Pivotal and Lineal Machines
Note: I would like to point out these two systems should never be in competition with each other. It is purely a marketing war to do so - not a science driven argument.
Lineal Design
Predator versus prey
To understand this theory look at yourself in the mirror. Front and side on. Ask yourself a couple of questions.
Yes they may appear unrelated at first but bear with me, I will explain.
(a) Where are my eyes situated ?
(b) Where is my muscle mass on my body ?
You will of course find your eyes situated at the front of your skull. This will tell you we have binocular vision - we have depth perception (we can tell how far away something is). This allows us to project an attack at an object with very good accuracy, suggesting we have evolved as a PREDATOR species.
This is very different than some animals like horses that can not. This is why they will jump over a puddle only an inch deep. They are not nervous about water, they just can not tell how deep the puddle is. They are PREY animals where peripheral vision comes in very handy when something is trying to catch you from behind and eat you. Unlike grass that does not run away.
Eyes front of the head: PREDATOR
Eyes side of the head: PREY
So our body is a well developed for seeing an object; judging its distance; running towards and catching it with enough force to kill it. This would also come in handy if we had to “fight” for our lives. Which is why we automatically turn to face an attacker if surprised.
Running quickly at something by definition also gives us the ability to run away from something. That’s where the “flight” part comes in.
A Quick Experiment
Get someone to push you from the front while you push back. Then get them to push you from the side while you try to again push back. You will notice the marked difference in the amount of energy it takes to push you around. From the front you have good all round ability to not only balance but also fight back. As opposed to the side where all your energy will be used just to keep balance.
This clearly shows us that the human body is well developed to absorb and produce large amounts of Lineal pressure. But a much lower degree of Pivotal can be handled. When in contact with a Vibration Platform the body not only gets pushed - but it also pushes back. So a direct powerful response will always be favoured for a “workout ” type movement. As these larger muscles use up far more calories than any other exercise program in an involuntary reflex due to their sheer size and cell mass.
Muscle Placement
The actual placement and size of muscles on our body also backs up this equation. As our muscles are placed in a Lineal fashion. Take the legs for example. The Quad and Hamstring (our “drive” muscles) are much larger by far than our Adductor muscles. We can never run sideways as fast or as powerfully as we can forwards.
The moment we vary from the Lineal path before us we exponentially lose power.
Pivotal Design
The above theory in no way though displaces the importance on Pivotal movement - as this is the primary rebalancing response and without this our Lineal design would have a major flaw - quite simply we would keep falling over.
Our support muscles must be kept in balance with our “drive” muscles or injury would be inevitable. As every time you tried to turn you would fall sideways. In fact all the smaller groups of muscles that make up our rebalancing responses are also responsible for holding our body together.
This is very apparent when athletes are clearly strong but a minor injury brings them down.
This type of weakness can also be responsible for such things as incontinence or the more serious fall of an older person cased by pelvic instability - which in some cases can lead to an early death due to blood clots in bone fractures.
The sideways action of a Pivotal machine is the most effective way of targeting these weak points in our design - but in my opinion would mainly fall into the “Therapy” mindset and should be treated with even more caution than Lineal programs. As correct positioning of a new client is much harder to judge on a Pivotal unit.
Conclusion
Both systems are valid but should be used for different purposes - not in competition with each other. The only reason I personally favour Lineal for use with the public at the moment is it’s ease of use. In fact the first machine I ever made was Pivotal - and I will be releasing one in the near future. I picture all good Studios, Gyms and Physio’s will have both types of machines and will also hopefully have the appropriate programs attached.
154 Comments
Worthless awards , unethical organisers who gladly deal with the lowest section of our industry.
F.I.B.O. is a joke.
And I am not the only one who has been watching. A Sports Expo in the U.S. ( 2008 ) will have strict guidelines that exhibitors must comply with before entering. I have been asked to help. At present my closest guess is their are only about 4 companies that would get through.
They have learnt from the Europeans mistakes. And as a result I believe the industry there has a better chance of being taken seriously.
- Jason
March 22nd, 2007Hallo Lloyd
What is your opinion abour FitVibe Excel Pro ?
Is it comparable and as good as Hypergravity and Bodyshaker ?
Do you know if it is Plastic made ?
Do you know if it can take additional handlebars ?
And finally which European lineal machine you think is more powerful and best to buy (except your machines, if i could i would grab one) . I want your personal thoughts because i trust them .
Do you know if the Bodyshaker can take additional handlebars ?
King Regards
- Jason
March 22nd, 2007And also Lloyd
what do you mean when you say
“Also alot of the new European all-steel units dont measure up.”
The only machine I know of other than ours , with vibrating handle bards is Hypergravity. They are a recent add-on. Not a design feature though.
The Fit-Vibe is plastic but they spent time trying to fix Power-Plates problems.
The comment on some newer steel European versions was to caution people to the fact , that just because its steel doesnt automatically make it a safe purchase. Other factors still remain.
Important Notice…..
I will no longer be mentioning specific brands if asked about ” Good or Bad machines .Reason…..
I now have a folder of 118 different models. With a new one being released each week. Also some companies are deliberatly changing names every couple of months to counter the effects of “negative branding”.Also some brands are making deals with sub-standard manufacturors and marketers. So even a good unit could become bad overnight.
I believe it is in the publics best interests to now only concentrate on questions and comments regarding
(a) Quality ( what to look for )
(b) Safety
(c) Ethics
(d) New Developments
(e) Theory- Jason
March 24th, 2007Hallo Lloyd
At a good Lineal machine which frequency range you think is correct for training ?
The 50 and 60 Hz can be used for training ? 43Hz is best for an all round workout setting.
50-60hz is for massage,
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/03/10-whole-body-vibration-training-guidelines
- Jason
March 25th, 2007Thnaks Lloyd.
And If someone plateau at 43 Hz can raise the frequency at 44 Hz ?
Depending on the model. On a wotkout unit dropping it DOWN a settings is an advancement.
- Di
March 25th, 2007Apart from a demo model in an “As seen on TV” store (cheap home machine) I have not used a Pivotal Machine. Can someone please answer a few questions for me?
1. I have read reports and even talked to people who say they got a headache or balance problems lasting for up to a week after using a pivotal machine. Is this a common problem or does it just happen to some people or some people using some machines?
2. What does using a pivotal machine do that using a balance board/wobble board, a core training board (bigger heavier adjustable type of balance board) or a rebounder cannot do? Does a pivotal machine have faster or better (quantitative) results?
3. Is the main usage of pivotal machines for rebalancing, healing injuries?
- Di
March 25th, 2007Pivotal and Lineal..
Is one type more suitable for a user wanting to maintain or retrain proprioception? Obviously the see-saw effect of a pivotal platform might help but the holding of a static pose on a lineal machine seems, to me, to require that the User keep perfect balance, so is that also a means of improving proprioception?
oh, one more question please. I saw a pivotal machine (Vibra-fit) for sale and the seller blurb said: Auto timer-10mins. Most people stay on it for the 10 mins changing their position to focus the exercise of various muscle groups…
Is this the usual practise for pivotal machines, to be shaking while moving position on the machine? Maybe this makes people feel dizzy (see my previous question) - Jason
March 25th, 2007Exceuse me but didnt understand what you mean .
At a workout model if lower the frequency then you can have more powerful workout ?
If raise the amplitude can overcome the plateau ?
Is the 5mm amplitude safe ?
Thanks again
- Jason
March 25th, 2007@Lloyd
Di…..
Yes , Pivotal units will put your rebalancing ( muscles and linked inner ear ) systems to the test. Which could show up problems in quite a drastic way .Jason….
My advice would be this on your particular unit. ( this will not apply to all machines )
48hz / 3mm working your way towards
40Hz / 5mm in a split progresion.The main problem most people will have with running their own programs is jumping to the end , without paying their dues.
The middle zones are equally as important. Truely earning the right to progress takes more discipline than most people have.
- Kris
March 26th, 2007I don’t know if I’m asking for the world here, Lloyd, but after reading this from you:
“The main problem most people will have with running their own programs is jumping to the end , without paying their dues.
The middle zones are equally as important. Truely earning the right to progress takes more discipline than most people have.”
… is there a possibility of a chart for - beginners with only home models and no other help or instruction - that would list progressive settings for them to use along with the must complimentary expectations of where the user should be BEFORE advancing to next stage on the chart? That would be soooo useful for guidance.
Thanks.
Sorry , cannot be done. Models too diverse in range .
The best I can do is give you the ” tools ” ( thought process ) to make a good decision on the purchase of a unit and an attached program. Which I have tried very hard to do.
Note:
The aim of this site is not to promote any particular type of machine. And past articals should cover most topics .
If for some reason the articals cannot be read and understood, then a visit to a studio will be needed.
To Di,
I think it could be common that users might get motion sickness with those cheap Asian pivotal devices. My own experience with a decent pivotal device, it would not cause motion sickness.
Personally I think the biggest advantages of pivotal vibration is to train balance and proprioception. However, as you said, we could achieve it with wobble or balance boards. The latest computerized balance boards come with interesting video games such as car racing, user can adjust difficulty levels like frequency of right or left turns …. Such a computerized balance board system costs between USD800.00 to USD2,800.00. Even the most sophiscated one is just 1/5 of a high quality pivotal device’s price. For me, if balance & proprioceptive training is the only goal, I would take a computerized balance board. I know Lloyd does not agree this but this would be my personal choice unless there is a study to indicate a vibration training with a pivotal device is significantly more effective than training with computerized balance board in improving balance & proprioception.
“Auto-Timer 10 min. / Changing positions when the pivotal vibration is on”. I would find this unsafe. It may cause fall accident or it may strain some muscles while changing positions.
To Kris,
As Lloyd said, it is not easy to create an universal self-helping vibration training guide. For machines, it can be quite different from one to another. Even for endusers, everyone has different physical condition. One beginner may have weaker AB muscle; another beginner may have weaker obligues. One position could be easy for Beginner A but too difficult for Beginner B.
Some manufacturers try to enter home market by providing illustrated guide or on-screen computerized program. However, my suggestion, is to explore vibration training under supervision by a qualified instructor. When you are confident of manipulating the factors like Frequency, Amplitude and placing right positions, then you can consider to buy a vibration device home.
TC
- Di
March 27th, 2007TC
Thanks for your reply. Just to explain. My questions are just out of interest, not necessarily for myself or anyone else. I have used a lineal machine and at first I investigated WBV just to be sure it was a safe and effective method of excercise/training / therapy. Now I have developed further interest in learning about WBV and I might use what I learn as part of a report/training plan that I must write as a student (older student actually). It’s a fairly low level paper, nothing you’ll see in print.
So my questions have no bias except that I have only used a lineal machine. I do have an ongoing interest in community health and excercise programs and I’ve been concerned to see some recommendations like the one I quoted: set machine to 10mins and change position while machine is on (on an online auction for a highly priced machine).
I’m still getting my head around the relationship of frequency to amplitude, even though I do understand what these terms mean, and how they affect the user experience.
I’ve never seen one of the computerized balance boards you mention. They sound like an expensive toy *smiles* I have a Rebok Core Training Board which is adjustable in how much it pivots but is only a basic tool for balance and step excercise, with or without stretch bands and weights.
———–Personally I have improved core balance from using a lineal machine (shown by much decreased pain in glutes on left side and no pain radiating down leg now. This was caused by a fall over a year ago and previously treated by pt) and I think increased fitness or at least keeping my fitness as I have not done much other training lately.
I hope my questions will be useful to others wanting to learn about WBV.
- Kris
March 27th, 2007I recently spoke to a WAVE rep about their brand new personal model (which is large and could be used professionally too I believe). Since the platform comes separate, even though it is large, it can be taken through regular door widths in a home which the larger Hypergravity cannot. Unfortunately it does not have the side handle bars as Hypergravity has recently offered and which Lloyd has said that his models have. I was told that frequencies of the WAVET are calibrated according to the weight of the user. I don’t know whether that means you still put in a setting, the setting stays the same and vibration push adjusts to weight of person or some other operation. Anyone? Any other models doing the same yet? They also offer a set up by deliverer for added fee.
- elis
April 9th, 2007First of all I would like to thank you all and especially Lloyd for your work and efforts in this area of training.
I would like to ask if lineal and pivotal machines can be combined in one wbv training session or generally in a wbv training program. Elis,
If a studio provides both lineal and pivotal devices, of course you can combine them in your training. Pivotal for balance and proprioceptive training and lineal for strengthening and stretching.
However, you can achieve all goals with just one good lineal device.
TC
” No exercise is an island ” and the same could be said that ” No machine is an island ”
Mixing up units if available would be good. But make sure that safety does not become an issue by getting confused between programs and purposes.
- Netta Glover
May 11th, 2007Can anyone help me find the article which explained that some types of vibrating machines are harmful because they work like a jack hammer so if you use that type of machine you will get the sort of injury you get from using a jack hammer.
Thanks I have not seen an article of that type myself . But it was probably referring to overuse of large uncontrolled vibrations. All sorts of problems could follow that kind of training.
- KG
May 14th, 2007Loyd,
There is a lot of noise on the web- that compare wbv training with vibrational damage caused over extended periods of time with industrial type equipne i.e. jackhammers, sanders, saws, etc.I am not sure if the writers of these comparisons are disingenuous or just lazy in those comparisons.
They look at dangerous hz levels and extrapolate those to wbv paying no attention to the controlled nature of wbv or the extremely limited amount of time one is exposed. In conclusion…for all you water drinkers out there….drinking too much can lead to sickness and even death. Ditto for eating too many sweets. The nay sayers assertions are similarly ridiculous.
KG….
I believe some of their warning are disingenuous/lazy wolf crying.But others like myself are really concerned at the ” no limits to your workout time ” mentality of some retailers.
I have evidence that this has already comprimised the health of some customers.
- KG
May 14th, 2007I don’t understand the advocates of everyday training.
Your body needs to be worked…and then rested to rejuvenate and recover.Maybe its that the market is polluted by too many low quality devices out there that offer such a weak workout, it fools folks into thinking they can go everyday.
For the life of me, if you do a complete thorough workout(i’ve been doing the one you’ve posted) on a reputable machine…the last thing i would want to do is go near that thing on my day off!
I know Powerplate says you can go everyday once you have worked up a tolerence. After using the PP I understand why someone would think that. That still does not mean it’s good to do. Maybe when the VTA gets up and going it will help clear the fog around this issue.
- Nalin
May 15th, 2007Hi, Lloyd — I really appreciate your taking so much interest in promoting safe WBV usage and would like to share my experience with WBV. I’ve been working with a Turbosonic Pro WBV machine and weight training and swimming for cardio.
Before the weights I do a few minutes of WBV at 50 Hz, then weights for about an hour, and WBV at 40 Hz in about 6 of the positions as recommended by you for a total of about 10 minutes.
I found that I could lift about 10%-15% more weights after the warmup WBV than without it and felt very energized for a day and half after that session. Interestingly, on the second days (48 hours) after the workouts I got the muscle burn and find it easier and more beneficial to workout after 3 days (72 hours) rather than 2 days.
Of course, I am not an athlete but use WBV + weights for general fitness, but I wonder whether with a combination of WBV + weights this is a natural response. My usual experience with weight training is that the muscle burn comes the day following exercise (24 hrs later), while with WBV it is happening 48 hours later.
Lloyd, I see that you mentioned you exercise with a gap of 72 hours–am I correct in surmising that the muscle development is fully activated with this time gap and this 72 hour gap is the most efficient? Would appreciate your comments–thanks!
Yes I keep a gap of 72 hrs to allow for complete repair and growth, as I tend to lean-up and loss about 3 kg of mass quickly following a 42hr program.
- Nalin
May 15th, 2007What would happen where the weight training is lighter but the gap was 48 hours–would there still be loss of mass or is this individual?
It is individual. I have had a kick-boxer I trained that put on mass doing the program every second day. But he was 110kg to start with. With a huge hormonal response to this training.
- Nalin
May 16th, 2007This is a very important point, do you think that the post-exercise burn and stiffness is any kind of indicator for the time gap between exercise sessions? I think it might be an indicator if someone is exercising at near their individual limit, whereas for others the one day gap workout and results over time could be a guide.
New Article….
How and why do we move?
It was recently posed to me by a researcher on this site that there is no such thing as a voluntary or involuntary reflex. Which came as a complete shock to me considering I design machines based on these basic principles. So I figured I had better explain myself and the theories surrounding this issue. As it goes straight to the heart of what I am trying to do.
“Which is to replicate what we have lost”.
When did it start…
My story starts with everything before 1.8 million years ago , as we had been in development for some 3 million years before this, but mainly looks at “Australopithecus Boisei” . He walked on all fours and sometimes walked upright , the importance of that coming later. But had a few things missing besides the brain cells. NO TOOLS .
The reason I have focused on this time frame was because this was the last time man lived in a full “fight or flight” animal response environment. That meant everything had to be caught and killed by hand with about the largest pray being a goat. Anything larger than that and the amount of energy gained from eating the pray was not as much as what was being expelled to catch it, this long term would cause a calorie deficit and eventual starvation, not to mention the risk that comes with having a fight with a larger animal , not only could you get injured but losing the fight would mean a huge energy loss with no gain . We also supplimented our diet with fruit and foliage as often as we could.
Note: The smaller pray we could catch did not migrate with again the importance of this coming later.
Most exertion or exercise was in direct response to our environment ( involuntary ) which mainly involved short distance high energy movements ie.. running away from something or running towards it , so we primarily ran on Anaerobic movements very similar to sprinting but minus the thought processes it takes to concentrate .
Note: We did not travel large distances and did not need extended cardio fitness for any reason , we lived local and died local. Very similar to our primate cousins today.
Our calorie output was very well balanced with our calorie input which kept us lean and strong.
When did it do wrong…
Next we move forward to Homo Habilis about 1 million years ago , this name actually means “handy man,” and it was the first time tools were used by man. We firsty used these tools to kill ( later to change our habitat ) . Now this changed everything , for the first time not only could we kill larger prey but also expend less energy doing it, being the first time under-stimulation and over-nutrition became possable.
This also brought another set of problems , our favourate new large pray liked to move around alot with some migrations being 1,800 mile journeys. So we had to learn to follow them around ( long stretches of voluntary movement ) making us more aware of our cardio function. Our ability to walk upright was promoted and was in fact an advantage as it allowed us to move further distances with less energy.
So as time went by the importance of our voluntary reflexs went up , and with the invention of better technology thanks to those handy tools , including domestication of animals and agriculture , making us jointly feel safe but also the most lazy preditors around ( think grocery shopping ), our involuntary systems go unstimulated day after day.Am I right ?
I base my theories on the super importance of that original involuntary “fight or flight” behaviour we survived on for over 3 million years ( as man ) and it’s important to note this system is still used by every other animal alive today , none of which have to voluntarily exercise to stay fit and they dont get obese. I simply do not believe this stimulation can be removed from our life that quickly , as 1 million years is not enough time for evolution to change our basic biological needs and functions.
- Di Heap
August 23rd, 2007We are lazy predators because catching our food has become fun (think mall shopping) or super easy (think Online shopping) but we still have the choice of hard physical tasks or exercise to keep fit. Are you saying we still need the stimulation of involuntary movement?
- sanjay mittal
September 12th, 2007Hiii
I read this article with gr8 interest. I am currently doing research in correct excercises for people. I think I have developed a remarkable system, which is not dependent on machines, yet can make each of us realise the full potential of our bodies- muscular,respiratory,skeletol and digestive. I am NOT charging anything for the training. Now if anybody is interested, they can contact me on sanjay4321@hotmail.com
- Di Heap
September 12th, 2007Hi Sanjay,
This is not the right place to promote your program.
This website and forums are all about Whole Body Vibration Training. My suggestion to you is to research WBV machines and programs, find out what works (type of machine, brands, progam etc) and to add this training method into your exercise program.
Hey Lloyd,
I am interested in learning about the history of whole body vibration, but the history of its evolution and the research behing (for both pivotal and lineal models). I want to know the truth.
Do you have any links, book suggestions, articles or sources you have found to be accurate?
Thanks a lot
BryantThe overall history of this subject is hard to write or read about as it really is split into so many areas.
Pivotal
Lineal
Stimulation
Activation
Positive
Negative
( other smaller categories not named )With most researchers seemingly having no idea how important it was to make distinctions in the theory . For me the history resembles a fireworks display. All starting from the same point ” Vibration” but no direction = lots of random noise and smoke.
But I would say it can be classed into 3 distinct eras were any real time was spent looking at it .
1875 > Steam powered Vibrational Therapy devices used in the medical and gymnastic industry, Dr Gustav Zander put up centers across Europe and the U.S. Dr George Taylor and J.H. Kellogg was his competition in the U.S. . Their main focus was simple stimulation. Mainly blood flow.
It was used quite a bit in rehab centers across Europe after WW1. were a James, Alexander Alexandrovich also researched it help with Asthma and other disorders.
But generally it was sold as a cure all for everything including tumors by dodgy salemen. (These people probably work for Powerplate now).
1960 > Hyper-Gravity loading principles applied to various space programs. Evidence of some sporting scientist/coaches looking at potential for athletes.
1995 > Commercial interest in products , but due to lack of exact science , marketing hype outdoes potential of existing units. Look at any commercial site to see links to studies.
2004 > New era of “exact function” education being pursued to help focus and form a valid industry . We are yet to see if this idea works .
March 19th, 2007
Despite this F.I.B.O. did nothing to stop PowerPlate from deliberatly using awards to mislead the public.
And even took a “fee” to help this to continue at future shows. By allowing PowerPlate to not only display at the very next show , but enter the same competition.
Will you see me endorse F.I.B.O. ?
NO.