The Ins and Outs of Whole Body Vibration - PromolifeNews

Whole Body Vibration is growing in popularity, but what is it, and can it actually help you?  We'll tell you about the history, the function and how Whole Body Vibration works with the human body.
 

The history behind Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Whole Body Vibration has been in use for a long time, possibly as far back as ancient Greece. In the late 1800s, John Kellogg used vibrating platforms, bars and chairs as a wellness strategy in his sanitarium. An East German doctor studied the effects of cyclic oscillations in the 1960s.

Around the same time, a Russian scientist named Nazarov observed that athletes using vibration had a substantial increase in strength and flexibility.

The Russian, European and American space programs have been experimenting with vibration systems on cosmonauts and astronauts to counter the bone loss and muscle atrophy that occurs from the lack of gravity on space missions. Cosmonauts using WBV were able to stay in space for 420 days, as opposed to those who did not use WBV, who could stay only 120 days.
 

What is WBV?

In Whole Body Vibration, a user stands or uses specific poses on a vibrating platform. Vibrations travel through the body, causing subconscious muscle contractions.

There are two main types of systems: pivotal/oscillating and linear. Pivotal systems have higher amplitudes of oscillation and lower frequencies, while linear systems have lower amplitudes and higher frequencies. Linear machines are popular with football and basketball teams while pivotal machines are more popular in general and inhabit more studies on WBV.
 

What will it do?

Recent studies show that WBC training boosted mineral density in postmenopausal women, improved balance in elderly women, and improved muscle strength in elderly adults and women with osteoarthritis in the knee.

Short term, WBV improves circulation, causing the muscles to contract and relax and act as a pump to the vessels and lymphatic system. Two studies showed a beneficial widening of blood vessels.

NASA studies show that astronauts prevent bone loss if they stand on a vibrating plate for 10 to 20 minutes a day.

A small study at Holos University followed a group of people who used a vibration machine for three weeks, a total of nine sessions of two to three and a half minutes each. The participants reported a 53% reduction in previous symptoms after the study, including high blood pressure, depression, low oxygen, pain, headaches and sleeplessness.

Whole Body Vibration machines show benefits for those who cannot exercise well on their own, including patients with emphysema, osteoporosis and arthritis. According to the Ventura Center for Healing, MS and ALS patients who cannot train due to loss of muscle control felt better, had more energy and experienced less pain while using vibration therapy.

Other reported results include increased human growth hormone, increased collagen production, increased basal metabolic rate, reduced joint pain, decreased blood pressure, elevated serotonin and neutrophine levels, decreased recovery time, increased flexibility, better balance and coordination and toned and tightened skin.

It’s been shown that WBV can have many benefits, especially for those who cannot undertake intense exercise routines. Of course like any method of exercise, it is recommended that you check with your physician about what type of exercise is best for you. No exercise method will work properly if it is accompanied by poor diet and lack of sufficient water intake.
 

What are some good WBV devices?

Some of the most popular machines we’ve seen are the VibraTrims. Two models have a powerful 1.5 horsepower motor, while the other has a two horsepower motor.

 The VT202 is the most portable unit with no assembly required and a suitcase style extendable handle and wheels. It comes with a remote control, display panel for speed and time, three built in and one manual program and has a weight capacity of 285 pounds.

The VT100 has handles and is better for those who need assistance. The sturdy arms help people who are trying to improve balance and agility. It comes with a time and speed display, dual steel frame, wheels for easy movement, overload current protection and has a weight capacity of 330 pounds.

 The VT400 is suitable for any level of user and has three types of movement: orbital, oscillating and vibra-oscillating. It is the most advanced VibraTrim with a two horsepower motor, heart rate monitor, 360 speed combinations and resistance bands. It has three preset programs and one manual and you can define up to six programs of your own that can be saved and changed via the USB flash drive program. With this machine you have the most control over your workouts. Weight capacity for the VT400 is 331 pounds.
 

Who should not use WBV?

You should definitely consult a physician if you have a serious cardiovascular problem, pacemaker, recent surgeries, hip, knee and shoulder implants, recent infections, tumors, metal plates, herniated discs, epilepsy, severe diabetes or if you’re pregnant.

If you have any questions about Whole Body Vibration Therapy, you can vist our WBV pages, call us at 888-742-3404, or contact us by mail or email.

Sources:
NASA – http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast02nov_1/
Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-body-vibration/AN01598
Ventura Center – http://www.venturacenter.com/whole_body_vibration.htm
Whole Body Vibration – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole-body_vibration

By Christy Lindsay-Promolife