However, the amount of mechanical vibrations we are exposed to has increased enormously over the last few centuries. Truck drivers, forklift drivers, construction workers and helicopter pilots absorb a lot of vibration on a daily basis. The complaints they suffer, mainly in joints and spine, cause tremendous problems. 

There are some fundamental differences between vibration exposures in the work place compared to vibration from the Whole Body Vibration (WBV) platform. While training on the platform you are actively using the vibrations, which are being absorbed in the muscles instead of the joints. The duration is also much less. The total amount of time of a training session is not even close to the time that people are exposed to vibrations in a working environment.

 A WBV platform complies with the I.S.O. standards for industrial use, provided that training does not exceed 2 hours a day. For that matter, it is useless to train longer than 20 minutes or more often than 3 or 4 times a week. If you use the WBV machine according to the instructions and under certified supervision, vibration training is many times safer than any other sports or training activity.

A dual motor machine can produce a significant amount of force causing the vibrations to feel very intense.  If the machine has a large workout platform and is being used to primarily increase athletic performance this is a good thing.  However, dual motors with a smaller platform may cause too much neurologic integration causing sensory overload.  Whole Body Vibration stimulates every muscle, ligament, and tendon providing feedback to the brain.  Vibrations that are too strong can be very uncomfortable and can actually harm someone that is using the machine to treat a condition.  It’s almost impossible to get 2 motors to work at the exact same frequency at the same time.  Therefore it is not really delivering a consistent stimulus to do the right brain mapping for neurologic integration.  

A single motor machine is capable of producing adequate force for a more comfortable vibration.  These types of machines are great for 98% of the general public that tend to be de-conditioned.  They produce a desired amount of amplitude that is beneficial to the human body and not too intense.  Single motor machines provide a consistent stimulus for neurologic integration.   A single motor device therefore will balance the body and brain, helping to put your body into a whole brain functioning state.  High amplitudes are not typically achieved using a single motor system but the beneficial effect is still obtained. High amplitude is really not the most important mechanical objective in Whole Body Vibration.   

If you plan on using a machine for home use or rehabilitation, a one motor unit is best.  Only stand on a dual motor system if being supervised by a personal trainer or other WBV expert.  A more intense muscle contraction can be achieved using a dual motor system but guidance is necessary.

Most people believe that more is better, but when it comes to Whole Body Vibration this is not the case.

Bad Whole Body Vibration for example, is the kind of vibration experienced by truck drivers, factory workers and construction workers. That type of disruptive vibration is characterized by constant, extremely high frequencies and amplitudes (how hard a person is vibrated), as well as uneven and unpredictable spikes in frequency and amplitude. Also, people exposed to occupational vibration experience these dangerous levels of vibration for extended periods of time daily.

Healthy Whole Body Vibration, produced by a vibrating platform, operates at much lower levels of both frequency (from less than 10 Hz to less than 65 Hz – 1 Hertz = 1 cycle/second) and amplitude (often less than 1 mm, but can be as much as 1 cm). Even at the higher levels it’s still far below those limits suggested by OSHA. For therapy the usage of WBV can be as little as 3 minutes a day, three times per week. While the amount for athletes can be much higher it is still not all day, every day.

This modality, termed “Whole Body Vibration” (WBV), is being used by many from the frail elderly to the elite athlete. A few of the health benefits include:

* Improved bone mass density

* Increased muscle mass not only for athletes, but even for frail elders experiencing muscle weakness

* Dramatically better proprioception, balance and function for stroke patients and those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease

* Enhanced blood flow, and better lymphatic flow and venous drainage

* Increased metabolism, aiding weight-loss efforts

* Reduction of pain and muscle spasms

Everyday more and more people discover the exciting and dramatic benefits of vibrating platforms, the good Whole Body Vibration!

Most companies put these lists of contraindications in their literature for liability reasons.  I know for a fact the last thing we would ever want to happen is that someone become injured or a condition worsen from using WBV.  In fact, anyone who I speak to about using WBV, I always recommend they see a physician for clearance no matter what type of shape they are in.  This is important because everyone’s body reacts differently and you always want to be safe rather than sorry.

There is a great article by Dr. Reichardt on Ezine which discusses the different contraindications and gives a very comprehensive explanation as to why the exist and what they mean.  Take a read here at Ezine articles.

After you have a better understanding of the contraindications and reasons behind them, please share your feedback and thoughts on how you feel.  I love to hear what others have to say and value reader comments highly.