Whole Body Vibration (WBV) exercise is becoming more of a mainstream form of fitness training among the novice exerciser and competitive athletes. Not only can vibration training work your muscles in a way that conventional training cannot, but also using a vibration machine has many proven therapeutic benefits too.
As more and more companies appear on the market each week, most giving conflicting information, it becomes difficult for consumers to know who to believe.
Essentially, whole body vibration equipment can move in three planes. This is dependent upon specific manufacturers. Some manufacturers only make lineal (vertical) vibration technology while others use a combination of lineal only, pivotal (oscillating, teeter-totter) or a third type called 3D or tri-planar.
A pivotal vibration plate vibrates from a center axis in a see-saw or teeter-totter like action (called frontal plane X-axis). A vertical vibration plate vibrates straight up and down (called vertical plane Z-axis). Both machines have proven benefits, and there is very little, if any, evidence to suggest one method is better than the other. Some, but not many manufacturers have WBV machines that move in three planes by adding a front to back motion (sagital plane Y-axis)
Vertical (Lineal) Vibration Platform Z-axis
Oscillating (Pivotal) Platform X-axis
Tri-Planar (3D) Platform Y-axis
Most WBV platform types can have 2 variables that can be adjusted to produce different vibratory effects. The two variables of a vibration platform are,
1. Amplitude: How high the platform moves during its vibration.
2. Frequency: How fast the platform moves while it is vibrating
By adjusting either of these two variables we also change things such as, the number of times per second our muscles contract, the amount G force exerted on our body, the degree of difficulty in stabilizing, the flow of blood through our body etc. Research tells us that different frequencies will have different effects on our body. Depending on what effects you are hoping to benefit from, will determine what frequency you should use your machine at.
It is also important to understand the recommended, researched, and safe variables when using each type of vibration platform. For pivotal vibration the frequency range should be between 1 and 30Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 6.5mm (13mm maximum displacement). For vertical vibration the frequency range should be between 25 and 50Hz, the amplitude range should be no greater than 3mm (6mm maximum displacement).
Most research studies suggest that using a vibration platform at higher frequencies is more beneficial for increasing muscle and strength. Therefore if is this one of the benefits you are looking for, it is important your machine can produce these higher frequencies. The research also suggests that the higher range of frequencies have far more benefits than the lower frequency range.
Want to find out more about Whole Body Vibration then visit Bruce Lipsky, MS’s site on how to choose the best WBV for your needs.
