Whole body vibration “WBV” is a way to achieve a low impact exercise workout with the benefit of vibration therapy. WBV enables you to build strength without compromising your joints. Whole body vibration automatically engages your muscle groups in your abdominals, back, legs, waist, and rear. Plus, this form of exercise may actually build bone density and muscle mass, loosen and massage sore muscles, improve circulation and help to decrease your chronic joint pain.
There are a variety of whole body vibration products on the market today. WBV systems may offer various features such as speed settings, auto programs, manual programming and varied oscillation movements. Some systems are platforms which allow you the flexibility of sitting, standing, leaning or lying down on the platform for a complete workout program. Often these WBV platforms offer power cords for you to increase your G force. When you stand on a flat surface that is not moving that equals 1 G force. However, when that surface moves the G force goes up or down based on the two forces pressing against each other. So if one force is constant (the machine) and the other changes (the weight of the person on the machine by utilizing the power cords) then the G force changes. The higher the weight of the person on the machine the greater the G force. Other systems are primarily for standing and may offer various types of oscillation; rotation, up/down motion, side to side, front to back or a combination of these movements.
Some researchers have found that short-term exposure to whole body vibration can have beneficial results. Rapid, whole-body vibration may help build bone density and muscle mass, loosen and massage sore muscles, improve circulation, and can even decrease chronic joint pain. Best of all, it's completely low impact, so you can build strength without compromising your joints. Vibration therapy employs the same technology used by European Olympic and strength athletes over the last four decades to improve big-meet performance. Research has shown that athletes have higher bone density than people who are not active. The vibration causes muscles to automatically contract in a reflex, which stimulates blood circulation and stretches both tendons and ligaments.
The benefits of WBV depend on the amplitude, frequency, magnitude (G force) and duration. They are defined as follows:
Amplitude(mm or cm)= the extent of the vertical displacement
Frequency(Hz)= number of impulses delivered per second
Magnitude(G)= the acceleration power/force of the movement
Duration (sec. or min.)= the amount of time of vibration therapy
Various reasons are given for using whole body vibration. The most common reason for beginning whole body vibration therapy include desire to:
· Reach weight loss goals
· Rehabilitation
· Improve balance
· Improve circulation
· Sports training
· Building bone density
· Enhance hormone levels
Like most things, too much of a good thing is not beneficial. Whole body vibration exercise sessions should be limited to no more than 15 minutes if you are physically fit. If you are just beginning an exercise program your vibration sessions should be limited to 10 minutes or less. In general you should perform your whole body vibration workout 2 -3 times a week as an addition to your cardiovascular workout or other general exercise program such as biking, walking or swimming. Remember to always consult your doctor to determine if whole body vibration is the right program for you based on your age and fitness levels.
