Research has shown that standing on a vibrating platform for therapeutic means has lasting benefits. The vibrations stimulate and invigorate the muscles and bones, and recent studies have shown that this is helpful to older and inactive adults in particular.
Articles in the Current Sports Medicine journal, show that there is support highlighting the pros and cons of vibration therapy. The whole-body vibration (WBV) training entails standing on a platform that transmits mild impulses through the feet spreading into the entire body.
How Does Vibration Therapy Work?
The muscle fibers are invigorated by these impulses, which are far more efficient and less impactful than regular workouts. WBV is deemed to improve muscle power, which in turn allows one to jump higher or further and sprint faster. Research also illustrates an increase in older women’s bone mass by using WBV with therapeutic potential.
Studies Into The Pros Of Whole Body Vibration
Studies show that 1 in 28 postmenopausal women, it is established that an increase in hip bone mass was evident. The study entails, over a period of 8 months, showed that women standing in the squat position on the vibrating platform for cycles of 1 minute each, 3 times a week. In postmenopausal women, it was found that WBV training controls hip and spinal bone density loss.
A mixed outcome in studies with regard to enhanced athletic ability was also agreed to by a few doctors. However, studies found that squats done on the whole body vibration apparatus were more effective and improved than regular squats done without the aid of vibration. Questions were posed, asking if WBV would be beneficial to young, healthy people. According to the doctors, it would be positive and boost muscle power overall.
Inactive and elderly people have a greater chance to develop muscle performance on the WBV that was similar to, if not better than, that of traditional exercise techniques. It’s important to note, however, that WBV should be avoided by patients with heart conditions or high blood pressure. That is until such time that safety aspects are researched in depth.
