Whole body vibration therapy (WBV) has become a popular device among the general public, professional athletic teams, beauty and therapeutic spas. Recently physical and occupational therapist, chiropractors and physicians who often specialize in bone & joint disorders, pain management and age related diseases, especially involving degenerative nature are appreciating the clinical efficacy and outcomes for their patients.

History of WBV

WBV can be traced back to ancient Greece where it is reported that healers applied mechanical vibration to a body part that was not functioning properly. In the late 1800’s a noted medical researcher, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg utilized various forms of WBV on his patients in his sanitarium and while various applications were consistently utilized in medicine it wasn’t until the 1960’s when Dr. Biermann of East Germany published his findings with vibration therapies which he termed Rhythmic Neuromuscular Stimulation (RNS). Dr. Nazarov, a Russian scientist at the time paralleled Dr. Biermann’s work that is published as Biomechanical Stimulation (BMS), which was a localized vibration, designed to produce a substantial increase in muscular strength, flexibility and bone density, especially in athletes. Favorable clinical findings led to further studies with the scientists of the Russian cosmonaut program, the Russian Space Institute (RSI), the European Space Agency and NASA aimed at introducing a WBV to inhibit muscle atrophy and bone loss during prolonged space flights. Many of these studies were kept secret until the fall of Communism when the information was openly shared and free enterprise realized the market share of interest and profit.

Application & Function

WBV can be achieved when exercises are performed while the person stands or sits on a vibrating platform. Vibrations are produced by electric motors under the platform, which in turn transmit the vibrations to the person standing on the platform. As the platform vibrates, the muscles are forced to react to the vibration (energy). Many different WBV’s are manufactured and sold today and vary in quality as well as clinical performance. The function of each WBV is determined by the specific effect or outcome produced by the moderator (platform). Most machines today vibrate in three planes or directions, front and backward, sideways, up, and down. The sideways motion produce a seesaw type of motion that is similar to a walking gait where one foot is moving upwards while the other is moving downwards. Some machines combine the sideways motion with up/down and oscillating action at the same time, thus eliciting a cycle of activity.

Several inherent effects reported in recent clinical studies support results from WBV.
• Boost bone mineral density
• Improve muscle strength in elderly adults
• Improve balance, gait function & ambulatory strength
• Enhance peripheral circulation
• Reduce healing time from fractures, sprains-strains
• Reduce recovery time in post-surgical implant patients

It is well understood that WBV is a “low-load” exercise device that aids many patients who are unable to perform static exercises and/or perform strenuous movements primarily due to the mechanical traction that will cause the muscles to lengthen and the subconscious contraction effects on the muscles are greater than conscious, voluntary movements.

WBV enhances circulatory function due to the rapid pumping action that affects the relaxation of a muscle bundle, blood vessels and lymphatic fluid movement.

There are four main categories that determine the result and/or outcome of the therapy performed. Specific application will dictate the type of unit you consider.

1. Pivotal platforms producing only a low vibration
• This type of machine typically offers little if any therapeutic value.
2. Lineal platforms producing a low to medium vibration
• This type of machine is generally limited in clinical value for osteoporosis prevention, blood circulatory management and flexibility as well as limited exercise or fitness value.
3. Lineal platforms producing a medium to high vibration
• This type of machine directs a lineal/upward motion, producing a strong stretch-reflex contraction of the muscles and is usually a commercial /industrial grade unit.
4. Pivotal platform produce a teeter-totter movement and medium vibration
• This type of machine is ideal for exercising at higher speed and used for physical therapy at lower speeds. The human body can absorb vertical vibrations better due to gravitational forces so in order to produce a therapeutic stretch reflex in a muscle, a WBV machine must be able to deliver two functions:
  1. Hz – which is the frequency - Muscle frequency varies from person to person
  2. Up and down movement along with the oscillating lineal motion is the desired movement.

Clinical Efficacy

WBV is demonstrated to be effective in a vast number of conditions involving degenerative, post-traumatic, post-surgical, acute and chronic neuro-muscular, bone & joint, vestibular, circulatory and lymphatic health issues. It does not seem to replace static, aerobic, and cardiovascular exercising, but is helpful in burning calories simply because of the effects on the muscles during the vibratory activity. WBV is also a therapy of choice for weight management or morbidly obese persons due to their inability to perform routine exercises.

Another broad market for WBV is the geriatric patient who often presents with one or a combination of conditions involving the body systems. It has also demonstrated significant application with the institutionalized, aged patient due to the influence on muscle performance, balance, flexibility and mobility that WBV can present.

Often the geriatric patient avoids activity due to pain, fatigue, lack of interest or fear of injury. WBV can be instituted because it can overcome these resistance factors that make it attractive for institutionalized, home bound and persons who need to increase functional activity.

Clinical Contraindications

As with any form of exercise, any person should consult a physician, health care provider or physical therapist prior to engaging usage with WBV in order to qualify their health status. Equally as important to the wide range of clinical conditions, it is recommended that WBV be considered with some precaution for people who currently and/or who may have or have had in the past:

• Thrombosis or blood clots of any nature (lung / pulmonary /arterial)
• Epilepsy and/or any type of seizure disorder
• Certain / specific severe neurological disorders
• Head Injuries / amnesia / cognitive memory loss
• Recent post-operative joint replacement (Foot, Knee, Hip)
• Nephrolithiasis
• Acute hernia,
• Spinal discopathy or spondylosis
• Advanced arthrosis, arthropathy and/or acute RA
• Retinal condition and/or detachment
• Cancer (tumors)
• Cardiovascular disease, pacemaker, or cardioverter / defibrillator
• Diabetes (severe type I)
• Wounds (non-healing for any reason)
• Acute infections and/or inflammatory conditions (non-healing)
• Recently implanted IUD’s, metal pins, plates or hardware
• Pregnancy or difficulties in pregnancy in the past

Clinically placed machines should be monitored by a physician, therapist or trained technician who is prepared to act appropriately for any pain, vertigo, loss of balance, chest discomfort and/or shortness of breath.

How Whole Body Vibration Works.

The vibrations are created by a mechanically vibrating platform and transferred to the body through the feet or hands that are in contact with the vibrating plate. By standing on the plate, the vibration generates systematic involuntary muscle contraction throughout the body, which not only increases your flexibility but also challenges balance and coordination, burns fat by increasing your metabolism while it improves your circulation and provides your cells with ideal oxygen and nutrient delivery to slow the degenerative process.

The body automatically adjusts to these mechanical stimuli by responding with what is called a “stretch reflex”. This is similar to the knee jerk reaction that occurs when the knee is tapped in a doctor’s office. The body responds with a strong involuntary muscle contraction, leading to your leg ‘kicking out’. The vibration platform works in a very similar way. The stretch reflex is actually a reflexive adjustment that is occurring in the brain. Consequently, WBV causes the brain to train in a way that induces a neurological effect. In other words, the brain is trained; releases brain derived neurotropic factor and functions in a healthier state.