Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training is a recent fad that has been foisted upon the public by fitness marketing types. In recent years several different types of these vibrating platform contraptions have hit the market.
About a month ago I wrote a critical review of something called the Power Plate that was getting press because the aging pop star Madonna had purchased one and was supposedly singing its praises. I kicked off a firestorm among the WBV crowd because I actually read the studies used by the Power Plate people, and pointed out that the emperor had no clothes.
In my research on the Power Plate I came across the Hypergravity website, a manufacturer of another of these WBV platforms.
Over several installments over the next month or so I will provide a detailed look at each study that the marketers of the Hypergravity platform use to support the claims that they make about their product, and show how the data from these studies is severely lacking.
It bears mentioning that the numerous spelling and grammatical errors that are present on almost every page of the site are indicative of an intellectual laziness that permeates the Hypergravity people's approach to everything, including the science that they allege backs up their claims. This lack of attention to detail speaks volumes about how these people act in their efforts to try and sell their ersatz, high-tech snake oil.
To kick this whole thing off I’ll address the claims coming from the WBV hucksters that NASA has studied this mode of training, and as a result has determined that WBV is valid and its benefits can be derived by astronauts and earth-lubbers alike.
On the home page of the Hypergravity site we’re told that “Vibration technology is based on Russian research and development. It reached its peak when Russian cosmonauts were able to regain bone mass (which was lost due to lack of gravity in space) using advanced vibration technology. Today NASA is working with similar technology: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) to stop and possibly reverse the loss of bone density.”
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Camille
I am concern that all the talking and news regarding all body vibration is only about power plate , there is a manufacturer in Germany by the name of Fitvibe that has been in the business of manufacturing medical and rehabilitation devices for over 40 years. they are using their machine specifically in the medical and rehabilitation business. I believe that this people know what they are doing with the whole body vibration concept. As a matter of fact, I have purchase one of this machine: the fitvibe Excel pro and the fitness and strength results are amazing.
The fitvibe is manufactured in Germany and their claim on WBV is that the only efficient vibration is a vertical vibration with a low amplitude ( as a matter of fact, their machine Fitvibe Medical as been approved by the European Board of medicine (MDD approved).. As per power plate It seems that their machine is manufacture in China and provide 3 D vibration??? and have no medical background in their sleeves. Sal, if you know something about this company, please enlighten us.
2 - sal m
the research doesn't support claims by the manufacurers of these devices that whole body vibration training is valid.
any company that uses this data should be considered in the same boat as power plate and hypergravity.
3 - Hairynipples
Is this anything like those vibrating belts you put around your waste at the old gyms??
You must be in a serious mood not to have placed a picture of them above.
4 - LLoyd Shaw
The TVIS system NASA is using , is still in its 3rd phase ( it broke again ) on the space station right now. Reports are slow to be released as always.
I understand Juvent DMT ( a U.S. based company ) may have the rights to the reports. And they are only looking a bone density issues.
As Vibration Training has a limited cardio level ( static ) i cant ever see it replacing traditional training.
Just like to point out that weight training was also debunked for over 40yrs after very positive original research was released , by health proffesionals.
And there are still those who belive its only for athletes.
The moral of this is , yes be sceptical , but not to the detriment of moving forward. Or you risk looking like someone who cant handle change.
And try not to lump all Vibration Therapy/Training machines together. That is very similar to saying every car is the same because they are similar. Im sure the guy down the road who owns a Bentley would dis-agree.
And not all companies are like Power-Plate. I have had conversations with people who are doing this for the right reasons. Gymna-Uniphy ( who produces the Fit-Vibe ) has a good reputation and medical history , and is anything but " dodgy "
5 - sal m
lloyd:
the problem - especially if you visit these sites - is that WBV is being touted as being applicable to the general population based on what NASA is doing.
the state of today's research with regard to health related issues is way more sophisticated today than it was 40 years ago. and 40 years ago weight training was "debunked" not through science, but through incorrect assumptions and a lack of understanding.
it's not a detriment to moving forward in criticizing a gimmick like WBV as it's being marketed to the general population.
also, if the research doesn't back up the claims of the WBV'ers how is that indicative of being unable to handle change? the hypergravity site makes all kinds of outrageous claims as to the benefits of WBV where there is NO research or indications of WBV's efficacy.
6 - LLoyd Shaw
You are correct , the claims are random at best , and dont apply to every unit available. And the work NASA is doing is valid to some degree but its a very small part of what vibration training is all about. The marketers just like a nice label attached to something to justify their job. Something i am working hard to clean up.
The point i am trying to get through at the moment , is as an exercise format , vibration training is not new. Rebalancing techneques have been aroung for years. And have been used more and more recently by coaches and trainers worldwide.
Think of this , " ball rebalancing " is popular for stability because of the involuntary contractions caused during the time you can stay standing up. Now think of the ball vibrating.
The same rebalancing response is caused , just alot more controled. This allows pressure to be added to the equasion leading to a stronger required force to keep balanced.
And yes it is very hard.
I think the problem with Vibration Training is its real uses are being over-run by "Wealth" industry people , and the "Health" industry may lose out. Therapy machines with no RF rating are being sold as workout models ( plastic , light , Chinese made ) , with no relevent research attached .
I understand why it looks so dodgy. I appoligize on behalf of those who are doing this for the right reasons. Please give us time to show you what is real and what is not.
7 - LLoyd Shaw
I would also like to point out , that Palates was launched worldwide with very little scientific evidense to support its claims.
But people tried it anyway. Something i always found confusing , untill i found out how much money everbody stood to make , by NOT pointing that out.
8 - sal m
lloyd:
you make good points and i do not disagree with where you are coming from. if it turns out the WBV can offer something, that's great.
in addition to those who are misapplying the data from NASA's work on the subject, i have a problem with the extremely flawed studies that have been conducted on WBV. in particular these WBV studies that involved the aged. i will address this issue in the next installment.
with regard to pilates, you are also right. pilates is a great complimentary activity. as a matter of fact, and to paraphrase,no one mode/method of exercise is an island. weight training alone cannot do everything for a person, neither can jogging, martial arts, cycling, pilates etc.
9 - LLoyd Shaw
My main aim is to use Vibration Training as a stepping stone for the clinically obese , just to allow simple pressure and movement into the outer limbs . This eases the occurance of Type 2 Dia/ Septic shock and amputations.
As any health proffesional knows , nothing a good walk wouldnt help with. But its a symantic agruement. The truth is this is not happening.
And my mortuaries are full of the truth.
10 - sal m
lloyd:
i agree with you...if WBV can be used to aid those who are considered to be in that extreme category of disrepair, that more power to it.
11 - LLoyd Shaw
I would like to add , we at Vibra-Train do not agree with Power-plates move to allow people with pacmakers on WBV devices.
We believe this action comes from pure greed at work.
What is next , pregnant woman ?
12 - Vij Madiz
BMJ Journals
Whole body vibration exercise: are vibrations good for you?
M Cardinale1 and J Wakeling2
1 College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK and British Olympic Medical Institute, Northwick Park Hospital, London, UK
2 The Royal Veterinary College, Structure and Motion Laboratory, North Mymms, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
Correspondence to:
Dr Cardinale
College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK;
Accepted 25 April 2005
ABSTRACT
Whole body vibration has been recently proposed as an exercise intervention because of its potential for increasing force generating capacity in the lower limbs. Its recent popularity is due to the combined effects on the neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems. Preliminary results seem to recommend vibration exercise as a therapeutic approach for sarcopenia and possibly osteoporosis. This review analyses state of the art whole body vibration exercise techniques, suggesting reasons why vibration may be an effective stimulus for human muscles and providing the rationale for future studies.
13 - Vij Madiz
Aesthetic MD
Additional references here. Readers, Do your due diligence...
14 - Lloyd Shaw
Yes some studies being done that are promising , and causing concern at the same time.
Be aware most studies are done with only one type of unit ( usually as a marketing ploy by the company " sponsoring " the tests ) . Limiting any response they may be looking for. The range from Therapy to Training is huge in the units and this exact information is seldom givin .
A good case in point is the "Vibro-Gym" , which is being tested at a number of Australian Universities. The criteria for the studies was supplied by Vibro-Gym , and they are repeats of tests already completed at most European Universities years ago.
The tests are only been done because a positive outcome is assured.
Good marketing for VibroGym , and someone gets their grant.
But it in no way moves Vibration Therapy/Training ahead.
Maybe a Yr 1 student may fall for this , but certainly not a health proffesional.
I have yet to see a proper study done on multiple units with a wide range of subjects. Looking for different clinical effects.
At some stage my research company ( Vibration Training LTD ) will fund such a study with all manufacturers invited to partake.
15 - sal m
lloyd:
your comments, "The tests are only been done because a positive outcome is assured" and "Maybe a Yr 1 student may fall for this , but certainly not a health proffesional," are spot on.
the only addition i'll make is that the other people who "fall for it" are the gullible and less-than-knowledgable members of the general public.
16 - Lloyd Shaw
Yes well im trying to clean things up. But the marketers are not happy with me. In fact i may be shot anyday.
17 - Wiliam W. Newbill
fffMy comment is that Soloflex is now offering a Whole Body vibration therapy unit that says "God does the healing, we collect the fee." Indeed. "scientists don't know how it works," say the advertisement. More accurately, scientists don't know if WBVT works at all, but we do know that false or unsupported medical claims are made all the time. People will bleieve almost anything, especially when it offer improvement with no effort on your part.
I have osteoporosis and I can tell you quite honestly that no serious experts are recommending or even talking about WBVT as a treatment.
If you're not willing to make the minimal effort to walk, lift some weights, and try other known methods of improving your health, then maybe WBVT is for you. Just don't expect it to do anything other than magically lighten your wallet.
18 - sal m
mr newbill:
your last paragraph says it all...thanks for reading and responding!
19 - Lloyd Shaw
I am starting to believe none of you have actually tried a real "Vibration Training" machine ( not a plastic Chinese machine ). It is VERY hard and is no easy or free lunch. So i dont quite understand your reaction. But if you have tried most avalable units , and they where crap ,then sat so.
I have personally seen commenwealth athletes and coaches , falling off with absolute fatigue. And they where very impressed.
I understan Sal M , your hobby is being a skeptic , but doesnt it have its own set of rules ? Like some personal research ?
20 - sal m
the personal research is looking at the research provided by these hucksters and seeing that no such "proof" exists. the studies provided by the people selling this stuff are lacking, so how can the argument be made that WBV is worth trying or spending money on?
the purveyors of these gadgets distort reality when they say there is proof that WBV works, and if there was real proof there would be real studies with real results to provide for us.
in this particular case there would be actual studies from NASA and not 5 year old stories talking about proposed studies and the theoretical uses for WBV.
all i am doing is pointing out that the people who sell this gimmicktry have not provided any compelling reasons to use WBV.
21 - Lloyd Shaw
Fair point SAL , but the research they choose to put up is marketing. No decent research could be done to date , because the machines where not built and developed for all goals.
The studies from N.A.S.A. where never released ( someone bought the I.P. ) but they still have a TVIS system used everyday on the space station ( after 5 yrs ).
You can see this buy googleing " TVIS N.A.S.A. "
So that should at least tell you something right ?
I personally rely on feedback from trainers , athletes etc... to move the industry forward , not old dodgy studies.
To put it bluntly they jumped the gun about 10yrs ago and released essentialy test models to the public , just to make some $$$$. And had to make up claims to shift product. That has really set us back , and almost caused me to give up.
I can tell i am "pushing shit up-hill with a small broom" to make you believe Vibration Training has a valid place in exercise programs.
I suppose its up to me to PROVE to you we arent all full of it.
22 - sal m
i like that saying about using the small broom! if i use it i will give you credit.
and you are totally right that it's up to the people who sell these devices to be responisible in their marketing efforts. if i go to the hypergravity site and the best that they can do is give me old, irrelevant stuff, it's not my job to go out and find the proof that they should provide.
and with regard to the NASA stuff, i did say that even if WBV works in a weightless environment that it is quite a stretch to assume in will work down here on the ground to the same extent and in the same manner.
as i said, all i am doing is responding what these companies are doing and pointing out the inadequacies in their data.
23 - TJ Schneider
I read all of the comments regarding WBV and thought I would weigh in as a person who is battling primary progressive multiple sclerosis. I was always a very active person and since the onset of this illness I have been unable to do any physical activity. I cannot get enough of a workout in a pool to do any good and I can say unequivocably that the Soloflex WBV has been a godsend. The circulation in my legs have improved dramatically as has the pain in my hip from the way I have to walk. I understand that you are here to question the validity of a product, but in this case, I have to disagree. Gravity affects me every day and without this product I would still be in pain 24/7. It is not a cure-all but I can tell you that now at least I can tolerate the level of pain.
I understand your skepticism but would also ask you to look at the positive side of these products.
24 - sal m
tj:
if you feel that the platform is helping you than that is great.
my point is that while there may be some narrow application of the WBV for people who are suffering from a degenerative condition like MS, this doesn't mean that it's applicable to members of the general population.
and that being said at my facility, our physical therapist treats patients with a variety of severe and degenerative conditions, and has great success using traditional methods of rehab and without the costs involved with WBV platforms.
like me, he has read the research and shares my beliefs with regard to WBV.
25 - Lloyd Shaw
Lloyd Shaw
January 24th, 2007
POWER-PLATE CAUGHT RED HANDED
Mr Chris Bantin
75 Manoor Park Drive
Yateley
Hants
GU46 6JZ
27/02/06
To whom it may concern,
This is a letter with reference to the articals thet Power Plate have been placing in magazines.
The artical seeks to imply that I have been helped by PowerPlate in the past and I am endorsing them for othered disabled people. Both of these implications are false.
Everything about my experiences and the benifits I felt are true but it all relates to the machine now know as the Vibro-Gym and Kevin Barkclay web.
I do believe Vibration training is of tremendous benefit to bisabled people but I do not want them to be misled by unscrupulous marketing.
Yours Truly
Chris Bantin
The artical advert printed in D&CS FITNESS ( Disabled and supportive care mag )
It does imply all the way through the artical that Chris Bantin has been helped by Power-Plate and endorses it for everbody.
Now also remeber this was the new Chinese built unit that had massive problems from day one. So why would Power-Plate even let a disabled person near an uncalibrated unit.
Power-Plate once again shows us what they stand for.