Dangerous Uses of Whole Body Vibration
Should I put my head on my new machine to treat headaches?
I just can’t resist writing an article on this subject, not just because of the subject itself, but because of the underlying dynamics of human behavior and reasoning that is unfortunately indicative of anything new where the consumer can take a product home. They start to “think” up new uses for it and then tell their friends of their discovery.
This was the question asked, “A friend of mine told me that she uses the vibration plate to get rid of headaches. She lives in an area where they lack oxygen because of relative high altitude. By putting her head on the plate, the pain disappears. What do you think of this practice? Any risks associated to it?”
I guess the friend tried it on her own and she was happy with the results so now she is sharing the “good news” with her other friends. The far reaching implications of these actions, I can bet, have not been thought of or I am sure no-one would really consider doing this. Let me explain.
If a machine was designed to especially vibrate at the right Frequency and amplitude for your head and promoted as such, then it might be Ok (depending on the reputation of the company selling it). In that case, it would have a place for your chin or your forehead to rest on and it would come with strict instructions for its use. Furthermore, it would not be sold as a weight loss machine and you would also want to see some pretty decent studies or theories behind such usage that took into account all factors before you would try it.
A Very Important Note
Now the thing to remember here is by placing your held directly on the plate, the vibrations are going directly into the skull from different angles, not to be confused with how they travel through your body towards the head, up your spine at a set angle when posing on the plate. Your body acts as the PERFECT shock absorber in the correct poses. There are three main areas of concern for this practice.
- Retinas- The vibrations could cause them to detach.
- Neck and Spine- Your head is being shaken side to side rapidly. The vibrations are not entering your head through your spine as intended by the designer.
- Brain- Even though it is encased in fluid, it can still receive some form of shock. Concussion can be very dangerous if not treated and can be deadly.
Unlike other body parts, your head and things inside it doesn’t heal itself very well. Once its broke, its broke. However, lets just say this person, by a one in a million chance, buys a machine that has the perfect Frequency and Amplitude that works for a person’s head. If she tells her friends all about it, here are the variables she would have to take into account.
- There are over 200 brands on the market.
- Some are Pivotal, Lineal, or Uncontrolled.
- Some can go from a gentle vibration up to a heavy enough vibration to fracture your skull.
- All have multiple settings.
- Some are made of plastic, some from rubber, and some from steel.
- Units are pillowed or padded differently.
- Most machines are not tested for engineering consistency, so if you were given 2 identical machines of the same brand, one could be safe and the other not.
Remember most of these units are made in China where quality control is not something they are known for. That is why we have things like MDD classification. It’s a system where a machine is tested for its engineering values and is not allowed to be changed or it loses its MDD rating.
So before you could even consider recommending a machine for some unspecified use, you would have to account for the exact frequency used, the exact amplitude used, the exact instructions, and the brand including the type of machine along with the MDD rating.
Without considering the above, this is the likely scenario that will arise. Someone puts their head on a super light Vibration Therapy pad and it somehow gets rid of their headache so they tell others about it (with the internet this can be thousands of people). Someone else decides to try it and puts their head on a Vibration Training platform and gets badly injured or killed.
If someone wants to put their own head on a Vibration Platform at home then so be it, its their head and the damage will be limited to themselves. However, to put other people at risk by giving uneducated advice is unacceptable and if someone gets hurt, it will be the advice giver’s fault because that’s exactly how these things happen which also hurts the industry.
My advice to anyone thinking of giving advice about the unintended uses of Vibration Training would be this. If you are not good at determining the kind of global industry risk assessments required, don’t give the advice and keep the risks isolated to your world.
Written by Lloyd Shaw on October 5th, 2008
49 Comments
This article explains it well. I do think though that as people we are “story tellers” of our experiences in life. Asking people to be sure of what they are talking is not reasonable - It would prevent me saying how much benefit I get from Vibration Training as that might encourage someone who has a contraindication to use a machine. Responsibility for health (and for safe use of technology) belongs to us all but especially to the manufacturers of exercise machines (that they perform to exact specs) and to the marketers, and those like yourself, to promote safe use of exercise machines and to ensure the public is made aware of any possible dangers. In this you are Expert, Thank You.
Dont you love it when you write an entire article to help someone understand something important , and they cant even be bothered to get back to you with a comment.
Hey guys- I have to tell you how hard I luaghed when I read this blog. 1st off, what are you thinking? Putting your head on a machine like that is like taking micro kicks to the head. Additionally that is a fast way to get yourself a spot in the Darwin Awards book. If you are not familiar with Darwin Awards, its a book that goes over all of the strange way people have accidentally removed themselves from this earth.
On a softer note, my company Medvibe has investigated vibration for headaches. We have a product called a therapaudic eye massager that uses air compression and vibration massage through a face mask. It alleviates sinus pressure, head aches and insomnia. Not to mention its about as relaxing as a sweedish facial massage. It has heat, Anion, (5,10,15 minute) timers, 15 massage modes and 5 air compression settings. Lloyd- Tell your friend if she wants to alleviate her headaches properly, she should be using one of these masks. If she wants one just email me and I’ll ship one out.
- Iñaki Aguirre
October 19th, 2008Lloyd
Could you please tell us a bit more about safe frequencies –given that we’re using a correct posture– either for therapy and for training? I think you’ve talked somewhere here about the danger of using low frequencies… how aobut going in depth on this?
Thanks a lot in advance
Iñaki Aguirre
Sorry , too much information to go into on this forum at present. I will be releasing a huge article on this in time with data from mutliple companies backing up the theory.
Safest Fq is 43Hz. Give or take 5hz
The first study performed on the WAVE in a University setting demonstrated that in our lineal platform, maximal EMG activation occurred between 35-45 Hz. at High amplitude. A current study being undertaken is looking at Accelerometer readings at the ankle, knee, hip etc. to determine the frequencies as the vibration stimulus travels up towards the chest and head. Obviously, we do not want the internal organs to be in the 5-18 Hz. range. Having said that, it’s unlikely that 10-15 minutes of vibration exposure 3X per week at lower frequencies is the equivalent of occupational (6-8 hours/day for months) exposure. Results will be available in the next 4-6 months.
I believe the “Great Fq Debate” is the result of people truly passionate about Vibration Training but not being able to see the forest for the trees.
Time will reveal all.
or the Orchard!
1. The Pineapple Orchard - a 4000ft2 facility in the Westside of Los Angeles is now open. (email me at nickolachi@gmail.com for specifics)
2. I’m delighted to welcome people from this forum, and discuss further the variations of frequency/amplitude.Juice-Up
N.Hi Nick
Can you please give some info on the variations of fq/amplitude and the differences this makes to using your platforms for good results. Being in NZ I wont be visiting your Pineapple Orchard any time soon.
Nick…
Not impressed the only time you appear on here nowdays is to market.
- willie
October 25th, 2008Hi Lloyd, have you looked at Nicks website? the training videos are very different to anything i have seen so far.What do you think about all that movement? also their frequency and amplitude ranges are unlike any combinations i have seen.Are these combinations safe? all views greatly appreciated.
willie, not sure if you actually promoting for Nick or a genuine question as you’d get your answers from his site but..
Nick’s platforms are very different to others and movement is possible because he uses low fq combined with very low g force. The movement of his machines looks like a motorised Rebounder/mini trampoline.
The videos scare me though as I’d hate to see non fitness fanatics try to perform those poses and movements.Pineapple machines simply are not “Vibration Training” in the recognised sense of the words.
- willie
October 25th, 2008Hi DiHeap,
I am a consumer who has been looking to purchase a high quality lineal machine.I asked Lloyd these questions because i trust his unbiased expert opinion.I could not find the answers on Nicks site and have posted before on this site and recieved great feedback from Lloyd and others.I was simply suprised to see the videos with so much movement and dont understand the priciples of how Nicks machines work at such frequencies and amplitudes.Again any help gratefully accepted. What Nick is trying out is Dynamic Low Pressure Vibration Training.
Because the units are such low Fq and you are moving all the time , I know it sounds strange but the usual concerns may actually count each other out.
I can see the merit in the program but I do not consider it to be part of what we do and Nick has stated he will be changing his marketing to clarify this in the near future.
You would purchase that system because you like what you see , not because you think it will do what we talk about here.
I think Nick’s platforms would appeal to strength and sports people who want to be actively/dynamically involved in their workout and see that as the only way to get results. Also for people who can’t do movements as the platforms just move gently as seen in the pics of the dog happily on it. I wonder if you feel seasick after a while.
Same or better results are seen in sports people using high quality lineal vibration training platforms (Hypergravity, Vibra-Train type) where positions are held statically and the machine does all the work targetting high threshold motor units in muscle to cause adaptation and strength gains to occur.
- willie
October 26th, 2008Hi Lloyd and DiHeap, thanks for the input.As i understand it Nicks machines and training system are very different to the standard type quality lineal machines currently on the market.Can the same be said of the Turbosonic and Evolution machines? i know they work differently as in how they produce the vibration and they recommend standing upright on their plates with no poses.So my question is are they as effective as standard quality lineal machines?I am interested in this type because i plan to install the machine in a second floor apartment, the floors and walls are all solid construction(masonry walls and concrete floors) but i am worried about noise and vibration in the apartment below.Again all info greatly appreciated.
Hi there,
1. Yes - As Lloyd points out - this technology is different to the standard WBV as generally accepted and discussed here.
2. Lloyd has helped categorize this as “Low Force / Dynamic”
3. We are defining it as “Bio-Oscillation” to further help differentiate and reduce any potential for confusion - especially with methodology and application in the pure WBV sense.
a.) As Lloyd states this is a different category, and seperate to the general discussion and points of information posted here4. Lloyd - the “Orchard” posting - was a gentle piece of humor to flow with your post about “forest and trees” - (as the location is actually called the Pineapple Orchard)
Juice-Up!
Nick… 2 points to consider..
(1) Are you aware that the term “Oscillation” is used by most sellers of cheap Chinese Pivotal units , as thats what comes on the marketing material from China.
(2) I dont know if Bio-Oscillation is self explanatory/clear enough to help the consumer unless you are prepared to do a hell of alot of marketing to educate them.
willie…The format of these forums doesn’t easily let me find your older posts so please say what you want to achieve from your machine.
Noise into neighboring apartments can be a problem. Some suggestions here
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2007/11/vibration-machines-make-for-noisy-neighborsSonic Machines are different as you’ve noted.
- willie
October 27th, 2008Hi DiHeap,my goals are to use vibration training to gain strength,flexibility,loose weight and general wellbeing.As a guy of 380lbs i do have a serious weight problem mainly caused by a poor lifestyle and sleep apnea.Im in a vicous circle and want to break out of it.I find it very hard to make a choice about which machine and indeed which form of vibration training to go with.All help greatly appreciated.
Willie…
Read that article , as the annoyance level for a machine in an apartment building can rely on a number of factors.
Eg. A heavier well built machine may sound almost silent standing next to it , but due to its weight will shift the building more than a “rattley” light model.
- Bruce Ross
October 27th, 2008After researching this site and reading Lloyd’s
recommendations, I purchased a Total Vibe Extreme
from Hypergravity. Now after four months I have
attained very significant results with strength,
muscle tone and flexibility. After my twenty
minute workout I always feel an enhanced energy
level and it seems to make my skin look younger
(I’m 56). The machine is really solid and well
built. Josh from Hypergravity was most helpful.
This machine plus my elliptical trainer make a
complete fitness routine for me. Vibration training
seems to turn back our biological clock - amazing! - willie
October 27th, 2008Hi Lloyd and DiHeap, thank you for the info on the noise question.
Can you tell me about the comparability of sonic lineal machines and mechanical lineal machines.I understand from reading other sections of the site that most if not all research has been carried out using mechanical machines.But is there any physical reason for a sonic machine not to be able to replicate the effects of a mechanical machine?
Also is the standing upright pose another form of vibration training that differs from the type discussed on this site and if so how?
Sorry about all the questions but this site is the best place to ask them!!! Firstly….
There is no such thing as “Sonic Vibration Training” , that’s marketing crap. They just use a lineal motor drive similar to a coil used to drive a speaker. There is no reason it cant give decent results but it does have its limitations. Mainly as the Fq increases the amplitude decreases , it may also be more prone to overheating more than other systems etc…
It has far to many limitations for my liking , but remember I especially design units with no feasible restrictions .
The standing upright position…..
Is Vibration Therapy at best , it is not Training.
Reason….
In the static standing position those guys promote the muscle does not come under significant pressure , as its the complete stretch reflex in tension poses that give the training values you want. Simply jiggling a muscle with vibration is not training. That’s like saying waving your arm around is ” doing weights “.
My prediction is they will soon start promoting the same kind of poses we do. Just watch.
They also mislead the consumer on other levels so my trust level with them is very low.
Note: I would not be so hard on them but they spent so much time and effort putting other systems down purely for anti-competitive reasons combined with unethical viral marketing they set themselves up to be targeted in the future.
Nick,
I have a retail store in your area that is past due for a follow up training. I would love to meet with you and check out your equipment. For the record– I am doing a study with a well known University/Hospital that is willing to perform a variety of bone density studies. I am also seeking government grants for this. As much as I want to be alone on this, for the sake of the industry its only fair that these tests are done on both pivotal and vertical vibration machines. I have pivotal covered– If you want your equipment in the study, we need to talk.- David E
October 28th, 2008Lloyd…quick question.I have a patient that has been utilizing vibration training for spinal hypermobility syndrome and it has worked quite well. However, positions such as the tricep dip and plank position tend to create a vibrational discomfort in her throat. She does have a rather long neck and it certainly makes sense that it must be absorbing the vibration. The problem is that I cannot seem to find a positional change or adjustment to reduce this effect. Any suggestions?
Not uncommon complaint ,wont hurt her , but try this….
(1) Make sure her arms are bent out to the side ( 110 degrees , most people have them too straight ) , not backwards as in the standard isolation triceps dip.
(2) Get her to almost touch her chin to her chest and keep it there.
(3) Get her to ” deliberately relax” , continuing to “go floppy” about every 10 sec. Tension creeps in very fast in that pose.
Get back to me and see if it helps, allot of people simply just don’t like the intense nature of that pose. In the future vibration handle bars will give you a much better option.
- Shawn
October 29th, 2008I live in PEI, Canada (east coast, tiny province)
There is a fitness gym here that sells the T-Zone Vibration Technology machine for about 1600 CND.
It’s made by a company in Ontario, their website is http://www.purelement.ca
The link on the left called VT 7 shows their machine.Lloyd, are you familiar with this company and/or machine? Is it any good?
I’m considering driving up to see their shop (it’s an hour away) but wanted to know opinions from here and not just their sale’s pitch.
I’d like to get a machine that you guys recommend here but I dont like not having a local dealer to fix any potential issues.
Any info is appreciated
Thanks
Shawn - Bruce Ross
October 29th, 2008I own a T-Zone machine. In the spring I walked
into a health food store (I live in Ontario, Canada) and after trying the machine for a few minutes I
bought it a few weeks later because it was intriguing.
I had never heard of Vibration Training. I started to
use the machine and noticed some benefits in my energy
level and flexibility so I started to research WBV and
when I found this site I read all of Lloyds advice. I
then bought the Hypergravity Tot Vibe Extreme and when
it arrived it took only 10 seconds of use to understand completely that there is no comparison between this level of machine and a Chinese machine
like T-Zone which is what I read in Lloyd’s posts.
I know Hypergravity makes a personal machine which is
probably the most inexpensive way to get professional
quality and results. TZone has a seesaw action, for
me the lineal gets the best results. I know the Wave
machine is very good, I chose Hypergravity because of
the high amplitude switch, I’m more focused on fitness
than therapy but for sure any of these machines is
way superior to those things sold in health food stores. I think a good machine is a ten to twenty
year investment, if at all possible get the good one! Shawn…
That is a cheap chinese unit and worth more no more than $300NZ. That is what you can buy them for it here.
Hi Shawn,
If you are looking to save a bundle check out ebay. I have seen several of these machines for sale there for as low as $150 CDN (some might have a different name, like crazy fit massager - same machine), a fraction of the cost you have been quoted.
What??? Hypergravity-Canada why would you even suggest buying such a low quality machine? Why not your lowest priced home unit?
I think he is pulling his leg , by pointing out the obvious. It a cheap toy.
- Shawn
October 30th, 2008Thanks for the info everyone. I figured it wasn’t high quality for the simple fact that a small local fitness centre has become the provincial distributor for them and they aren’t in any of the major fitness gyms.
I haven’t seen any type of vibration machine in any of the local fitness centres at all.
I’m going to continue researching and checking prices of good machines. I’m currently finishing our basement and a gym is one of the rooms we are putting in.
We plan on getting a good treadmill and possibly a vibration machine too.
thanks again for the info
- Shawn
October 30th, 2008I checked ebay, there are lots of the cheap ones going for 300-1000.
I would love to get a good quality machine like the hypergravity but I dont think I can afford to spend over 3,000 on one since I just spent about 20,000 to finish the basement and a few other projects
Any companies out there want to set up a demo unit in my house and have a PEI distributor?
Hi Shawn,
It may be hard to find a good machine to try out in your area. Email me directly at josh.w@hypergavity.net and I can help you find some other machines in your area to try out that will get you on the right path.
Kind regards, Josh Wiebe
- Shawn
October 30th, 2008Thanks Josh,
I have sent you an email.
Shawn
- Pinsan
October 30th, 2008Hi,
Apologies for the long comment….
I am 32 years old, female and based in the UK. I would like some suggestions as to which Vibration machine would be best suitable for me. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and would like to strengthen my muscles (especially legs) and increase flexibility. I swim once a week and follow a very well balanced diet with supplements. I can just about work three 6 hour shifts per week in a job where I am mostly on my feet moving around.
Please can someone advise.
Thanks,
Pinsan
October 5th, 2008
Jose…
I hope that answers your question.