therapy can also improve balance and flexibility by moving the muscles and joints to stretch and relax them. Vibrations also cause the body to stimulate its natural healing processes while simultaneously producing endorphins – naturally produced by your brain which help relieve chronic pain.
Studies conducted in 2021 demonstrated how vibration therapy significantly enhanced gait and balance for people who had suffered a stroke, reduced fatigue levels and increased bone density for those living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. But inflammation can be minimized with healthy diet and increased exercise regiments. Furthermore, weight loss can make a big difference to health – even losing just some pounds can have dramatic benefits that reduce inflammation levels in your body.
Prevents Muscle Soreness
Vibration therapy entails standing, sitting or lying on a machine with a vibrating platform that transmits energy into your body. The vibration causes muscles to contract and relax dozens of times every second, and its advocates assert it burns fat, aids muscle growth and enhances flexibility; reduces stress hormones while increasing blood flow under the skin; furthermore they claim it improves balance and gait; however extensive research remains lacking, making its benefits uncertain compared to regular exercise regimen.
One study revealed that whole body vibration therapy may help elite athletes avoid muscle soreness after exercise. Researchers discovered that whole-body vibration before exercising was effective at reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). They believe this occurs as vibration reduces inflammation and improves neuromuscular efficiency – both factors known to help decrease DOMS symptoms.
Another study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of whole-body vibration therapy in alleviating muscle soreness among those living with Multiple Sclerosis. After three months, patients who used this form of treatment reported reduced tremors and stiffness as well as improved night sleep quality. Further research needs to be completed in order to ascertain if vibration therapy can serve as an alternative or complement to traditional treatments.
Whole body vibration therapy can be extremely helpful; however, it should not be seen as a replacement for aerobic and strength training programs. Exercise remains key for weight loss, muscle development and overall wellbeing – those suffering from muscle-related conditions should consult their physician prior to beginning any type of vibration therapy therapy.
