Benefits of Using Whole Body Vibration Equipment - Is A Vibration Plate Really Capable of All That?

Countless research studies have consistently demonstrated the great benefits achieved from using Whole Body Vibration equipment, and more continue research further proving these benefits continue to be published regularly.

Whole Body Vibration equipment enables users to train the various skeletal muscles and trigger other body reactions. The effects are beneficial for use in sports, fitness, aesthetics, rehabilitation, health prolongation and medical therapies, just to name a few.

Several hundred peer-reviewed papers have been published on the positive effects of WBV, and the number of research studies conducted and published is constantly increasing as the industry and technology develop further.

Effects described in these studies include:

- muscle strength and toning
- cellulite reduction
- improved bone density
- heightened secretion of hormones associated with exercise (Seratonin & HGH)
- depressed response of hormones associated with stress (Cortisol)
- weight loss
- detoxification and lymph movement
- improved neuromuscular response
- greater balance & stability, and
- heightened quality of life

In order to have any effect on the body over the long term, it is vital that the body systems experience fatigue or some sort of light stress. As in other forms of training, when the body is overloaded repeatedly and regularly, the principle of supercompensation applies. This principle is the cause of the body adapting and responding to loading, resulting in a performance increase. This effect has been proven several times in scientific research for both young and elderly subjects.

From research into the structural effects of vibration stimulus it can be deduced that the increases in strength resulting from WBV can definitely be compared to the results attained through conventional methods of training. Although, there are indications that better results may be achieved with WBV, especially in the area of explosive power, fast twitch reflex, and high repetition stamina.

Another important difference between conventional training methods and WBV is that there is only a minimum of loading. No additional weights are necessary, which ensures that there is very little loading to passive structures such as bones, ligaments and joints. That is why WBV is highly suited to people that are difficult to train due to old age, illness, disorders, weight or injury. On the other hand, it is also highly suitable for professional athletes and other physically active individuals who want to stimulate and strengthen their muscles without overloading joints and the rest of the physical system to achieve a new peak in physical fitness.

Other than its influence on the muscles, use of Whole Body Vibration equipment can also have a positive effect on bone mineral density. Vibrations cause compression and remodeling of the bone tissue which activates the production and delivery of osteoblasts (bone building cells), while reducing the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break bone down). Repeated stimulation of this system, combined with the increased pull on the bones by the muscles, will increase bone mineral density over time. It's also likely that improved circulation and the related bone perfusion due to a better supply of nutrients, which are also more able to penetrate the bone tissue, are contributing factors.

In preventing falls and the bone fractures that often result from them, enhancing bone mineral density is not the only important issue. Increased muscle power, postural control and balance are also factors worthy of consideration. Studies involving elderly subjects have shown that all of these issues can be improved using Whole Body Vibration.

Numerous studies have also demonstrated the ability of Whole Body Vibration in reduction of weight and cellulite. The increase in physical activity stimulates a rise in caloric consumption of the body in very much the same way as regular cardiovascular exercise. For most users the big upside is the shortened amount of time needed to achieve these results (just 10 minutes a day) in combination with the ease of exercising on a WBV device. Increases in the movement of lymph fluid as a direct result of WBV also play an integral role in the reduction of weight along with the benefits of detoxification.

Today, the applications for WBV continue to be researched and explored as the industry continues to evolve. Currently NASA, The Russian Space Institute, and the European Space Agency are experimenting with various types of vibration systems in an effort to further develop the technology and gain the ultimate benefits from vibration stimulus.

If applied properly and utilized for the right reasons with each individual, whole body vibration equipment really can produce the phenomenal results touted by the market.

The other major component is being sure to use a quality device to expose your body to the vibration stimulus. If you try to spend less and get a cheaper machine, that's all you'll end up accomplishing, getting a cheaper machine.

You will positively miss out on the full range of benefits of WBV because the cheaper machines are not strong enough to produce the full scale results that the legitimate devices can.

It may be a little more investment upfront, but the return in the long run is so much greater, the only way it makes sense to buy a device is to buy a good quality one that will maximize your investment and results, thus getting you the greatest return for your money spent and effort put forth.