As a follow up to the review of how Whole Body Vibration works, below is a summary of the 3 types of WBV:

Vertical
• Ideal for accelerated training, muscle toning, and osteoporosis.
• The platform moves straight up and down with minimal horizontal movement.
• You can feel vibrations through the top of your head when standing straight. Imagine jumping on a trampoline 20-50 times a second.
• Power Vibe Pro II

Oscillating
• Ideal for fat loss and core strengthening.
• One side of the platform elevates up, while the other side lowers down, alternating like a “teeter-totter”.
• You feel a “back and forth” movement focused on your hips and pelvic region. It feels like you are taking 25 steps a second.
• Power Vibe Motion I

Elliptical
• Ideal for balance, stability, and rehabilitation.
• Elliptical platforms move similarly to vertical units but with more horizontal and less vertical movement.
• You feel the vibration massage mostly in your legs and feet. It’s comparable to a foot massager that’s made for your whole body.
• Power Vibe Balance I

In Whole Body Vibration (WVB) training the entire body is exposed to vibration, just as the name suggests. It is implemented through a vibrating platform for the user to utilize during stretching, weight lifting, yoga, pilates, physical therapy or just simply standing. This controlled motion is transferred up through the body causing all of the tissues to react to the stimulus. WBV can be used to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage, improve flexibility, bone density and muscle tone and strength, as well as to promote fat loss.
The way you position your body on the vibrating platform determines what tissues are affected. You have complete control over the body part you want to target and how challenging the workout is. Varying degrees of intensity can be utilized to suit the individual user’s needs.
Vibration training falls into 3 different categories. The types of platform used, and the direction of the vibrations, are used as a moderator of the effect and result of the training or therapy performed. Different machines will be utilized to achieve various results and health benefits.

Up next: a review of the 3 types of vibration training.

You should understand that there is no magic formula, no pill, no single therapy that will bring you health and fitness.  Health and fitness are obtained and maintained through proper exercise, proper eating, and proper vitamin intake for your body type, your age, and your physical needs.  But there are therapies and techniques that are proven to be more effective than others, and those therapies, if valid, have empirical evidence to support their claims.  Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is one of those therapies.

Using specifically designed and therapy-focused vibrations, WBV systems can help restore muscle tone and bone density.  Bone density, of course, is a function of having the proper elements in the body for its use to build strong structures, but it is also a function of the muscles around it.  Weaker muscles cause weaker bones.

WBV systems uses a simple technique to keep muscles strong.  As anyone who has been to  a doctor knows, if the doctor taps in the right place below the knee cap, there is an involuntary kicking response as the muscles and nerves respond to the tapping stimulus.  It is this involuntary response that WBV uses to strengthen muscles and tissues.

As vibrations are sent through the body, tiny involuntary muscle contractions and expansions take place at the frequency of the WBV plate.  Though the movements are microscopic, they provide the same type of stimulus one would get from lifting weights or using gym equipment.  And this is done without the danger of working out in a gym, or the ensuing fatigue.  Whole Body Vibration is a real solution to America’s health issues and has been proven to be an effective form of exercise to improve health and wellness.

Depending upon the therapies needed, our systems vibrate either vertically, in an oscillating pattern, or in an elliptical motion which combines movements into a three-dimensional, non-regular pattern.  Each vibratory pattern has a specific therapy target and has proven to be quite effective for the challenges it is trying to meet.

The basic vertical PowerVibe vibrating system uses simple up and down vibrations. The vibrations are sent straight up and down through the body. This system is best suited for stronger individuals, athletes recovering from injuries and those looking to build new bone mass.

The oscillating pattern system raises first one side of the pedestal and then the other side in a teeter-totter-like motion (at vibrating speeds of course).  This system is best suited for patients who need to get active again by improving mobility and range of motion, those looking to lose weight and those who want to tone core muscles.  It sends vibrations into the body at angles and creates lower impact on joints than the simple vertical vibration system.

The elliptical pattern WBV system uses a non-symmetric vibratory pattern which stimulates the body’s balance and spatial orientation systems.  It is intended as wonderful therapy for older patients who are having difficulty with balance.  It is also a gentler therapy than the vertical system, reducing the chances of injury aggravation and discomfort in older patients.

Most users who can take a step up a normal step need no special assistance to stand on a WBV system.  Thought there are a number of models, most of them look like a bathroom scale with a tower and handles.  The systems are well-built and stable, providing support to those who need it.  No unusual bending or twisting maneuvers are needed to mount and dismount the system.  An open design allows approach from a wide arc of angles, accommodating those with canes or other walking aids.

WBV is a perfect addition to a home or office, providing extremely effective therapy in a compact and easy to use device.

It is worth noting at this point, that there are various mechanical ways to produce the vibrating effect. Each and every mode of vibration has its own advantage and purpose. Yet some companies are claiming their particular technology as the only “True” form of WBV technology. They make disparaging remarks about the other forms, often without understanding a competitors reasoning for developing a particular product and for utilizing a particular technology.

This article shall serve as a guideline for the consumer to determine which type of unit is best suited for their own particular need or purpose.

Over the last 40 years, research on WBV has been done with various technologies, and all of them have shown their validity. When looking at purchasing WBV, the user must take various points under consideration.

For example, a 120lbs geriatric patient, who suffers for osteoporosis and would like a unit for her home, needs a very different form of vibration training than a 260 lbs linebacker, who is looking to work on his flexibility and stamina during training sessions! WBV will be beneficial in both scenarios, but each application has its own requirements.

Matching up the type of machine with the environment in which it is going to be used becomes an important point in making a purchase or treatment decision.

Matching the patient/customer with the appropriate type of vibration should be an integral part of customer service for WBV manufacturers and distributors. Helping the customer to make the correct decision for them by explaining the great spread in price points helps the consumer to better understand WBV as a whole

When purchasing a WBV it is important to remember that, just like with many technologically driven products, the more expensive one is not necessarily the better product! Choose the right kind of unit for your need and you will be getting the most out of your investment of time and money!

Here are the 3 primary questions that will help to making the right choice:

-Will the unit be used for home or institutional use?

-What is the range of the weight of the users?

-What health/fitness issue do the users have?

I will lay out the 3 most common forms of Vibration and assign to each mode its potential benefit based on physiologic, anatomical and neurologic principles.

It serves to remember, that by the time a therapy finds its place in the clinical application, it has gone through a period of trial and error – an evolution.  As time progresses and as more research is done, the technology may divert into different branches as effects on different patient groups are realized.

For example, CT- Scanners of today are very different than 25 years ago. They are stronger, more compact, some are even “open” to accommodate the claustrophobic patient and make the examination more pleasant!  All of this does not make the older units useless.

After years of working with a modality we recognize and are able to discern certain advantages and disadvantages and then integrate these findings into the development of newer and better units. The same holds true for the field of WBV!

There are 3 basic types of mechanical Vibration units out on the market.

1-Vertical Vibration – the motion is straight up and down

2-Oscillating Vibration – the motion is up and down in a Toggle motion

3-Elliptical Vibration – the motion is in a tri-planar fashion.

It is important to realize that the type of Vibration that is produced is fundamentally accomplished by the position and the direction of motion of the motor. Equally important is the fact that different types of vibration stimulate different tissues more than others.

Vertical Vibration:

The complete platform is moving up and down, Therefore the stimulus goes straight up, through the body in a vertical fashion. This is typically the best type of vibration for athletes and stronger and active users.

Physiologically, as long as the user position places muscle fibers, osseous and ligamentous fibers directly in line with the direction of the vibration, this version exercises the tissues the most. The user’s whole bodyweight is being mobilized; lymphatic fluids are being circulated well.

This tends to be the most expensive way of manufacture, simply by design. These platforms tend to be well made, often with a steel housing, to withstand the rigors of this type of vibration. They are often used in a clinical setting where they experience significant usage. These units are typically rather powerful and often seem harsh for the user under 150 lbs or the non athlete. Our PowerVibe Pro falls within this category, yet is surprisingly smooth. Expect to pay anywhere from $2500 to $5000.

Oscillating Vibration:

Interestingly enough, most osteoporosis studies were done with this technology in Germany approximately 20 years ago. At that time, these were the golden standard of Whole Body Vibration. This type of vibration was found to be very helpful for that condition. Here typically the motor drives a toggle mechanism that elevates one side of the platform, then the other side, sometimes described as a teeter-totter motion. Slow motion filming of in the thigh, hip and abdominal areas show the incredible wave motion of subcutaneous fat, lending credence to the weight-loss/trimming ability of this modality.

The home versions of these units often have fewer functions and are typically quiet easy to use! They are relatively inexpensive and are the perfect units for the user at home, who wants to get their system stimulated, start exercising, get moving. Also great for increasing the metabolism! It is the perfect type of vibration for the baby boomer and not-so athletic user who is interested in getting started. An excellent entry level type of machine.

As in the other types of WBV, oscillating units come in various strengths and sizes. There are several institutional units available, which are commonly used in clinical settings involving weight loss. These tend to more expensive since they are built to withstand frequent use by a heavier set of patients.

Elliptical Vibration:

This is a relatively benign form of vibration that lends itself likely to be the best modality to stimulate the proprioceptive system. This is our innate balance system, which stabilizes the body and helps us orient ourselves in the 3 dimensional room. It helps us to find balance and equilibrium. Elliptical Vibration works great for the elderly user with balance issues and circulation problems and who wants to increase their daily activities, but is a bit timid and nervous about where and how to start! Many of these users have been sedentary for a number of years and are often frightened by the intensity of vertical or oscillating units. This is also the preferred type of unit for stroke patients or other CNS issues.

In these units, the motion is created by a vertical placed motor that has uneven centrifugal plates attached to it. Thus it produces the elliptical motion of the plate into the various directions since it is the kindest form of vibration; it is the perfect type of WBV for the senior or user under 150 lbs body weight!

It is also a very economically sound choice for the home use. Many of these units retail for around $1000.

3 different types of vibration for the various target groups.  Looking at the above information, it becomes clear that certain user groups will benefit the more from one form of vibration than from another: Please utilize this information to make the right decision as to which type of vibration is right for you or your customer/patient!

Whole Body Vibration is here to stay and, like so many modalities, when used appropriately can help numerous patients with a variety of conditions!

Author: Dr. Christian Reichardt

Date: 9/2/2009

]]> http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/09/02/various-forms-of-mechanical-whole-body-vibration-wbv-therapy/feed/ 0 http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/08/17/holistic-health-wellness-expo-fort-worth-tx/ http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/08/17/holistic-health-wellness-expo-fort-worth-tx/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:35:02 +0000 Tricia http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/?p=95

Last weekend Power Vibe attended an excellent holistic health and wellness expo in Fort Worth, TX.  There were people of all ages and fitness levels.  From young to old and everyone in between, attendees couldn’t get enough of our Whole Body Vibration equipment.

Most people were intrigued by this interesting looking contraption and a few had even heard of it before.  Like most people in the U.S. the main thing people remembered about seeing Whole Body Vibration in the past was that it was outrageously expensive.  Everyone was surprised that Power Vibe has such good quality units at amazingly affordable prices.  Some people even took one home with them because they couldn’t resist the urge to take advantage of only needing 10 minutes a day to exercise.The show started off with an influx of foot traffic and we did nearly a hundred demos in just the first half of Saturday.  People were excited and especially the holistic healers and nutritionists were very interested.  They couldn’t belived what WBV does to the body and once they experienced it, they couldn’t stop talking about it.

While performing demonstrations we came across a couple of elderly folks who were at first a little skeptical of the technology.  After a few minutes though they were limbering up and surprised us at the booth with the exercises they were doing (see pictures below).  They actually did more exercises and were in better shape than quite a few of the younger people who tried our equipment.

Whole Body Vibration is that amazing and is safe for use by all ages whether you’re 9 or 99, there is a machine that is right for you!

Look forward to the next Wellness Expo coming up in Addison, TX this October.  Stay tuned for all the details and find out how you can win a free pass to the show!

The purpose of the show is to provide a place where retailers and fitness facilities can see new product and find vendors to supply goods.  Much of the time is spent explaining your products and what differentiates you from the competition.

We met all types of business owners and soon will have a larger reach into the specialty fitness industry.  Also we were offered a spot on The Price Is Right for the upcoming December/January air time.  Be on the look out for PowerVibe on CBS as we get ready to go nationwide with this great exposure.

Also a lady from Shop NBC came by our booth to discuss the opportunity to carry our product in her online and television stores.  This is another great opportunity for us to gain national exposure and reach a market we have not had the chance to thus far.

The WAVE and PowerVibe had a good chance to catch up since first meeting at the Parker Show back in January of this year.  They are a great group of guys and we will most likely be pursuing some industry initiatives in the near future.  The WAVE makes great WBV equipment and because they target a different demographic than we do, it seems they would be a excellent partner.

Look for the HFB Expo next year to most likely be in Las Vegas, that is if President Obama gives the ok to have trade shows there again.

In the spirit of fostering cooperation among industry members and to make a positive impact on the health and fitness of the children of Denver, HFB and SNEWS have partnered to organize the first fitness industry community service project.  Manufacturers and retailers attending HFB are encouraged to join in to help renovate and enhance Denver’s Boys and Girls Clubs.

The HFB Expo is open on Thursday August 6 and Friday August 7 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm at the Denver Convention Center.

Since 1997, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, buyers, press, industry influencers and fitness professionals have converged at Health+Fitness Business in August to shape the future of their business at the trade expo and in the dynamic and insightful keynote speakers and educational sessions.

Notable attendees for this year’s expo include:

• Star Trac Fitness
• Accell Fitness North America
• SportsArt Fitness
• PowerVibe Whole Body Vibration
• Bodyguard Fitness
• AB Coaster
• And More!

Read more about Health & Fitness Business 2009

The most popular is vertical, meaning the platform moves in a uniform motion vertically straight up and down.  There are other names that some companies have developed such as tri-dimensional or cWBV (controlled WBV) but they all boil down to the same type of movement.  The reason this type of equipment is most popular is because it is the one that is best for accelerated training and it has gained the most media in recent years.  Usually vertical machines run anywhere from $5000-$15000.  This equipment is usually very good quality, however more often than not it is made for a gym setting where an athlete will be using it.  Most of the time the vibrations are very strong and in some cases can be uncomfortable for unconditioned users.

The second most popular is oscillating which means the platform moves back in forth, left to right, in a seesaw type movement.  This was the type of technology the Russians originally invented what we know as Whole Body Vibration with.  Oscillating machines are a little less popular due to under exposure but are a great way to get more of an exercise feeling.  Because they lift one leg and then the other it is almost like running in place, just with extremely high repetition.  This type of exercise is best for weight loss because it helps to break up visceral fat and strengthen core muscles.  As we all know the promotion of lean muscle mass helps to burn fat, paired with a high intensity workout like oscillating vibration is a recipe for success.

Finally, the least know type of Whole Body Vibration is called elliptical.  The platform moves in an elliptical motion along the horizontal plane.  Almost like a wobble board but much more challenging to the neuromuscular senses.  These machines are usually the most inexpensive as they are very easy to construct and do not need to be very powerful.  They are best suited for rehabilitating a lower extremity injury along with improving balance especially in elderly.  You will not feel much of the vibration above your waist due to the type of vibration that the machine creates.

Now you should have a better understanding of the main types of Whole Body Vibration and what they are best used for.  This should help in your decision making as you can pair a proper modality with your desired results.