Whole Body Vibration Exercise Technology

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) exercise is becoming more of a popular method of fitness training among the beginner exercisers, competitive and pro athletes. Not only can vibration training stress your muscles in ways that typical training cannot, but also using a vibration machine has many documented health and wellness benefits too.

As more and more companies appear in the marketplace, most giving conflicting information, it becomes difficult for the average consumer to know whose claims to believe.

Essentially, whole body vibration equipment can move in 3 directions. This is dependent upon specific manufacturers. Some manufacturers only make lineal (vertical) vibration technology while others use a combination of lineal only, pivotal (oscillating, teeter-totter) or a third type called 3D or tri-planar.

A pivotal vibration plate vibrates from a center axis in a see-saw or teeter-totter like action (called frontal plane X-axis). A vertical vibration plate vibrates straight up and down (called vertical plane Z-axis). Both machines have proven benefits, and there is very little, if any, evidence to suggest one method is better than the other. Some, but not many manufacturers have WBV machines that move in three planes by adding a front to back motion (sagital plane Y-axis)

Vertical (Lineal) Vibration Platform Z-axis

Oscillating (Pivotal) Platform X-axis

Tri-Planar (3D) Platform Y-axis

Most WBV platform types can have two variables that can be adjusted to produce different vibratory effects. The two variables of a vibration platform are,

1. Amplitude (vertical displacement) 2. Frequency (platform speed)

By adjusting either of these two variables we also change things such as, the number of times per second our muscles contract, the amount G force exerted on our body, the degree of difficulty in stabilizing, the flow of blood through our body etc. Research tells us that different frequencies will have different effects on our body. Depending on what effects you are hoping to benefit from, will determine what frequency you should use your machine at.

It is also important to understand the recommended, researched, and safe variables when using each type of vibration platform. For pivotal vibration the frequency range should be between 1 and 30Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 6.5mm (13mm maximum displacement). For vertical vibration the frequency range should be between 25 and 50Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 3mm (6mm maximum displacement).

Most research studies suggest that using a vibration platform at higher frequencies is more beneficial for increasing muscle and strength. Therefore if is this one of the benefits you are looking for, it is important your machine can produce these higher frequencies. The research also suggests that the higher range of frequencies have far more benefits than the lower frequency range.

Learn more about Whole Body Vibration exercise. Stop by Bruce Lipsky, MS’s sitewhere you can find out all about WBV’s and their health and wellness benefits.