3 Health Concerns About Vibration Training
Note: Vibration Therapy/Training has been used successfully and safely for almost 100 years - with no problems recorded. It is only recently that marketers have jumped into this technology with no background knowledge and only sales in mind. Trust me I worked for them and their concern for your health is ZERO. Anything that may divert a sale will not be approached let alone researched. The programs I originally developed for Power-Plate where rejected due to complaints from their marketing department. Follow these and you will get all the benefits with none of the safety concerns.
Unsupervised Use
The unrestricted/unsupervised use of Vibration Training equipment has been a concern of mine since I first started writing original material in 2003. As Product Manager of Power-Plate I saw the potential for abuse of the units in several ways. Their refusal to acknowledge my concerns was one of the reasons for my departure.
Some of them being:
- Overuse
- Incorrect poses
- Incorrect Fq
I will list the reasons for these concerns and why I believe the sooner the “real” industry starts talking to each other and laying down some restrictions , the better.
Overuse
Possible symptoms include:
Chronic Fatigue
This can cause everything from just plain tiredness to a massive drop in your immune system (leading to other health disorders). This one is simple - you ask your body to do too much and it can’t keep up.Think about this; in an average Vibration Training session you may do approx. 30,000 separate movements. This is like running a marathon for most people, and because it is actually do-able for most people, it is primed for abuse. But your body simply can’t expend that amount of energy and keep going for long. You will get sick eventually.- Hyperthyroidism
This is a state where your regulatory glands are over-activated causing a large fluctuation in your hormone levels. This can lead to fluid retention, problems with hormone sensitive organs such as the ovaries (for women). At the exteme end this condition can cause multiple organ failure. Note: I have had one case reported to me so far from South Africa where a lady was using a plate for over 40 minutes a day (and she was following her instructors advice). So this theory was not a fanciful idea as was put to me when I first aired my concerns. Unfortunately I expect to hear about more such cases before anything concrete is done. - Tissue Breakdown
This is when the healing cycle is not allowed to complete itself. Your body breaks down more cells than it can rebuild before you re-damage the area. Long distance runners have always had this problem with their knees.
Incorrect Poses
This one sounds self-explanatory but it is obviously not, from what I have seen on many a Vibration Training poster sold with machines and on-line.
Our joints are only designed to work at high use at precise angles. Moving away from these angles can cause unnecessary wear and tear. It can also cause neck injuries. That is where a good instructor is very important - they will re-correct you during your time on the units so no problems occur.
Incorrect Fq
This is a tricky one as so may of the units available go to the lower Fq, hence people believe it must be safe. The fact is lower Fq should only be used for limited physiotherapy programs due to the unsafe nature of what they call resonance Fq.
This is where waves bounce off each other causing a disturbance in an area. In this case your internal organs give off their own resonance and matching these is not a good idea. They range from 5Hz-20Hz. Again misuse could cause disturbance to organ function. Keeping away from these Fq by a factor of 10Hz should allow safe use of units over a lifetime.
Note: Some cheaply built units are NOT doing the Hz setting showed on the display. Some are slowing down with only a load of 20-80kg. One major brand was tested - unloaded - and it was still slower by 13hz than its advertised specs. And that was with no-one on it.
Safety First
This article was not written to scare anyone off Vibration Training, just to show how serious we are about putting up this type of training for scrutiny . We will never create a safe industry by burying potential problems as is the normal procedure for marketers and corporates .
Written by Lloyd Shaw on May 30th, 2007
179 Comments
That means someone has taken the effort to test the unit at different loads and accounted for the drop in Fq.
Very responsable and promising.
- Leone
June 13th, 2007Hi Di and Lloyd,
I am in Canada and it was a Proellixe machine. The instructor put a preprogrammed chip into the machine and I stood flat footed for the 10 minute sessions. The sessions were 2 - 3 days apart for 1 week. The redness does seem to be slowly fading but I am afraid if I try it again the bright red stripe down my shin bone will come back. Other than that I enjoyed the sessions and think there were very slight but encouraging results. Thanks for your help. Hello Leone,
Proellixe is a pivotal platform. I would concern its potential harmful effect on back muscle and pelvic joints rather than shin.
Although I personally do not like pivotal platform, I can hardly imagine that it could cause shin problem.
Your 1st post explained it looked like broken blood vessels. It does not look like that to me because bleeding under skin should turn blue. Since you said it was still red while fading away, it sounds irritation or inflammation to me but you said no pain. WEIRD!!
You said you went through sessions of 10-minute each. Did you change positions? Was there any interval (rest period) during the 10-minute session? Did you show your shin problem to your instructor? What did the instructor say?
TC
- Di
June 14th, 2007I don’t know anything about that platform. I had a look at the website and honestly some of the positions scare me, such as their “Bridge” position. Looking at the reference page gives a list of people involved in both regular and less usual health and mind specialties such as Brain gym (we used that here in Junior schools 10+ years ago. If Brain Gym worked we wouldn’t need WBV to help rebalance the body. (ooh sorry but I am biased. I like some alternative therapies but not brain gym).
Leone, You need to let the studio know about the effect on your legs. They should be able to advise you.
- Andrew Luke
June 14th, 2007please check o ut his new place in NYC, It is a well designed studio with excellent trainers.
http://www.stationstudiosnyc.com or RTY30.com
- Di
June 14th, 2007Andrew Luke
I see that you are a Trainer at that Studio. You use Power-plate and FitVibe Machines. Can you please tell me what it means to : “Work out by yourself, at your own pace and style. Use one of our freestanding machine or studio machines during non-class time.”
This is very different to studios I have been to. The place I train at would never let me decide on my own pace or style. It’s too easy to be injured if out of position on our machines. I have tried Power-plate and found it to be way less intensive than I’m used to but
I still think injury would result from uncontrolled positions or excess time in a position.When running classes how many clients do you have per Trainer? How do you cope with a client who is out of position or not keeping up?
Just another observation - your prices are so high. You’d have no customers if you were here in New Zealand. We have no membership fee and a casual rate of just $7US, not $25 or $50 with a Trainer (30mins)
How much of that 30mins is spent actually on the machine and how many times per week do clients come in? You advertise unlimited use. - mike Hair
June 14th, 2007Andrew Luke
I don’t know how much of this web blog you have read, but marketers are not very welcome!
Looking at your web site, apart from the radicle pricing the unlimited use with no trainer scares the crap out of me. Unfortunately when somebody allows the public unlimited/unsupervised workouts on these units it is only a matter of time before an injury will happen and tarnish the industry.Can’t wait for the V.T.A to take effect.
I only have one comment.
Clowns.
And they do themselves no favours by having PowerPlates website up under research. Apart from the cloud hanging over PowerPlate at the moment , the Fit-Vibe is a better unit ?
It makes no sense being associated with a second class company when you have good German machines.
A certain company that has spent considerable effort to develop a Therapy only unit has raised concerns over the kind of effect harder Vibration Training has on the brain.
I can not speak on behalf of all companies but I would like everybody to note , this is what I take into account when producing a machine for the public.
(1) Natural protective shock design of the human body. Taking into account normal shocks recieved through jogging and sprinting action. Which is far larger than anything I produce.
(2) Displacement of brain during shock. The reaction of 3 layers of protective tissue surrounding the brain ( meninges ) during shocks has been well tested . I use this knowledge and apply it to my safety programs.
(3) Only 14 poses allowed on units going over 1mm. Poses are performed exactly or not at all.
(4) Exposure times limited.
(6) Known Resonant Fq of lumbar and organs avoided .
(7) Athletis units never to be sold to public , and only used under supervision.
There are other things I take into account but hopefully that will show you I am not applying random Vibrations to people looking for an effect as I am fully aware some companies do.
I managed to get to the bottom of the concern above.
The scientist that made the statement , only made it in reference to any other machine his company does not happen to sell.
My bullshit meter just went off.
- Di
June 23rd, 2007Are any vibration machines made to 22g?
(I saw this stated on a website, that’s all. No judgement intended on that being okay or not okay)
It sounds like fun to me.
I have only seen tests range up to 14g on an old Power-Plate ( Vibro-Gym ).
But it is possable to go higher with certain designs. Not that it would be advisable to do just for fun.
- Di
June 24th, 2007Thanks and you’re right, probably not fun at all! I wouldn’t have a clue what it would feel like or what it would do, good or bad, to the human body.
So, why is a manufacturer/seller able to put info on their website, under faq. Comparing their product (Dynamic Motion Therapy) to Whole Body Vibration, that their machines are safe but
Quote: … these other devices deliver a very forceful, sometimes violent shaking motion in all directions!
The acceleration magnitudes used in these devices, approximately 8.0g to as high as 22.0g, are well beyond the limits recommended … - Mike Hair
June 24th, 2007My guess is called marketing. Not much different to power plate trying to scare people into using there machine by saying on some units your eyeballs can explode! lol
Maybe thats why I am one-eyed and iysdexic , I mean dyslexic.
- Mike Hair
June 25th, 2007your a funny guy Lloyd
whoos bean funyy ?
- Di
June 29th, 2007Another quote from a different company’s website:
[if you stand on a two motor system you and your brain will become desynchronized over time.]
My brain has never been within “normal” specs ever, so is there any hope left for me now?This is scary stuff..well it would be if it were true!
I have two feet and I run.. will that also scramble my brain if my footstrike is not completely synchronised?Apologises for my bad sense of humour but really, do these marketers really expect people to believe this!
Eyeballs exploding , desynchronized brains.
Sounds like my drunken Navy days.
- Di
June 29th, 2007Hey did you also read that subliminal music helps make it all better - MindVibe: Brain Wave Synchronization( reminds me of LSD
)Claims are that will even reverse my biological age by rejuvenating my mind. Now that would be good!
Okay, I know music is useful and exercise is, more so but, Hello, am I supposed to trust my mind to this supplier. Subliminal message music is dangerous and tests have shown that it can be used to sway the masses. In cinemas, tests using subliminal messages during adverts gave results of people rushing to buy Coke, including people who don’t even like Coke. Such adverts are banned in most countries now.
Maybe too many suppliers brains have be scrambled by excess vibration therapy - Just joking - Seriously though, on a decent machine training cannot be taken every day as the muscles need time to recover. What about the brain? Could excess training give such as buzz that it became an addiction?
[…] link outlines the 3 health concerns. Reading the comments I came across a post by Lloyd (creator of […]
Was in a few posts back Wellington , please read whole article and following blogs before posting anything.
And make sure understand their is no marketing on this site.
Kia ora everyone,
The comment above is posted automatically when our blog is linked to comments in this blog. I’ve read most posts and comments many times.This blog has a wealth of knowledge about vibration training, but for our readers, it can be time consuming to read through every single post and comment to find specific gems of information.
So Lloyd, I’ve quoted you on comments directly related to your machines to save our readers from having to dig, and for our own information too. If that ain’t cool, then let me know.
Sorry, I guess this is kind of marketing related, so no brands mentioned. My apologies
Thats ok , you just have to remind yourself to times everything you do by every studio around. We have 24 in our chain alone.
Imagine if everybody did it. This site and the entire internet experience would become nothing more than hundreds of individual websites repeating the same thing.
Very confusing for the public.
- Leone
July 1st, 2007Hi Di & Lloyd,
I stayed in one position - feet planted firmly on the platform for the entire 10 minutes (knees slightly flexed). I checked with my Dr. and he confirmed that I have tiny hemorrhages up and down my legs on either side of my shin bones. He feels they will fade in time but I will be abandoning WBV as a result of this.
Thanks for your time.
Leone - Wayne Campbell
July 1st, 2007Leone
When and where? did someone keep pushing the button every time each minute was up? Were you being supervised? This seem s strange
Wayne
- mike Hair
July 1st, 2007Hi Leone,
Sorry to read about your bad experience.
The machine you were on is pivotal not lineal. You should find some where that has supervised training with a lineal machine and give it a go.We use both and at no time does any one ever do 10 minutes in the one position.
- Di
July 1st, 2007Hi Wayne
The website for the Proellixe Pivotal platform that Leone used does suggest 10mins so I guess it has a timer that goes to 10.
BUT… 6-10 mins are suggested for the standard upright position with knees locked. Feet are supposed to be moved thru positions 1-4 on the platform.I think Leone has actually done a slight semi-squat position and that position (from the instructions on website) is for 60-120 sec, rest, then repeat 3-6x) while also moving feet into positions 1-4 on the platform.
I don’t know much about use of pivotal platforms so I’m leaving most comments to those who do BUT
———–
Hi LEONE
Please let the studio know what has happened to you. From what I can understand from the website about this machine you have not been properly instructed or supervised and this is a serious concern.
Also please don’t write off WBV because of what happened to you. There are other pivotal (seesaw motion) machines and there are other machines that have an upright vibration motion (the platform does not seesaw at all). Others on here will advise you on what is available in Canada. I at first thought this was a joke but I have now tracked down the company ( Vitality 4 Life in Australia ) that actually promotes the use of its Asian built vibration platform 3 times a day.
“Unlike the commercial units available in Australia which can only be used 3 times per week, training sessions on this platform can be performed 2-3 daily so you’ll rapidly notice the benefits of using vibration technology.”
This is so bad I hope at some point in the future criminal charges are brought against such marketers.
- Mike Hair
July 7th, 2007Holly crap batman now i’ve seen it all!
But wait there’s more, not only can you use it every day 3x a day, it is compareable to a $12K machine. Hang on a minute don’t these plastic peices of S*#t sell on trademe for a few hundred?
I Hope we get 6 free steak knives with each machine Hi there
Please can you assist in a health concern I have.
I would like to use power plates, but I have superficial thrombossis on my left leg, is it safe for me to use this equipment?Professional advise would be greatly appreciated.
No it is not advisable to do any form of Vibration Training while having an “active” (acute) clot.
When your Doctor gives clearence it has been broken up or removed you can start.
- Nalin
July 11th, 2007Hi Lloyd, could you please clarify why lineal machines should not be used below 30 hz, and pivotals not above 30 hz? Thanks.
Why opposing safe Fq rules for Lineal VS Pivotal ?
Lineal…
The shockwave of the vibration travels in a straight wave pattern through the bodies tissue. Where a true resonance is created , no room for energy to escape. This energy is transfered through the entire body making for a hard but safe workout, but this energy also travels through the spine . This is safe as long as your positioning is correct ( dampening the effect ) and the resonance Fq of the spine itself is not matched.
Note:
Extensive tests done at Cornwel University April 2002 , warning of resonance Fq matches.
2.5-5hz upper neck and lumbar , amplification 240%.
4-6hz ,trunk , amplification %200
20-30Hz set up the strongest resonance of head and shoulders at %350.
Pivotal……
Here the vibration is defused as the primary force is directed from one leg to another. In essence you are actually being just thrown from side to side. Not a true vibration in Physics terms so resonance is not an issue. But going too fast in this action causes massive amounts of shearing ( sideways ) stress to the lower back where most of the energy meets. This would not be advised as discs do not like sideways movement.
Read article below to understand why these systems are so different.
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/02/pivotal-and-lineal-machines
- Sooty
July 14th, 2007RE: I at first thought this was a joke but I have now tracked down the company that actually promotes the use of its Asian built vibration platform 3 times a day.
I purchased this machine - and used it 3 times a day for three days straight mostly on it’s highest setting: Now I wake up every night shaking. Its been about two weeks since I did this and I have now cut back to using it twice a day for 10 minutes on the lower speeds. I still wake up shaking every night - but it is much more bearable - initially I could not even stay in bed. It feels like my heart is beating very rapidly, but lightly, not thumping - in fact it feels like an engine is whiring in my chest. My pulse is very hard to count as it is very light and hard to feel - but it is certainly above 100 counts per minute - and this is waking up from a deep sleep.
I wondered if it had anything to do with the machine - and have been searching for days to find info on line and this is the first site I have found that might make sense of my situation - not that I am sure there is a solution - other than stopping the use of the machine. PS: I don’t seem to have an effect during my waking hours - only when I have been asleep. Also, I thought I would test it again today at high speed and had the same shaking experience when I woke from a sleep this afternoon. So my assumption here is to cut right back and only use the machine once a day. Disappointing - I really like it - I feel energised and stronger for using it - but the shaking thing is frightening. Mostly I wonder if I will ever get over the shaking.
- Mike Hair
July 14th, 2007Hi Sooty,
Try cutting back to every second day. If this is a pivitol machine you have, follow the program below.
1) 5 Minute’s stand @ 18Hz,
2) 2 minute’s squat not holding on @ 16 Hz,
3) 2 minute’s @ 16 Hz kneeling in front of machine with hands placed on platform about shoulder width apart arms locked straight leaning forward over top of your hands totally relaxed in the shoulder and neck region. If you find this shakes your head to much move hands in closer.
4) 2 minute’s @ 16 Hz sitting on front of machine facing away from the controls placing your hands behind you with fingers pointing the same way you are facing elbows slightely bent and lean back to push down on the platform. Great for the Triceps.
5) 2 minute’s wide stance squat @ 16 Hz without holding on.
Hope this helps. This is the programe we have used for the past 18 months with great results.
Regards
Mike
I would suggest taking a month off , then begin following the above program given by Mike.
It sounds as though you have either….
(a) Effected your central nervous system with the excess vibrations as I have read on reports about occupational exposure ( ISO 2631 ). The symptoms sound similar.
(2) Excess Serotonin brought on by the severe work you are asking your body to do is disturbing your sleeping patterns. Some Serotonin is needed for deep sleep but can act as an Amphetamine if over produced .
Either way time will fix both problems. Be smart , take a break , then re-enter your Vibration Training with a better knowledge base.
Please get back to us with your progress .
- SEB
August 13th, 2007Hi,
Would anyone know if a vibration training machine can be safely used to heal sciatica nerve pain resulting from a bulging disk? If so, how would one proceed?
Thanks in advance.
June 13th, 2007
Hi Lloyd,
With my 95kg on it gets to 43Hz with some range to spare. The instruction booklet has load / freq values for a given speed setting (arbitrary range 1 to 16 in 0.5 increments). Interpolating between the suggested settings for 75kg & 150kg loads, it’s actually bang on. The machine is a “Eurosolar Vibe 70″ http://www.eurosolar.nl/homepage.php?id=79&lang=en and was what I could afford at the time.
Cheers,
Peter.