An assortment of health benefits make vibration exercises beneficial to more than just athletes. Increased blood circulation along with higher levels of hormones such as serotonin contributes to overall physical and mental health beyond athletic training. Studies conducted by independent research groups have found that the increase in circulation and stimulation of unused or rarely used muscles in elderly patients helped them to regain a significant amount of balance and mobility. It also helped to burn fat and cellulite as well as increase bone density. Because the vibration plate machines require shorter usage time, elderly patients were able to get an effective workout in a fraction of the usual time, preventing them from being fatigued. WBV machines are ideal and cost-effective additions to long term care facilities as a way to help keep their residents healthy and active.
Athletes and personal trainers find that WBV machines are great tools for rehabilitation. Improved flexibility, balance, and reaction time along with faster healing of muscle and tendon injuries make this device extremely valuable to a number of professional and college sports teams. Because so many sports are hard on the athletes’ joints, the low impact exercise provided by whole body vibration is an ideal way to keep them in shape without putting unnecessary wear and tear on ankles, knees, hips, and other joints. The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have WBV machines in their training center for conditioning and recovery from injuries. Shaquille O?Neal used it to speed up his post-surgery recovery process during the 2002-2003 NBA season and has inspired many of his fellow athletes to add it to their training regimen.
