Vibration therapy machines have gained increasing attention as an alternative form of workout, but are they really providing any real health benefits?
Vibration plates emit microvibrations 20-60 times per second to activate muscles, accelerate calorie burn and boost blood circulation, as well as enhance balance and flexibility.
Vibration plates require balance and stability; as such, they may not be suitable for people who suffer from balance issues or osteoporosis.
1. The Power Plate
PrecisionWave technology used in Power Plate can send vibrations up to 50 times per second through your body, stimulating more muscles, burning more calories, improving circulation and aiding muscle recovery. Backed by 22 years of research, Power Plate has been utilized by everyone from Mark Wahlberg and Serena Williams of Hollywood fame, Professional Athletes to Doctors and Formula 1 drivers alike.
Vibration plates have also been found to aid patients suffering from osteoporosis in slowing bone loss, through increasing blood flow and oxygen to their bones, thus slowing their natural decrease with age. They’ve even been known to decrease pain among postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis.
Vibrations also help minimize joint stress during exercise, making higher intensity exercises safer for older individuals or those suffering from arthritis. Furthermore, you can do these exercises from the convenience of your own home!
No matter if you’re an elite athlete looking to improve or someone just starting out, the Power Plate makes an invaluable addition to any home gym. Used by top athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide, this vibration plate has proven itself time and again as an efficient means of increasing results while training smarter rather than harder.
Power Plates can dramatically enhance overall circulation. By helping cells get the nutrients they need, Power Plates may lead to reduced inflammation and cellulite as well as stimulate collagen production – increasing skin elasticity!
Whole-body vibration has many health advantages, as well as increasing muscle strength and flexibility. According to studies, whole-body vibration may even be up to 30 times more effective at activating muscles than traditional workouts!
Vibrating machines should never replace physical activity. Before adding any new equipment to your routine, be sure to discuss this matter with both your oncology team and physical therapist so they can determine whether this type of machine is safe based on your diagnosis, treatment plan and recovery stage.
3. The Intensity Vibration Plate
Utilizing a vibration plate that vibrates your entire body can induce muscle contraction similar to exercise. Vibration plates contract and relax muscles multiple times every second, increasing caloric expenditure and calories burned each repetition. They may also help accelerate bone and muscle building through decreased training time.
Whole-body vibration plates, which shake your entire body when you stand on them, are often found at gyms and some physiotherapy clinics. Although MD Anderson’s rehabilitation services team does not recommend these fitness devices regularly due to insufficient evidence that supports their use among cancer patients, whole-body vibration plates do offer potential advantages that should not be ignored when considering cancer care treatment plans.
However, those experiencing limited mobility or discomfort due to cancer treatments might benefit from using a vibration machine to improve their balance and strength. Vibration therapy may also relieve nerve pain caused by chemotherapy treatments.
Frequency and amplitude of vibrations determine how much energy your body expends while using vibration machines, with different models producing differing results. Pivotal oscillation plates which oscillate like seesaws or teeter-totters are among the most widely used and researched vibration machines; lineal vibration plates moving straight up-and-down have also shown positive results in some studies.
Attaining optimal frequencies and amplitudes when selecting a vibration plate depends on your exercise goals – be they weight loss, bone health or strengthening muscles. Frequency settings determine how frequently the platform moves while ampltude settings determine how intensely it vibrates.
Studies show that whole-body vibration increases skin blood flow and muscle activation, and provides regular programs which improve balance for older adults.
As using a vibration plate requires balance and stability, those with poor balance or severe osteoporosis should not utilize one. If interested, seek guidance from your oncology team, physical therapist or cancer rehabilitation specialist prior to beginning. Phillips recommends starting slowly, paying attention to how your body responds and stopping activity if any pain, dizziness or unusual fatigue develop.
4. The Bodyweight Vibration Plate
Whole-body vibration plates, also known as vibrating exercise machines or vibrator platforms, feature a platform that vibrates up and down at various frequencies to stimulate muscle contraction and relaxation, leading to benefits like reduced visceral fat accumulation, enhanced balance and flexibility, stronger muscles, lower stress levels, greater energy levels, better sleep patterns and enhanced bone health.
Vibration plates can be beneficial to anyone, from seniors with limited mobility or those suffering from sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) to those suffering from sarcopenia (age-related muscle atrophy). These devices are easy to use and require less movement than traditional exercises – making vibration plates an effective low-impact alternative to other forms of exercise. In addition to muscle building effects, vibration plates also aid balance and posture improvement and strengthen muscles in arms, legs, hips, and core areas.
If you’re new to vibration therapy, experts suggest starting off slowly. Once comfortable on the machine, begin performing targeted exercises like squats or pushups; this will engage more muscles while intensifying calorie burning effects. Drink plenty of water during vibration plate use for detoxification and hydration purposes.
Although vibration therapy may seem controversial, the fact remains that it can be an effective form of exercise for weight loss and fitness. To maximize results, use your vibration plate as a supplement rather than replacing regular exercise and healthy eating patterns with your vibration plate workouts.
As an added benefit, vibration therapy may also aid with pain relief. Research shows it to improve blood circulation, joint mobility and body awareness as well as muscle recovery and even increasing bone density for those at risk for osteoporosis – making this therapy an excellent choice for back or neck pain sufferers, arthritis patients and those experiencing other chronic illnesses.
