Here is a PDF copy of an actual wholesale order form for a “Vibrating Massager”. Look carefully at the price: 125 US Dollars per item.
I’ve shown the picture from the order form. [Read more...]
Warning to Home Users: Here’s How You Are Getting Cheated
October 14, 2007 By 163 Comments
How to Read a Research Article: Part III
August 29, 2007 By 4 Comments
This is the third part in a series about understanding research articles. See Part I here.
Method(s)
The method section of the research report should clearly explain how the study was conducted. However, for the layperson, this will be the most difficult section to read. The methods section may be divided into subsequent sub-headers, such as: participants (subjects), equipment, procedure(s), and data analysis. [Read more...]
How to Read a Research Article: Part II
August 20, 2007 By 1 Comment
This is the second part in a series about understanding research articles. See Part I here.
What is a Research Article?
A research article is one that is published by a peer-reviewed, academic journal. An academic journal is a periodical where researchers publish their work. [Read more...]
How to Read a Research Article: Part I
July 31, 2007 By 9 Comments
This is the first part of a Guide to Reading Research Articles.
Research articles can be very difficult to read. Reading research is a skill that takes quite some time to be proficient at. This is why many people will read the abstract or conclusions of a study apply them with a broad brush, which is inherently invalid.
When attempting to read and understand an article, remember to read the article as a whole. Also, the authors have written it with the audience being scholars and colleagues. Therefore, a certain level of basic knowledge is assumed. Try not to become frustrated when an article to too complicated. You will learn, in time and with much practice, to extract the important aspects of an article without getting lost in the jargon. [Read more...]
Glossary of WBV Terms
July 9, 2007 By
A new feature has been added to the site: A Whole Body Vibration Glossary of Terms (in the right sidebar).
Any additions should be added to the comments on the Glossary page.
SoloFlex: Weight Loss Claims Untrue
July 9, 2007 By 13 Comments
US independent consumer testing magazine Consumer Reports took the SoloFlex for a test drive and was not impressed.
Take a pass. There was no significant increase in calories burned when standing on the vibrating board. Most users who did more than stand said the WBV didnt enhance their workout. Some panelists said the board was too small–a few actually fell off. Some also complained of headaches, blurry vision, or back pain
How They Tested
Six people stood on the device for 5 minutes, at medium and high vibration, while a metabolic gas analyzer gauged the calories they burned (our measure of a good workout). Six other people performed three Pilates sessions on the board, two with vibration and one without. And we had three experts in the science of human movement assess the studies Soloflex cites to support its claims.
The Response From SoloFlex
Soloflex does not make weight-loss claims for our WBV Platform nor do we suggest that it replace regular exercise except for those who cannot exercise because of physical limitations. [...]
It takes weeks to see the benefits of any type of exercise program. Consumer Reports magazine should do their homework before publishing such nonsense. Supermarket tabloid reporting may be good for increasing circulation for magazines that do not accept advertising but it does not serve consumers. (source)
Reality Check
Spending 5 minutes to test a piece of fitness equipment is pathetic. It’s a bit like doing a set of dumbbell arm curls, then immediately testing for a strength increase… because there is no apparent gain the dumbbells must not work.
On the flip side – and WBV marketing literature that claims instant weight loss benefits is foolish and misleading. The same must surely be said for cardiovascular gains.
SoloFlex claims their vibrating board will “enhance Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga and all types of stretching, freebody exercises and weight training” – which is so vague as to be almost meaningless.
Increasing Bone Mass Density
April 4, 2007 By 3 Comments
Here are the findings from a recent detailed 8 month study on a pivotal machine (Gallileo 2000).
- The study found significantly positive results for Bone Mass Density increase in post menopausal women using pivotal as compared to lineal machines. (4% increase at the hip;other 8 month studies with lineal machines with variety of protocols had given no significant increment in Bone Mass Density findings of Torvinen et al, 2003).
- It also found that this Whole Body Vibration (WBV) protocol was superior than 55 minutes of walking + 5 minutes stretching 3 times a week for developing Bone Mass Density.
- It found this WBV protocol superior to walking for developing a better balance in the subjects (29% for the WBV group and Nil for the walking group).
List of Vibration Training Resources
January 24, 2007 By 7 Comments
We are putting together a comprehensive list of vendors and manufacturers of vibration training platforms.
If you have any additions, corrections, or deletions please add a comment below or contact us.
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