Whole Body Vibration (WBV)  has been used as an exercise and therapeutic tool since the late 1800s. Research of this technology began in the late 1970’s with the development of a vibration system by a Russian sports scientists, Dr. Vladimir Nazarov. An active sportsman, a member of the Soviet gymnastics team and chairman 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, European Space Agency and NASA are actively using vibration in ongoing studies for the maintenance of muscle strength, mass, and bone density.

WBV is being used by universities, professional sports teams, in hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and the best Chiropractic rehabilitation facilities with everyone from the elderly, the physically disabled, and the average person looking to get toned is using this form of exercise.

In the last 40 years of research, there are nearly 100 articles dealing with the effects, safety and related benefits of Whole Body Vibration in such prestigious and influential peer reviewed journals as;

Spine, Journal of Bone and Mineral Density,
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and   others.

The WBV advantage over conventional training is due to its ability to provide more effective and efficient training without the multiple repetitions, joint stress and large time commitments associated with regular exercise.

Research has shown strength gains equivalent to conventional resistance training at a fraction of the time commitment. Fifteen minutes of WBV training produces results comparable to one hour of conventional training. Therefore, WBV provides a safe and effective alternative to those who want benefits from weight training, but are unable or unwilling to engage in it.

The Stretch Reflex:  The movement of a vibration plate with an amplitude of at least 4 mm 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 reacts with a strong involuntary muscle contraction. These strong muscle contractions can be repeated at a rapid rate. At a frequency of 6 to 20 times a second, WBV can produce up to 1200 muscle contractions in one minute.

Muscle Recruitment:  Due to its involuntary effect on muscle contraction, nearly 100% of the muscle fibers are recruited compared to conventional training where the average is only 40%.   This means that the benefits of stability and strength to all muscles around the joints are maximized in the shortest and least strenuous manner.

Blood Circulation:  The gentle rapid contractions of up to 1200 times per minute allow the muscle to work as a pump introducing blood to even the smallest blood vessels. This increase in circulation leads to the ability of the body to carry off waste products much faster than traditional rehabilitation.

The effects on cellulite:  Cellulite is a type of fat deposit that is filled with body waste material that can happen to anyone at any age, regardless of whether you are skinny or overweight! This is usually in a honeycombed shaped pattern that tends to bulge out like stuffing in a mattress.

In order to reduce cellulite, an exercise program has to be very specific so that you increase muscle tone, detoxify and replace fat stores with lean muscle. Doing extremely high repetitions of exercise at all the possible angles is one way to reduce cellulite. Whole body vibration is a better way as it presents a very high rate of muscle contraction repetitions in a short period of time and works all muscle fibers.

Anti-aging:  Obviously, there are many factors that contribute to the effects of aging, and inactivity and emotional and physical stress are two. Whole body vibration has been shown to decrease the stress hormone Cortisol and increase Serotonin which research confirms also combats aging. Vibration also helps by increasing the strength of your muscles. The health and strength of the bones and joints is directly proportionate to the health and the strength of your muscles, flexibility and endurance.

Frequency:  Whole body vibration can be used daily without deleterious effects that one may experience with traditional rehabilitation or training.

Due to its ability to increase circulation, lactic acid is quickly cleared, leading to faster recovery and therefore is in many aspects, more efficient than conventional training. With traditional weight training, the muscles undergo micro tears through the stresses placed on them. This leads to a recovery time of 48 hours before engaging in that activity again. Vibration training minimizes these micro tears. Combine this with the increased circulation and there is only a 24-hour recovery period before you can effectively use the same muscle group.

Ideal patients and benefits are:

This form of training is good for everyone including athletes because of the lymphatic stimulation and that this modality is easy on your joints. Additionally, the following people best benefit from WBV training:

o Seniors/Aging Boomers: Balance, bone density, muscle stimulation, mood improvement through serotonin.

o Busy Executives: The compressed time commitment is ideal for busy professionals who sit most of the day.

o Overweight and embarrassed to go to the gym: Many people are self conscious about their weight and prefer to train in the home. However, when you are overweight, traditional exercise can be painful.

o Travelers: Sitting for long periods frequently can cause blood clots or other problems.

o New mothers: Varied WBV postures will focus on strengthening and reducing the hips, thighs and abdomen areas quickly.

o Back patients: WBV training is proven to actually help with many lower back issues.

o Muscle toning in legs, arms and abdomen.

o Core muscle conditioning and strengthening.

o Muscle stretching. (Reduced injury if used as a warm up)

o Improved digestion.

o Lymphatic drainage and microcirculation improvement. This detoxifies and reduces congestion in your fat and cellulite, resulting in inches lost!

o Increased serotonin production, which helps combat Seasonal Affected Disorders.

o Enhanced endorphin release generating that feel-good sensation which follows a traditional work out (runners high).

o Increased production of Growth Hormones and all of its anti-aging benefits.

o Decreased production of Serum Cortisol (The body’s stress hormone)

o Enhanced bone density and bone building as the exercise is weight bearing.

o Body reshaping.

o Reduces pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis.

o Improves balance and coordination.

o Eliminates stress on joints, ligaments and tendons when compared to traditional exercise.

o Reduces acute and chronic lower back pain due to muscle strain and core muscle strengthening.

o Improves mobility due to the natural loco motor crossover pattern of the vibration.

Contact  Denver South Chiropractic & Rehab  today for a  Free Chiropractic Consultation  and to learn more about whole body vibration therapy in Denver.