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).
The amplitude used was 3mm, frequency 12.6 Hz, with static standing with knee flexion at a 60 degree angle, with a graduated increase in training sets starting with 3 sets x 1 minute reaching 6 sets x 1minute, with 1 minute rest in between. Training was 3 times a week.
Points For Discussion
(1) Do the findings and referenced research literature of this study confirm experiential findings that lineal machines do not improve balance in the static standing only position? If so, are there any positions that can be used with a lineal machine to improve balance for example standing with one leg on the machine and the other on a non-moving stable same height platform?
(2) Similarly, in the standing position only exercise, is there confirmation that in lineal machines the Bone Mass Density does not really increase (what about golgi bodies stimulating bone mineralization as per other studies?)
(3) Researchers here are citing studies that higher frequencies of 35-40 Hz using a pivotal machine 3 times a week with 4-6 sets would be beneficial for the elderly for balance improvement. How does this co-relate with guidelines on this site that recommend pivotal vibrations do not exceed 30 Hz?
Article submitted by Green.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Since having a fall 18 months ago (slipping on debris) I have been told many times by my Physio that I needed to improve my balance and core strength. I’ve just written of my experience on a Lineal Machine in another topic. I believe that I have improved my core balance. My Bone Mass Density is above average for age so I am unlikely to have that retested any time soon.
Of course my experience (over 2 months) is subjective but it is nevertheless valid.
Hello Di,
Thanks for sharing.
Could you be more specific how many times you train per week and how long per session? What parameters Do you do other positions besides stance?
I guess other readers would be interested in these details.
TC
Background: I do racewalking and a little jogging. I have some ongoing injuries in my left back/side (glutes) which has prevented my lying on that side and also sitting for extended periods without pain in glutes and referal nerve pain down my leg extending right to the ankle when bad. I also have sustained too many “normal” runners injuries this summer – all sorts of leg aches. I have various excercises from my Physio that I am supposed to be doing but I only do them occaisionally.
I’ve been going to Vibra-Train for about 9 weeks, the past 6 weeks going 3x weekly. The training program I use is that posted by Lloyd.
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/03/what-does-a-wbv-program-look-like
I don’t do the Lunge or the additional poses so my program takes around 10 minutes.
For the past 4 weeks I’ve done no walking or running. I’ve kept my fitness, in fact it has increased. I can lie on my side without pain (and sleep on my side) and sit at computer for several hours. I have not been able to do this for 18 months even with Physio and having extended breaks from walking and running.
Now back into my walking/running program and although my side is a little uncomfortable afterwards it quickly returns to pain-free. I’m not healed yet but I am amazed at the improvement, which I can only attribute to Vibration Training.
There is peer-reviewed research showing bone-mass beneficial effects from the use of vertical WBV devices. For instance JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH; Volume 19, Number 3, 2004; Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss by a Low-Magnitude, High-Frequency Mechanical Stimuli: A Clinical Trial Assessing Compliance, Efficacy, and Safety; by Rubin et al.
I have several other articles in my bibliography. After reading several of these articles, one realizes tha bone mass gain is induced by g acceleration. This can be obtained with both tilting platforms and vertical platforms.
The advantage of vertical platforms over titling platforms emerges in muscle toning. So if you only care about bone mass, use either a tilting or a vertical platform. If you are concerned with bone mass and muscle toning, definitely use a vertical platform.
Thanks for the info about g force helping with the bone density. That is my wife’s biggest concern.
What about the frequency for maximizing the BMD? Is the maximum benefit for that in 10 range? Will the same benefit happen at a higher fq over a longer period of time?
Thanks to all of you experts for your help.
My advice would be to use higher Fq ( 38Hz + ) for the comfort level. I use 43Hz and have had very good results.
You will find ” maximum Fq” recommendations from companies will sometimes only take into account local level of stimulation and not the over-all effect. Early recommended Fq saw people not wanting to use the products ever agian.
Note: The difference in results per Fq is only up or down a small % with present technology . Other methods in the future will give accelerated results.
The willingness to use the product long term is the most important factor.
A study published in JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH 2004 reports a study done 2003? over 24 weeks on 70 post-menopausal women, using PowerPlate (obviously the older steel platform so pls no comments on this except that they still use this study in their advertising which is completely dishonest).
3 Groups, some using Vibration (35-40hz over 30mins incl rest times 3x week), some conventional weights and I notice they did a long (for their age – 20min cardio workout first), and a control group who did no new exercise.
Results: No vibration-related side effects were observed. Vibration training improved isometric and dynamic muscle strength and also significantly increased BMD of the hip. No changes in hip BMD were observed in women participating in resistance training or age-matched controls.
Please Comment: Why no changes in hip BMD in group doing regular resistance training? Could the program have been faulty or the length of study not long enough? Why only hip BMD improvement? Does that matter as hip fracture is common in this age group so improved hip BMD is good? Why no overall increase or increase in BMD in lumber spine?
These were healthy participants. PP make the claim in their own report that this works for people regardless of physical limitations or disabilities yet that was not the scope of the study.
On a side note: this study led to PP forming a partnership with an osteo supplement provider. I’m all for natural supplements but the study does not say that these were taken by the participants. Is it desirable to suggest supplements to older users of wbv, particularly females? I prefer that people consult a dietician or doctor for their specific needs.
I suspect the regular resistance training prescribed may not have included exercises (i.e., squats, leg press) at a sufficient enough intensity to stress the bone enough. Just a guess.
Interesting comment on the study not stating whether the supplements were used or not.
An interesting article regarding how to increase BMD can be found at
http://www.helium.com/items/1210809-how-exercise-benefits-your-bones