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How to Read a Research Article: Part I

July 31, 2007 By David Bazett-Jones 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...]

Filed Under: Research

Glossary of WBV Terms

July 9, 2007 By Site Administrator

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.

Filed Under: Blog

SoloFlex: Weight Loss Claims Untrue

July 9, 2007 By Site Administrator 13 Comments

soloflexUS 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 didn’t 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.

Filed Under: Machine Reviews