Recently, on this forum, an individual named Dave posted a series of comments related to the subject of Vibration training. Mostly written from the point of view of someone new to the industry and holding quite a bit of skepticism towards it, these posts touched on many of the beliefs that, despite an enormous body of research contradicting them, still unfortunately exist. These beliefs, which continue to prevent many individuals in need from benefiting from Vibration Training, are not only inaccurate as they pertain to Vibration Training, but also to any form of fitness training or technology.

In this post, I hope to attempt to dispel these myths once and for all. This is by no means an attack on Dave, but rather an opportunity to answer his comments more thoroughly, and in doing so, better educate the consumer and visitors to this site.

Please keep in mind that much like some of the material written below may go against what you have believe. It is also likely that in the future, newer ideas will be proposed, some of which may invalidate those contained here. This is nothing more than the process of evolution; the same process in which Vibration Training is currently playing a major role. [Read more...]

Basics of Vibration Training: Platform Types

We could categorize vibration training technology into two main categories:

• Pivotal

• Lineal

Some refer to a 3rd category, triplanar, however the majority of triplanar platform movement occurs via a uniform motion on the vertical axis and therefore falls under the category of Lineal. This lack of distinction is further supported by the fact that the majority of Lineal platforms, being incapable of delivering movement purely on the vertical axis, also have a 3D component. Lastly, worth consideration, is that some sources claim that 3D vibration is nothing more than a marketing term used to disguise a poorly manufactured platform that cannot control its vertical movement and thus moves excessively in the horizontal planes. With all this in mind, below you’ll find a diagram of the two primary platform types that we will discuss and the typical frequency and displacement ranges for each. Also take note of the other common terms often used to describe each method.

Pivotal: Triangular Oscillating, Oscillating, Side Alternating, Rotational, Tilting, Teeter-Totter.

Lineal: Vertical, Synchronous, Uniform, Piston, Flat, 3D, Elliptical, Triplanar
[Read more...]

Let’s begin the first part of this article by stating that all vibration platforms on the market have some, albeit limited in many cases, health value. It’s not about pivotal, lineal, sonic, triplanar etc., they all are capable of helping people improve their level of health. As will be discussed later however, some platforms have evidenced through research that they can provide these benefits. Other respectable manufacturers, having not enough research behind them yet, offer quality construction and superior engineering (as demonstrated by proper engineering tests performed on their platforms) to support their technology’s capabilities. These manufacturers, with time, will all likely demonstrate their efficacy through research. For the most part however, the majority of manufacturers simply choose to avoid making an effort. Instead, they resort to “piggybacking” on these other companies’ time and effort. These manufacturers, chasing the almighty dollar, make false claims and sell inferior equipment to the unknowing consumer. The majority of this equipment, often sold for “affordable” prices (and often made for pennies), is the primary factor behind the unfortunate slow growth of, and the increased skepticism held by others towards, the Vibration Training industry.
[Read more...]

The good and bad of positive research. This new study is going to be used by every single company that sells something that vibrates up, down, sideways or tilts fast enough to be called a vibration and even though some companies would be justified in using it to support the effectiveness of their product, about 99% of the industry have NO claim to the positive outcomes shown in that report. [Read more...]

Introduction

Whole Body vibration (WBV) has become a popular training method in recent years. This study investigated the effect of WBV on the length-tension relationship of the ankle dorsi (moving your ankle so that balls of feet raise)  and plantarflexors ( moving your ankle in a way that raises the heal of your foot) as measured by a Biodex dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems Inc, Shirley, NY). [Read more...]

This is the third part in a series about understanding research articles. See Part I here.

Method(s)

The method section of the research report should clearly explain how the study was conducted. However, for the layperson, this will be the most difficult section to read. The methods section may be divided into subsequent sub-headers, such as: participants (subjects), equipment, procedure(s), and data analysis. [Read more...]

This is the second part in a series about understanding research articles. See Part I here.

What is a Research Article?

A research article is one that is published by a peer-reviewed, academic journal. An academic journal is a periodical where researchers publish their work. [Read more...]

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...]