Here are the findings from a recent detailed 8 month study on a pivotal machine (Gallileo 2000).

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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?

Source: Low-frequency vibratory exercise reduces the risk of bone fracture more than walking: a randomized controlled trial–Narcís Gusi, Armando Raimundo, and Alejo Lea.

Article submitted by Green.

Dr Sue Broadbent is a lecturer in exercise prescription at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Health in Wellington, New Zealand. She makes the following statements in New Zealand’s Sunday Star Times.

“There’s some evidence it may improve fitness and yield better results than normal resistance training with weights, but it’s not increasing cardiac fitness at all.

“In other words, it won’t prevent you having a heart attack and it’s not going to help you lose weight or increase your metabolic rate.” From the Sunday Star Times.

Broadbent is heading up reseach commissioned by NZ’s Accident Compensation Comission who funds the rehabiliation of injured athletes.

“There is anecdotal evidence that whole body vibration may reduce inflammation associated with soft tissue injury. But we don’t know if that’s true, or how it’s supposed to work.”