WHOLE BODY VIBRATION

What Whole body Vibration will do for you?

Muscle Tonificatin

Inactivity leads to muscles deterioration; muscle weakness and poor circulation which makes it increasingly difficult to take up any activity that may improve this condition. Vibration training can help you rebuild healthy and strong muscle tissue without the need for a strenuous or uncomfortable work out. Additionally, endorphins are released into the blood stream promoting a sense of well being, enhancing the perceived quality of life. Vibration training is the perfect tool for those individuals looking to start a new fitness regime but have not worked out in a long period of time.

Vibration training is also an exceptional alternative for those individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle, but who do not have the time or the motivation for a full work out three times a week.

Vibration training is suitable as a replacement to weight training when it is necessary to keep athletes in top condition and injury free throughout the season. Because the vibration training takes much less time and does not overtax the muscles it is a very popular alternative. Another benefit is that it also washes out lactic acid.

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Inch loss

Obesity and weight loss are directly influenced through vibration training. Vibration develops leaner muscle tissue as it increases the metabolic rate resulting in a higher caloric burn. Fat reduction is considerable and more effective in people who train for 10 minutes three times a week using vibration training than in those who do aerobic activity for one hour three times a week.

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Drains the lymphatic system and increases circulation

The positive effects of vibration training on lymph drainage and blood circulation, strengthens collagen, detoxifies the body and release substances such as HGH (human growth hormone), which helps in the fight against cellulite.

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Builds bone density

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress unnoticed until a bone fractures or breaks. Scientific research done by Russian Scientist, NASA and countless other scientific organizations has proven that bone density increases significantly (about 34%) under the influence of vibration training.

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Pain Control

Due to increased blood circulation and the extra stimulation of the nerves, pain is diminished. The increase in muscle tension during training often leads to a reduction of residual tension, which also reduces pain.

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Relieves stress and anti-aging

Vibration training is a quintessential tool in anti-aging and living a longer healthier life. Vibration training creates an intense vigorous workout affecting virtually every muscle in the body without using overload, and dramatically reducing strain on joints, ligaments and tendons. The brain reacts to the intensity of the workout by producing enormous blood flow and oxygenation throughout the entire body while also causing a dramatic spike in Human Growth Hormone (HGH) production up to 361%. This is the key to the repair and regeneration of tissues. At the same time there is a rise in testosterone up to 7%, a significant elevation of neurotransmitters and endorphins helping to suppress pain and elevate the users mood. Increased flexibility and range of motion as well improves the production of collagen all within the first ninety seconds of use.

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Seniors and people with debilitating conditions

After the age of 40, adults lose a quarter to a third of a pound of muscle a year and gain that much in body fat. For many seniors and people with debilitation conditions, weight training, aerobics, running and other high impact training methods simply arent an option. Vibration training is a low impact, non-strenuous and non-invasive workout. Vibration training is a simple solution to preventing age-related muscle loss. Not only does it improve muscle strength, but also increases flexibility and range of motion, enhances critical blood flow throughout the body, expedites the recovery and regeneration of damaged tissue and ultimately enhances the general wellness and quality of life for individuals. The elderly also improve their balance because vibration confuses the brain into automatically trying subconsciously controlling its own bodys balance.

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Vibration training is great for people with:

Emphysema

Vibration training is great for people with emphysema. It is almost impossible to do any kind of exercise requiring energy if a patient is suffering from emphysema. Vibration training can be very helpful in this case because the muscles are strengthened without severe exertion. Practically all the advantages of a regular workout can be achieved, and it can help patients get back into shape and able to do cardio-fitness training such as walking or running, which is very difficult otherwise.

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress unnoticed until a bone fractures or breaks. Scientific research done by Russian Scientist, NASA and countless other scientific organizations has proven that bone density increases significantly (about 34%) under the influence of vibration training.

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Arthritis and Rheumatism

Vibration training is proven to help increase blood circulation and dramatically improve flexibility and range of motion. Vibration training is a non-strenuous, low impact method of exercise that requires less time and achieves greater results than conventional training. Vibration training is the perfect tool for someone with physical limitations.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Again Vibration training is proven to help increase blood circulation and dramatically improve flexibility and range of motion. Vibration training is a non-strenuous, low impact method of exercise that requires less time and achieves greater results than conventional training. Vibration training is the perfect tool for someone with physical limitations.

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Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are often unable to train normally because the body (i.e. The brain) is no longer capable of controlling the muscles properly. However, muscles are activated in an entirely different way while using vibration training because it causes a stretch reflex without conscious effort. These reflexes are possible because the actual disease affects the nervous system rather than the muscle tissue.

Parkinsons Disease

Stroke Victims

Weakened Back muscles

Weakened lower back muscles are often the cause of back pain. These muscles can be reinforced by and appropriate training schedule using vibration. It is possible to strengthen the back muscles without severe mechanical pressure or rotation under strain. If a patient has an acute hernia of the back, they should NOT train using vibration. However, to avoid repeated back injury, vibration training is a great tool and is extremely useful.

Vibration training will not cure individuals with these conditions, but will allow them to activate the muscles, thus greatly enhancing ones quality of life. Practical experience has shown that these patients get stronger and less dependent on others, and experience less pain. This could be because vibration training stimulates new neuromuscular pathways, which means there will be more nerve endings to fire more muscle fibres. They tend to feel better and have more energy to cope with their everyday activities.

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Before beginning any exercise program it is necessary to consult your physician for a complete physical examination. In case of discomfort stop exercising and consult your physician.

It is therefore necessary to consider the following contraindications:

Pregnancy
Acute thrombosis conditions
Cardio-vascular disease
Fresh wounds post surgical intervention
Hip and knee replacements
Acute hernia, discopathy, spondylolysis
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Heavy migraine
Wearing a pacemaker
Wearing recently fitted i.u.d. Coils, metal pins or plates
Tumours

History of Whole Body Vibration

Whole Body Vibration has been used as an exercise and therapeutic tool since the late 1800s. The research of this technology really began in the late 70s with the development of a vibration system by one of Russia's key sports scientists, Dr. Vladimir Nazarov. He was an active sportsman, a member of the Soviet gymnastics team and occupied a chair for sports biomechanics at the State College in Minsk. He first introduced this technology to competitive sports, ballet, and medicine in the former USSR. The Russian Space Program uses the technology with their astronauts suffering from considerable bone loss and poor uscle tone due to weightlessness.

Once communism fell in Russia, the secrets of Whole Body Vibration made its way to Europe in the early 1990s. Just like in Russia, other European athletes began using this form of effective exercise. In addition, the European Space Agency and NASA are actively using vibration in ongoing studies for the maintenance of the muscle strength, mass, and bone density.

Now, Whole Body Vibration is being used in hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. Everyone from the elderly, the person with physical disabilities, to the general person looking to get toned is using this form of exercise. Due to its many benefits the technology is quickly gaining acceptance by universities, professional sports teams, and health professionals in the rehabilitation and medical fields.

Vibration training has 40 years of research behind its science. With any technology, the individual needs to take a critical look at the research and validity behind it. Whole Body Vibration has been featured in such prestigious and influential peer reviewed journals as Spine, Journal of Bone and Mineral Density, and Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. With its wide potential application, new research is constantly being initiated across numerous North American and European Universities. Since most Whole Body Vibration systems were developed in Europe, most of the peer-reviewed publications have come from there. At present there are nearly 100 articles dealing with the effects of and related benefits of Whole Body Vibration (WBV).

How Whole Body Vibration Works

When a muscle fiber is stretched, it contracts by reflex (stretch reflex). By simply standing barefoot on the machine, vibration is generated and sent through your body, which passively stretches your muscles. This causes millions of muscle contractions, which increases muscle tone and size. As muscle density increases, your metabolic rate goes up, as increase in muscle mass requires more energy.

The movement of the vibration plate simulates the body's natural 'stretch reflex' (Tonic Vibration Reflex). This is similar to the knee jerk reaction that occurs when the knee is tapped by a reflex hammer in a doctor's office. Without thinking about it, your body responds with a strong involuntary muscle contraction, leading to your leg 'kicking out'. With Whole Body Vibration technology, these strong muscle contractions can be repeated at a rapid rate.

Acceleration and Amplitude

These two factors will directly influence the "results" the user can expect. Acceleration can be defined as the maximum speed of the platform during the upward motion. Amplitude is the vertical displacement of the platform from the lowest to highest point.

The amount of force received by the user is directly related to the mass, or body weight of the user, and the acceleration of the platform in the upward motion. Since the weight of the user is constant, the greater the acceleration of the platform upward, the great the force applied to the user.

The greater the amplitude through which the force is applied, the greater the work done.

Nearly 100% Muscle Recruitment

Due to its involuntary effect on muscle contraction, nearly 100% of the muscle fibers are recruited. Compare this to conventional training where there is only on average 40% muscle recruitment. This benefits the rehabilitation patient looking to add stability and strength to all muscles around their joints, to the athlete looking to maximize strength gains.

Increased Blood Circulation

The gentle rapid contractions of up to 30 times per second allow the muscle to work as a pump in introducing blood to even the smallest blood vessels. This leads to the ability of the body to carry off waste products much faster, leading to increased peripheral circulation.

Faster Workout

By stimulating the body and muscles at high frequencies, users of Whole Body Vibration obtain comparable results of standard exercise in up to 1/6 of the time. Most training programs are only 6-11 minutes in duration.

Type of Vibration Used in the V Spot Vibration Machine

Currently there are two patterns of vibrations available in the U.S. market, a triplanar pattern involving all three directional planes, and a very specific one directional, oscillating pattern based on the concept of a center fulcrum and an alternating right/left, up and down motion.

The tri-planar motion means the platform on which you stand moves forward, backward, left, right, up and down. The whole body is simply "shaken" in multiple directions.

The unique design of the center fulcrum motion means that while the right leg is forced upward and thus reflexively contracting, the left is lowered and relaxed. In this manner, the right and left lower extremities simultaneously contract and relax. In addition, the action provides for the simulation of the natural crossover, loco motor pattern that forms the basis for human walking or running.

This pattern also allows for the stabilization of the spine and head, due to the left-right, natural tilting action of the pelvis, during locomotion. Vibrations to the head are hereby optimally reduced, which is essential for healthy WBV training. It can be said that this pattern is "vibration with a purpose, based on science."

Comparison of the V Spot Vibration vs. other Vibration Machines

Tilting motion: The V Spot Vibration vibrates using a site-to-side motion that better duplicates the natural gait of the human being. Most other vibration machines use a vertical vibration technique that is unproven and will cause dizziness of nausea in some users.
Viborollage: The V Spot Vibration also uses a technique known as Viborollage which combines different vibration frequencies using a preprogrammed warm up and cool down period to better duplicate a normal workout routine. Most other machines over use set levels of vibration with no pre-set warm up or cool down periods. This feature is unique to V Spot Vibration.
Chromatic Display: The V Spot Vibration includes a chromatic light display on the control panel during the workout to help with S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This feature is unique to V Spot Vibration.
Smart Cards: Each V Spot Vibration machine comes with 10 pre-programmed smart cards for different workout programs. This allows the user to easily select their preferred workout program. Most other vibration machines do not offer this feature.
Lower Noise Intrusion: The V Spot Vibration operates on a side-to-side movement with minimal noise transference into the flow and adjoining offices as opposed to vertical vibration machines.

Benefits of Whole Body Vibration

Improved energy, mood and lower stress levels due to hormonal changes:
Based on academic and research studies performed on Whole Body Vibration and focused exercise, significant beneficial hormonal changes were observed after using Whole Body Vibration.
Lower Stress Levels

Lowered Cortisol (Stress Hormone) 32%
Higher and more prolonged levels of Cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Decreased bone density
- Decrease in muscle tissue
- Higher blood pressure
- Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, as well as other health consequences
- Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body.
Improved Mood

Increased Dopamine
One of the neurotransmitters playing a major role is dopamine. Many of the concepts that apply to dopamine apply to other neurotransmitters as well. As a chemical messenger, dopamine is similar to adrenaline. Dopamine affects brain processes that control movement, emotional response, and ability to experience pleasure and pain.

Increased Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers within the brain that allow the communication between nerve cells. Serotonin is believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, sexuality and appetite.
Wellness

Positive Effect on Body Organs
Lynn McIntosh RN, CP, CR recently did a 3 month study training only on the V Spot Vibration and measured the results using the B.E.S.T. computerized testing system. (This device is based on Chinese meridian points and measures the flow of energy pathways between the body's organs and structures). Her initial results were overwhelmingly positive. There was a measurable significant improvement in all energy pathways between the organs, in some cases over 80%!
Increased Overall Fitness

Better Posture
When using the Whole Body Vibration, the body tries to keep the head and body steady and upright. All the muscles that keep the body in this position are forced to react to the oscillatory movements provided by WBV, thus exercising them. The variable speed of the V Spot Vibration produces thousands of repetitions per minute, and therefore a very strong training effect. Additional reflex benefits can be achieved by adding voluntary movements such as squatting, rotating the hips, moving the arms, etc. during the WBV session.

Improved Balance
The tilting vibratory stimulation of the V Spot Vibration evokes both horizontal and vertical balance reflexes. Studies show that this stimulation form leads to improvement of power, balance, maneuverability, and improved power in muscles that are responsible for stability, such as adductors, abductors, and muscles in the pelvis region.
Development of Power
Power is probably the most important, whether for the elderly or an elite athlete. We all should be paying a much greater attention to the development of power in our training of therapy sessions. Power is directly related to the ability of the individual to move their mass in response to their immediate need. For the elderly patient, it is the ability to react and move quickly to avoid a fall. For the elite athlete, it is to reach the finish line first by powering out of the blocks at the start. In either case, we must focus on the development of power. Since one's mass is constant, the focus must be on velocity.

The following statements were from an interview with Henk Kraaijenhof, and international performance consultant to individual elite athletes. The interview was given after he had spoken on the fundamentals of vibration training at the US Olympic Training Center, Fall 2002. (Pure Power Magazine, Fall 2002)

Some points made in the interview are as follows:

So what you see is a massive and continuous muscular activity in all muscles.
Since no tissue escapes vibration, it shows a wide range of effects, and has been shown to improve maximum strength, explosive strength, flexibility, circulation (for therapy), and bone density, and it also affects hormones, neurotransmitters, and body composition.
For strength, one vibration training session repeated 10 times for one minutes, with one-minute rest between "sets" shifts the force-velocity curve up and to the right, similarly to what's expected from high reps in the squat of leg press with relatively heavy loads.
For explosive strength, 10 days back-to-back of one session a day (10 times for one minute vibration training with one-minute rest intervals) increases explosive strength comparable to making 200-drop jumps from 24 inches, twice a week, for a year.
In the case of hormones, one workout with 14 healthy men increased testosterone by 7%, growth hormone by 460%, while Cortisol decreased by 32%.
Vibration training can have a strong, positive effect on many parameters. But beyond the ones discussed, there's also no pain or fatigue associated with this approach.
Actually adding vibration training to a normal workout might prevent over training. First of all, the circulation is improved, "flushing out" breakdown products of ammonia and lactic acid. Second, vibration normalizes muscle tone and stimulates the production of local pain killing substances, which is, I might add, a well-known application of vibration, in general. Third, the stimulation of hormones prevents over training, since the testosterone/Cortisol ratio is a marker for over training...Fourth, vibration itself doesn't lead to muscle damage or soreness, since there's no eccentric load.
My practical experience shows that more training load is tolerated, while recovery is enhanced.
It can be used as a warmup, e.g., 3 to 4 times one minute before weight training or any other workout...It can also be used as a cooling-down method, e.g., 3 to 4 times one minute after a workout or competition.
But, there is nothing against a separate vibration workout.

Applications

Medicine

Rehabilitation of force and power
Rehabilitation in Neurological patients
Muscle atrophy
Poor balance
Low back pain
Stress
Incontinence
Osteoporosis
Blood flow problems
Applications focused on metabolism and tissue strengthening and recover (arthritis, tendonitis, skin problems).

Current studies under investigation at this moment: Treatment of the physical status of women after a breast cancer operation, patients with diabetes type 2, rehabilitation of osteo-arthritis, tendonitis, muscle tears, and general recovery.

Sports and Fitness

Increasing readiness before training or competition (scar tissue, poor blood flow, arousal) -
Increasing effectiveness of (weight) training through Post Activation Potentiation. Enhancement of recovery after training
Increasing taxability
Enhancement of recovery after injury
Overall body tone improvement and strength training

Corporate Environment

Increased overall energy levels
Decreased stress
Improved mood
Short time commitment (10 minutes)
Reduced need for stimulants (caffeine)
Can be used in work clothes (no sweating)

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