There are various variations of vibration training and therapy, each offering something slightly different in terms of movement type (side-alternating or vertical), amplitude, frequency or other properties. A key mechanical difference among them lies in how they’re used: devices vary in terms of their size (side-alternating vs vertical movement), type (side alternating or vertical), amplitude or frequency settings.
Galileo Training uses side-alternating movements to stimulate the spine in an ideal, physiological manner; unlike training platforms with vertical movement, only minimal vibrations reach the head.
Strengthens Muscles
Galileo – the Side-Alternating Original – revolutionised whole body vibration training (WBV) over two decades ago. Inventor Hans Schiessl used research conducted by his sister company Stratec Medizintechnik GmbH into muscle and bone to inform his invention, with this knowledge helping create a device which strengthens muscles while increasing graded muscle control – all at far lower additional loads than traditional strength and power training methods.
Galileo therapy platform stimulates muscles and nerves through its see-saw movement. Tipping back and forth many times per second, it mimics human gait by simulating proprioceptive spinal circuits responsible for compensatory muscle contractions in legs and trunk. Furthermore, vibration frequency can be adjusted in amplitude and direction to target back muscles more precisely; stimulation of pelvic floor muscles is particularly effective as they can be activated even without conscious activation.
Galileo utilizes walking movement patterns to naturally strengthen muscles from the legs up to the torso, helping improve interplay among individual muscles and alleviating spasticity and tightness in back and abdominal muscles. Furthermore, it supports standing upright more securely and reduces risks due to weaker muscles.
At low frequencies, Galileo vibrations can help relax and relieve sore muscles – an excellent complement to traditional regeneration techniques such as massage, sauna or fatigue-relieving pools. At higher frequencies, however, Galileo vibrations can loosen and stretch tightened muscles to increase range of motion; making muscles more limber while more effectively absorbing daily movements.
Galileo therapy platform has been shown to increase strength, balance, flexibility and bone density for those living with Cerebral Palsy or other conditions. We are thrilled that Progressive Pediatric Therapy now offers this exciting neuromuscular tool as part of their rehabilitation and treatment sessions!
Reduces Spasticity
Galileo uses vibration to stimulate multiple muscles at once. One unique aspect of Galileo is that it only activates stretch reflex in muscles that already possess minimal pretension, and does not lead to tightness of those already stretched muscles. Therapists can utilize Galileo’s device for targeted muscle stimulation of various body regions.
Galileo therapy devices allow therapists to stimulate the muscles of the pelvic floor (see photo) to help reduce spasticity. Furthermore, these devices allow therapists to target upper body balance and strength by having children stand on a platform or lying in wheelbarrow positions and work towards strengthening arms, shoulders, backs and abdominals.
Galileo can also be utilized to reduce spasticity in the legs, particularly at the hips. When vibrated at high frequencies (>20 Hz), vibrations produce an effect similar to elastic recoil of tendon elastic recoil that effectively decreases spasticity by decreasing muscle tone – providing opportunities to address functional movement tasks normally impossible due to spasticity and serving as an excellent preconditioning tool for other therapy approaches.
Galileo can do more than reduce spasticity; its vibrations also help increase limb length and enhance gait speed for children with physical disabilities. An optimal length for movement, mobility and energy storage/generation are paramount – the Galileo device’s vibrations help do just this by increasing limb length while increasing flexibility which leads to improved posture and gait.
The Galileo vibration plate offers a side-alternating movement to simulate human gait and produce pelvic tilting movements, unlike training platforms with vertical up and down movements that compress spine. Amplitude of vibration can be continually adjusted based on foot position for reduced stress on joints and spine; complying with occupational safety regulations in this way.
Improves Sensory Awareness
Galileo offers vibration input that automatically activates muscles and nerves through an oscillating see-saw motion of its platform, pivoting back and forth many times per second (similar to when someone hits you with a rubber hammer). This movement stimulates proprioceptive spinal circuits which ultimately cause rhythmic muscle contractions in legs and trunk muscles; ultimately this activates the musculoskeletal system to improve balance, range of motion, coordination, and functional movements.
NAPA therapists utilize the Galileo to achieve various therapeutic goals such as balance training, mobilization and stretching of tight muscles, spasticity reduction, strength building and coordination enhancement. Its side-alternating vibration pattern mimics natural walking movements resulting in tilted pelvis tilts while its frequency range of 5-30Hz allows them to target specific muscle groups within the body.
Galileo stands out from other vibration devices by offering continuous adjustment of its amplitude plate based on foot position. This feature allows therapists to easily increase or decrease intensity of vibration for children with disabilities and special needs, and to select wobble variation feature which randomly changes frequencies of vibration to keep training time optimal.
Galileo stands apart by allowing therapists to adjust the frequency and duration of each session according to individual patient ability and tolerance, increasing its effectiveness while speeding up gains.
Over 500 scientific publications demonstrate the efficacy of whole body vibration training, commonly referred to as acceleration training, vibration training, low intensity vibration (LIV), or stochastic resonance therapy (SRT). Most of these studies were performed using Galileo equipment.
NAPA is proud to use the Galileo platform in all aspects of our physical and occupational therapy programs, such as those for children undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapies. Your child may take part in these treatments during any of their PT, OT or ST appointments.
Stretches Tight Muscles
Galileo training device uses the side-alternating principle to recreate human gait patterns. This seesaw motion causes tilting of pelvis similar to physiological movements when walking or running but more frequently; activating back muscles that wouldn’t otherwise be activated through other vibration training devices.
Galileo training’s rapid repetition rate and frequency lead to thousands of muscle contractions within a short timeframe, effectively working both small and large antagonistic muscles and improving balance, coordination, function and muscle power.
Apart from its beneficial effects, vibration therapy also promotes flexibility within muscles and tendon systems, particularly when overuse has resulted in tightened or shortened structures due to overuse or immobilization. When this occurs, vibration therapy is especially useful at restoring original mobility and flexibility of these structures.
Tight muscles and stiff joints limit our bodies’ ability to store energy temporarily for movement, forcing us to expend more effort for every movement – leading to fatigue. Furthermore, muscle-tendon units often form adhesions which increase tension on nerves and ligaments – Galileo training has proven particularly successful at preventing and treating such adhesions.
Urinary incontinence is one of the primary consequences of weak pelvic floor muscles. Weakened pelvic floor muscles may result from overstretching during pregnancy or labor, stroke damage or Menopause, but Galileo training devices trigger an autonomous reflex response which allows training even when muscles cannot be activated voluntarily.
Galileo training device’s rapid pulses stimulate blood circulation, which has beneficial results on many health-related aspects such as stabilizing blood pressure, decreasing lipids and improving perfusion and metabolism. Physical activity reduces stress while improving general wellbeing – making Galileo training an ideal treatment option for depression, high triglycerides and osteoporosis.
