Whole Body Vibration Research Reference
A list of research published in peer-reviewed journals.
1: Savelberg HH, Keizer HA, Meijer K. Related Articles
Abstract Whole-Body Vibration Induced Adaptation in Knee Extensors; Consequences of Initial Strength, Vibration Frequency, and Joint Angle.
J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May 1;21(2):589-593.
2: Garatachea N, Jimenez A, Bresciani G, Marino NA, Gonzalez-Gallego J, de Paz JA. Related Articles
Abstract The Effects of Movement Velocity During Squatting on Energy Expenditure and Substrate Utilization in Whole-Body Vibration.
J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May 1;21(2):594-598.
3: Da Silva ME, Fernandez JM, Castillo E, Nunez VM, Vaamonde DM, Poblador MS, Lancho JL. Related Articles
Abstract Influence of Vibration Training on Energy Expenditure in Active Men.
J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May 1;21(2):470-475.
4: Cochrane DJ, Hawke EJ. Related Articles
Abstract Effects of Acute Upper-Body Vibration on Strength and Power Variables in Climbers.
J Strength Cond Res. 2007 May 1;21(2):527-531.
5: Hazell TJ, Jakobi JM, Kenno KA. Related Articles
No abstract Skeletal Muscle EMG Changes during Whole Body Vibration: The Influence of Frequency and Amplitude: 2362: Board #41 June 1 3:30 PM -5:00 PM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S435. No abstract available.
6: Skidmore E, Stoutenberg M, Webb V, Serravite D, Signorile J. Related Articles
No abstract Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Vertical Jump Performance and Related Muscle Activity: 1802: Board #90 May 31 9:00 AM 10:30 AM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S300. No abstract available.
7: Terra B, Teixeira RT, Leite BM, R Pereira MI, C Gomes PS. Related Articles
No abstract Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Three Maximum Repetition Sets of Push-ups – Pilot Study: 1790: Board #78 May 31 9:00 AM 10:30 AM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S297. No abstract available.
8: Lamont HS, Bemben MG, Bemben DA, Cramer JT, Shehab RL, Anderson MA. Related Articles
No abstract The Effects of six weeks Periodized Resistance Training with or without Whole Body Vibration: 1787: Board #75 May 31 9:00 AM 10:30 AM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S296. No abstract available.
9: Gonzalez JC, Fernandez-Rio J, Fernandez-Garcia B, Nicolas T. Related Articles
No abstract Whole Body Vibration Training Applied To Female Basketball Players: Long-term Effects On Strength Development: 1455: Board #218 May 30 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S216. No abstract available.
10: Guggenheimer JD, Tveden R, Reyes GF, Silvers WM, Dolny DG. Related Articles
No abstract Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on 40-Meter Sprint Times: 1424: Board #187 May 30 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S209. No abstract available.
11: Mathe EF, Cramer JT, Bemben DA, Bemben MG. Related Articles
No abstract Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Force Production in Young, Middle-aged, and Older Men: 962: June 2 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 May;39(5 Suppl):S102. No abstract available.
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
My wife has had a back fusion in the L4L5 region. Would it be acceptable for her to do Vibra training.
She has to use a machine that can take load through the arms and have a good trainer. Otherwise its too risky.
Hi just wondering if anyone can locate some research papers on cellulite and the effect WBV has on it?
There are various papers floating around , but I would trust none of them. If you go to Vibro-Gyms site you should find at least 1 study done in 2003-2004 ( Sanaderm ).
You should also find some at Power Plate and other retail companies , but be aware all the positive studies were done on steel machines. Not plastic , fibra-glass or tin.
They will “forget” to tell you this.
Funny I was asked this question today , why don’t we make a bigger noise of the cellulite reduction thing…
This is the answer , at least for me, most of the serious Vibration Training/Therapy companies did not get involved in this industry for the cosmetic applications of the technology. We got involved to combat obesity and osteoporosis and other such health issues.
The only people interested in pushing this for cellulite reduction are marketers who do not care if this technology is taken seriously or not.
So funny enough most of us keep away from the subject , not because we don’t believe in its potential but because we don’t want it to become the “focus” , because its exactly the kind of thing marketers love to use to get bums on seats . Then before you know it , it becomes a “chick thing”.
Of course the marketers will not care if its made into a fad through their over advertising of one aspect of Vibration Training. Ruining its reputation. They will be pushing ” rejuvi-bum technology cream” or something similar next year. We would rather wait until it earns its reputation as a valid training tool first , then expand on its cosmetic functions later.
You think I am being a bit dramatic…. ?
Well a good example of this is look at what marketers did to Pilates. They took a system designed by a self defense instructor for Scotland Yard , he further developed it in a concentration camp for the guards to keep fit , and marketers managed to turn it into a ” chick thing” How was that possible ?
Because woman + weighloss + cellulite + promise of a smaller bum = soft target . Marketers can not resist taking the easy road and finding anything that could promise quick wonderful results and milking it for all its worth , making it eventually worthless by doing so. See its no problem for them to sell a “watered down version of the real” thing that is being sold under potential of a full system ( think Power Plate folks ) .
So in short chasing the cellulite angle now could ruin our industry.
I get a sharp pain in the top left side of my head when I use the machine, and then I have a low-grad headache all day. This has happened 5 days in a row. What do you think is going on?
Robin,
You could be describing any of several potential issues. Issues ranging from referred upper cervical spine (neck) pain to muscular pain to a circulatory issue. Not that you should panic, but it is certainly not a desireable result of vibration training and worth having examined by a MD.
Is it only occurring when you are training? Do you have any significant history of jaw, teeth or neck issues? Any other major medical issues? What
position (s) are you in when you experience this pain?
Before I can comment I need to know what type of machine you are using, and what poses you are doing.
Is it immediate or only in certain poses.
Question: I am looking for a vibration machine (VM) for my wife, who is 57 yrs. old. Our main purpose is to help prevent bone density loss. I understand the tri-planar type VM is better for this as compared to the oscillation type. But HOW much better? What type did the Russian cosmonauts use? What type was the Galileo machine?
Also, I am a bit cautious about the tri-planar type as are they not harder on the joints? My wife has a bad knee, and also her foot has a heel spur.
Your advise, please. Thanks!
John , sorry dont know where to start. It sounds like you have been reading to much marketing so it makes it hard to put you back on the right path. So some questions first so we are on the same page.
(1) How many of the articles on this site relating to your search have you looked at ?
eg..
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2009/03/whole-body-vibration-training-machine-review-categories
(2) Who told you Tri-Planer was better than Lineal or Pivotal ?
(3) Where are you located ?
Now to the NASA thing, they currently use a Treadmill with Vibration built into the platform ( TVIS ) , they also did ground tests with a very large purpose built Lineal unit and a Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System ( CEVIS ) but even though the tests were positive the unit they settled on was the TVIS. They since have tried multiple commercial machines and continue to use them in research.
ONLY the TVIS system is in space at present.
Lloyd:
Thank you for your attention to my question.
Yes, I have been reading a lot of articles, trying to sort all this out (it is a “jungle” out there!). For example, you state Vibraslim Europlate is made in China, while they have a site that specifically says it is NOT; I would tend to trust you over them.
Anyway, I have come across about 3-4 articles stating that the “up-down” type of vibrating machine is better than the pivotal (i.e, oscillating machine) when it comes to helping to build bone density. However, I have concerns about long term effects on my wife’s joints, especially since she has a bad knee and a heal spur; it seems logical to me (I realize “logical” may not necessarily mean “validity”) that an up-down motion would potentially have more negative effects on joints, etc. than a pivotal action.
So….if indeed the “up-down” type is better for building bone density, HOW MUCH better is it over the oscillating type?
Thank you very much.
John, Where are you located as that determines what home machines or studios are available.
I am located in the San Fernando Valley (a suburb of Los Angeles). However, I want a home machine, which I understand can be ordered via the Internet, regardless of location. Thank you.
John,
Take a drive north about 20 – 30 minutes to Chattsworth and visit with Josh at Hypergravity. He’ll let you demo the various hypergravity models. These are quality machines with great warranties and are available in home and commercial models.
Hi john,
If you do visit Hypergravity make sure you print off Vibra-Trains workout from their web site and follow that programe only, unfortunately after many repeated requests HyperGravity still refuse to change their programes.
PS Their machines are not in the commercial league, only home use.
John this is my advice…
Buy a Pro-Form Activator @ proform.com —> Vibration
Only $999
This is only a Low Energy / Low Amplitude Lineal
unit as per our review ( ignore their advertising )
“These units have no real amplitude and are
basically stable platforms that can be used
for everything from Osteoporosis treatment…”
It still must be used properly but the injury risk is so low on these machines your wife would have to deliberatley misuse the product to hurt her knee.
At some stage in the future you could look at upgrading to a workout or physio model like HyperGravity or Wave.
Note: Lineal is not the same as 3D/Tri-planer . From our review page again…
“The vibration is meant to be Lineal, which means
straight up and down, but some may actually
wobble which they sometimes promote as 3D.
This just means low quality/uncontrolled.”
Mike,
You said that the HGs are not commercial, but the review categories article puts them up in the High Energy category with the other commercial units.
Could you explain why you think they aren’t commercial?
Thanks
I’m not sure of the manufacturer but it is called Reflex and I was told it is manufactured in Italy. The name is something like Prollixe.
The sharp pain in my head is when I am just standing with knees flexed. I tried it today with my shoes on and it was ok until I went over 12 frequency. I still have a low grade headache though. I have a lower back issue in L5 but no other issues. Thanks!
Sounds like your primary issue may have to do with positioning and/or perhaps working at too high a frequency (I am assuming this is a pivotal platform?). Lloyd has much more experience with pivotal settings than I so I will let him comment on whether 12 hz is too high. The fact that using sneakers helped however, supports the idea that you are absorbing too much in your head wihtout them. This screams out, positioning error! Reference Lloyds program recommendations for the basic squat and follow the form of the individuals pictured. Is this how you are standing? If not, make the corrections and see what happens. Good Luck.
Yes, pivotal. I stand with my knees pretty flexed and often do a squat. It feels better when I stand on my toes rather than having my heels down. Besides the pain in my head when I’m on the machine, I’ve also had a low grade headache for the past 8 days 24/7.
Lloyd:
Thank you for the suggestion of the Proform Activator V7. In talking with them they stated that their amplitude is up to 4mm, as is left-right and forward-backward. First, you stated it was very low amplitude, but isn’t 4mm typical? Second, isn’t it the cheaper machines that are said to be “up-down” motion that also vibrate left-right and forward-backward?
I found out the electronics (the “interface” board with the user) is made in China. It is interesting that according to Proform the version that Costco sells ($399!!!), although it looks identical to the $999 version and is called the same thing, has a cheaper motor and frame.
As I have discussed before, based on the available, it appears that the “up-down” motion vibrating machines are better for building bone density and muscles than the oscillating types. If this is true, why is the “original” Galileo machine, which is an oscillating machine, so routinely referenced as the “one to match” for bone building, etc.
Cesar
There is a difference between commercial and high energy.
I have helped set up 2 different people with hypergravity, although they are high energy they do NOT have the ability to take a large number of clients on a daily basis.
John..
And after I told you not to listen to marketers tut, tut !!!
I know someone with the V7 device, trust me its basically zero amplitude. They might get “movement” with no-one on it, because its so light it would rattle around. That is not the same as controlled amplitude under load.
Galileo …..
Just marketing again. That does not mean it does not create bone density, it sure will , but as a result of the Training. You would not buy one solely for bone density unless you have more money than sense.
The cheaper $499 deal ? Go for it while there are some left. But those deals come and go pretty quickly.
Robin
my suggestion, stop using machine until your headache goes completely.
When you are on the machine make sure heels are always in contact with the plateform, do not let them bounce.
12hz should be fine. Make sure,unless you are doing a wide stance squat, that you stand no wider then hip width apart if that is to much then move your feet closer together.
Robin…
2 points…
(1) Do the squat properly or not at all. Either legs locked at slower speeds or basic squat at higher speeds.
(2) Even with the above advice you may enter a ” gray zone” at certain speeds . Basically your body is not keeping up with the machine at a rhythmic pace and this accentuates movement into the upper neck.
Pro-ellixe are a dodgy company so I have no idea how accurate their specs are, so who knows what Fq they are actually running.
Robin,
A 24/7 headache for 8 days is not typical and goes beyond positioning errors or any other type of exercise “mistakes”. I would take the advice given above for certain when training, but do not hesitate to see an MD and have this looked at.
Lloyd, when you say Pro-ellixe is “dodgy”, does that mean the equipment they produce does not have a good reputation?
Thanks all, I will follow the advice!!
Lloyd, I just read on a couple of websites that you should NOT use the machine if you have Spondylosis (vertebrae out of place). Think that could cause the head pain? Thanks again!
Spondylosis is a type of degenerative arthritis that can be made worse by using most machines. There are special units designed for issues like that but are not widespread yet.
So yes, nerve pressure or damage could occur.
Robin,
Spondylosis is NOT a vertebrae out of place. It is as Lloyd said, a term used to describe osteoarthritis of the spine. What you are describing is a spondylolisthesis and if you had that in the UPPER portion of your neck (the only part of your spine that refers pain to your head) you would certainly know it.
You’d make better use of your time googling “sources of constant headaches” and looking at the many, many causes of the problems you describe. If this is a 24/7 headache as you say, than how do you make such a clear connection with vibration training. That makes no sense. If you search the above terms you will see that there are quite a number of things that can be responsible for the issues you are describing…smoking, caffeine etc. etc.
Robin, you haven’t said that you have a properly diagnosed back problem, have you or are you just guessing? Did you have back pain or headaches before you first used your machine? If you are female you might consider hormonal reasons including any contraception meds you might be taking. BUT this is all conjecture, If you still have a headache and you’ve stopped using the machine for two days, see a doctor.
Just to clarify, I do have diagnosed spondylolithesis (sorry I got the name wrong before). Does that condition disqualify me from using the machine? My major concern is the sharp pain in my head I get only when I am standing on the pivotal machine at higher frequencies. But I am seeing the doc tomorow. Thanks.
That information certainly helps. I am assuming it is a LUMBAR spondylolisthesis? It would be rare to see this in the neck. Do you know what grade spondylolisthesis you have (1 – 5)? This is important information when establishing the degree of risk with ALL exercise….not just vibration training. The higher the grade the more potential for injury. The bottom line is that as long as you are stable and avoid positions of increased low back extension(arching), you should be fine. Watch the arch with the squat, pushup, and plank. Maintaining proper form is key no matter what issues you may have.
Let us know what the doctor thinks about the headache issue and if you cannot get rid of it despite perfect positioning and reducing the frequency and amplitude on the platform, it may unfortunately just not be appropriate for you. I think you will find a solution however so be patient.
If needed, I can later give the various references, and more details etc., but for now a real high level statement/question…
According to some medical studies/government findings it appears that any more than 1 g force is not good at the various frequencies often discussed in this forum. For example, ISO 2631, etc.
I have seen a machine by Juvent, the Juvent 1000, that uses an actuator, not a motor, and has a force of .3g at a frequency range of about 32 – 37 Hz, with an amplitude equal to the thickness of a few human hairs. THis machine apparently has a good history of research backing it, and has been approved in Canada, Europe, Australia, etc. for treating bone density issues, and is currently being examined by the FDA for approval to treat bone loss issues.
Thoughts? Comments?
Ok I will break down your concerns into points…
(1) I based all my original work on ISO 2631 and no-one else in the industry was interested. I emailed everyone and got little response. Mainly being told to shove off , and “who are you to question us”. Even Juvent, so its a bit funny now they try using it to make any case now. Too late to take them seriously.
(2) The ISO 2631 studies only observed negative impacts on “health” under long term exposure. Not short term ( as in controlled Vibration Training ). I personally concentrated on tank drivers, as they had the highest exposure to a “violent” WBV environment than anything else on record.
(3) Juvent were “only” looking for treatments to bone loss. They do not claim, and have never done studies on Training systems. They have zero reputation in that field.
(4) Recent statements by Juvent saying that theirs is the only machine in the world that is safe smacks of ” marketing” not science. Other units have low amplitude G-Force ratings. They do not mention them, so safety for the public is not their number 1 concern, sales are.
Power Plate did the same thing by saying only their machines were correctly calibrated to not make your eyeballs explode.
Funny and pathetic at the same time.
Consider this…
In some of the ISO 2631 studies negative health effects were seen in only a few short weeks, some were instant and shut down cognitive responses within secs but disappeared within secs. ( Air Force Pilots ).
Vibration Training units far exceeding the 1g mark have been used in tests for over 40 years and commercially available since 1999 with regular users I would say are now in the millions. With no reports of the type of symptoms seen with long term exposure.
Even people with central nervous system illnesses who would be very susceptible to any negative impact have shown no symptoms.
The fact is all the academic/semantic arguments in the world never beats the reality on the street. Even I have had to learn that.
Lloyd:
Again, thanks for your response on the “g” force issue. You recommended the Proform Activator V7 in my situation with my wife. Do you know what the “g” force is on that machine? I called Proform and they have no idea!
Looking at pictures of that machine, how does it have any amplitude to speak of….it “appears” in the pictures that the motor underneath the plate does not rest “on top of” anything, and therefore, how can it be pushing on the plate one stands on? Again, this is only an impression from the pictures I have seen on the internet. Thanks!!!
P.S. My main interest is in bone density issues, so the Juvent may be a very viable candidate for purchase. But your recommendation of the Proform Activator V7 for more general uses does interest me.
As I said, you ask the idiots that market these things and you will either get lies or gibberish. They really have no idea what they are selling.
I will not go down the road of explaining the mechanical limitations of the machine, we do not have room here for that, you will just have to trust that I know my stuff.
In regards to bone density, read my work on it first to understand where I am coming from …….
http://www.vibrationtraining.net/2008/06/vibration-training-and-bone-density
Juvent is a fantastic little unit, but for the price and limited use I personally believe it is a little steep. I also have problems with their arrogance which I believe is always an issue that reflects on the full disclosure I expect about units capabilities.
This may also interest you…
Female Born 1971
Diagnosed with Osteopaenia in Lumbar
Department of Medicine
Auckland University Bone Density Scan on 13/12/2006 showed BMD of 1.070 . 9% below average.
Fracture from fall on a boat causes compression fracture in T5, T6, T7. 19/2/2007
Vibration Training + Vibration Therapy on specialized unit with specialized poses. Due to this particular persons personal convictions no bone density drugs where taken.
Note: Re the drugs ,my advice was to follow Doctors orders.
Department Of Medicine
University of Auckland , Bone Density Scan 7/12/2007 showed BMD at 1.136 , and increase of 6.1% on baseline.
This was done on a specialized unit that exceeds 8g.
Lloyd:
You are right about marketing hype. Early I had reported that someone at Proform stated that the Proform Activator V7 sold by Costco (for $399) is an inferior machine to those sold at Proform’s website ($999 on sale, regular $1299) and others (at similar prices to Proform’s). Well, I checked that statement out with Icon (the manufacturers? or distributors? of the Activator V7). They said that the machine sold at Costco IS THE SAME quality as sold by Proform, etc., etc. As Mr. Spock would say, “FASCINATING!!!” Or would it be, “Most illogical.”
One clarification on my just issued comments: The Proform Activator V7 sold by Costo has the same name, Proform Activator V7, sold by Proform and others, at radically different prices. Icon stated that the machines are all the same machine; they also look 100% identical, and they are all called by the same model name, Activator V7. Difference in prices: from $399 up to $1299!!!
There aree also 2 other models that come and go. One without a weight set, the other without weights or handle bars.
Hi Lloyd,
would you please give me the link to the website of the guy who does the independent reviews of WBV machines.I read the post about the DKN machine but cant find the post now.As always i apreciate your help.
http://www.vibrationtrainingdevice.com/
Remember it is an engineering review only. His knowledge is limited to basic specs not the understanding of how it changes the effectiveness of the workout.
Does anyone know about this: on trollerbk.com website it states that in January 2009 Juvent Medical filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Should this affect one buying one of their machines?
I knew they were in trouble last year but thought they had worked it out, I even contacted them but they snubbed me. Not the first time, as when they first launched in N.Z. I asked for a meeting and they never got back to me.
I do not think their ” every machine in the world is dangerous except for ours ” will be missed by the industry.
Warranty work ? Who knows , with an actuator driving them and the low forces involved they should not break down much so hopefully not an issue for the consumer.