Whole vibration therapy is a physical technique involving standing or lying on equipment that vibrates, to improve muscle strength, coordination and balance while decreasing back pain and helping control blood sugar levels.
WBV can also improve cognition. Unfortunately, however, its effects seem to wear off rapidly.
Benefits
If you’re concerned about osteoporosis or simply want to strengthen your bones, whole body vibration therapy could be the perfect solution. By stimulating bone remodeling and increasing density, as well as helping prevent fractures, this therapy requires no special equipment and is easy to use – ideal if calcium supplements, weight training and consuming more leafy greens have not had the desired impact on improving bone density or decreasing risk for osteoporosis aren’t working!
Studies have demonstrated the many advantages of whole body vibration for increasing muscle strength and power, improving balance and coordination, reducing body fat, contracting muscles more efficiently for burning calories while stimulating bone-producing cells (osteoblasts). It’s an ideal form of exercise for those who find exercising difficult. This type of workout is great for people who can’t or prefer not to work out!
Vibration therapy is used by professional athletes, physical therapists, trainers and rehabilitation clinics alike. Rehabilitation facilities also utilize vibration therapy treatments as do military units undergoing training exercises; NASA is currently researching whether vibration therapy could help astronauts maintain bone density in space.
Scientists still aren’t exactly sure why whole body vibration therapy can have these positive effects, but one theory holds that vibrations activate reflexes similar to when muscles contract during exercise, leading to greater caloric burn and weight loss in muscles and the body as a whole.
Whole body vibration therapy not only strengthens muscles and burns calories, but it can also reduce back pain. Poor posture and extended sitting have created an epidemic of low back pain among most adults; whole body vibration therapy helps stimulate muscle contractions while improving spinal alignment for maximum effect.
Whole body vibration has many other benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving joint flexibility and decreasing depression and anxiety. Vibration therapy may also raise osteocalcin levels which is essential to bone health; osteocalcin is produced by osteoblasts to form strong bones. Furthermore, vibration therapy may increase muscle function while simultaneously decreasing tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Safety
Whole vibration therapy (WBVT) entails standing or performing exercises on a vibrating platform with oscillations that change in frequency and amplitude, stimulating muscles to contract and relax reflexively. Research has demonstrated its benefits in improving muscle strength, power, endurance, pain reduction, injury recovery and bone density improvements as well as helping with sarcopenia treatment. Unlike other vibration devices which produce one-directional vibrations only, WBVT provides full body vibrations which can be adjusted according to each patient’s individual requirements – unlike other devices which produce only one direction of vibrations.
Studies have concluded that whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) is generally safe for patients suffering from various health conditions. Unfortunately, trial results vary and some may experience side effects; it’s therefore wise to consult your physician prior to beginning an WBV program and gradually increase duration and frequency over time to reduce adverse side effects.
Whole body vibration therapy poses the primary risk of bone loss due to its slow rate of bone formation compared to muscle growth. By age 30-40, bone loss may outstrip replacement by as much as one third. Thankfully, scientists have developed an innovative therapy which stimulates bone growth and can reverse osteoporosis effects for many patients by having them stand or sit on a large vibrating plate for 10-20 minutes daily – this therapy could even reverse effects caused by osteoporosis in some instances!
Vibration plates produce mechanical stimulation to alter muscle-tendon complexes and lead to faster contractions of muscles, leading to greater strength and larger muscles mass gains, improved cardiovascular health, and anti-vascular ageing benefits.
Studies on whole-body vibration safety are still limited, but some early evidence has demonstrated its safety for intensive care unit patients. Such intensive care unit patients typically remain hospitalized for months at a time and cannot access traditional forms of active rehabilitation through gym memberships or home therapy sessions. One group used only whole-body vibration while the other used whole-body vibration plus dumbbell training; both treatments were found to be safe for ICU patients.
Precautions
Whole vibration therapy is a non-impact exercise technique that involves standing or sitting on a vibrating platform, producing vibrations which stimulate muscles to contract and relax in harmony with them. Therapists or users can adjust frequency and amplitude settings accordingly; additionally, vibrations may be directed upward or downward in order to target specific areas such as back and neck muscles.
Vibration therapy has proven its effectiveness for osteoporosis by decreasing inflammation and improving blood circulation. They may also improve flexibility and lower stress levels; when used alongside aerobics or weight training exercises. Unfortunately, vibration plates cannot replace healthy eating or regular physical activity; using one may result in physical discomforts such as dizziness and nausea.
Vibration therapy can also be utilized in rehabilitation programs to assist patients in recovering from injuries and surgeries. Vibrations can promote circulation while stimulating the body’s natural healing processes; additionally they may increase bone density while simultaneously alleviating pain.
Some patients can be more sensitive to vibrations than others. To use vibration therapy safely and in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, and consult your physician prior to using it. However, vibratory therapy is not advised for pregnant women, those suffering from chronic cardiovascular or vascular disease, or epilepsy.
Vibration plates can be potentially harmful if used improperly, which means ensuring both feet are shoulder width apart when standing up and not leaning forward or backward. Extended periods of standing could cause back pain or injuries; furthermore, exercises involving knees or elbows should also be avoided to protect their users.
As well as taking these precautions, it is also important to be aware that there is much debate as to the efficacy of vibration therapy. While some studies have demonstrated its potential, more research needs to be conducted in order to make these results reproducible and account for factors like type of platform used, duration spent using it and methods employed when measuring bone density.
Cost
Whole vibration therapy is less costly and easier to access than other forms of exercise, requiring no special equipment or trainer for home-use. While not meant to replace traditional exercises, whole vibration therapy should instead be utilized alongside them for maximum results.
Vibration training, also referred to as vibration therapy, biomechanical stimulation and mechanostimulation as well as pivotal oscillating or premium speed lineal vibration, is a low frequency mechanical vibration.
Vibration therapy causes muscle spindles to fire and contract your muscles, producing physiological effects similar to exercise. Furthermore, vibration stimulates bone-building cells to prevent osteoporosis-related bone density loss and strength loss – helping lower fracture risk in hips and spines in particular.
