Researchers have demonstrated that WBV results in significant increases in skin blood flow. Two studies with Whole Body Vibration were conducted to determine if there is a specific frequency or amount of time that is better at optimizing skin blood flow. They were looking to determine if there is a difference in skin blood flow due to passive vibration at 30 HZ vs 50 HZ, if one frequency is superior, and if there is an optimal amount of time for the results.
In the first study, 18 subjects were randomly placed into a 30 Hz or 50 Hz vibration group, and in the second, seven subjects participated in both 30 and 50 Hz vibration. Each subject’s arm was passively vibrated for 10 minutes. Skin blood flow was examined during vibration and for 15 minutes of recovery.
It was found that both frequencies produced a significant increase in skin blood flow within the first four minutes of vibration. Peak results were obtained by the fifth minute, and remained high for minutes 4-10 of vibration in the second study. An additional benefit of 50HZ is that the blood flow increased faster and the narrowing of the blood vessels was reduced during recovery.
This study shows that WBV produces significant increases in skin blood flow. Therefore Whole Body Vibration can be very helpful to those with poor circulation such as the elderly population and those with diabetes. WBV is a great way to increase circulation with minimal effort.
