General Benefits of All Quality WBV Products:

-          Helpful for warm up

-          Improved flexibility

-          Assist in post-workout lactic acid flush

-          Improved lymphatic drainage

-          Reduction in cortisol

-          Can assist in increasing bone mineral density (BMD)

-          Helps to balances hormones

-          Releases endorphins

Benefits Specific to Pivotal WBV Products:

-          Can improve mobility quickly (in relative terms) for seniors and/or deconditioned subjects

-          Can reduce low back pain via mobilization of the lumbar/SIJ regions

-          Can be effective in the rehab of total hip and knee replacement

-          Reduces the transfer of vibration to the head

-          Can help deconditioned subjects improve fitness quickly

-          Great for core activation and core strengthening

-          Great for increasing lower body strength for those sports dependent on lower body (Ex: skiing, snowboarding, cycling)

-          Great for increasing explosive power (for sports specific training)

-          Assists in weight loss, both through reduction of cortisol and mobilization of subcutaneous fat

-          Increases secretion of hGH, which plays an important role in lipolysis, or breakdown of fat cells, thereby aiding the breakdown of cellulite.

-          NOTE: The breakthrough published study that shows a 4.1% increase in femoral head BMD among post-menopausal test subjects was performed on a pivotal machine

-          NOTE: This same study also showed a 29% improvement in balance, even though test subjects were not performing balance-specific training

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in body composition are well-documented with a decrease in lean body mass and a redistribution of body fat generally observed. Resistance training alone has been shown to have positive effects on body composition; however, these benefits may be enhanced by the addition of a vibration stimulus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8 months of resistance training with and without whole-body vibration (WBV) on body composition in sedentary postmenopausal women.

METHODS: Fifty-five women were assigned to resistance only (RG, n=22), vibration plus resistance (VR, n=21) or non-exercising control (CG, n=12) groups. Resistance training (3 sets 10 repetitions 80% strength) was performed using isotonic weight training equipment and whole-body vibration was done with the use of a vibration platform three times per week for 8 months. Total and regional body composition was assessed from the total-body DXA scans at baseline (pre) and after 8 months (post) of training.

RESULTS: In the VR group, total % body fat decreased from pre- to post-time points (p<0.05), whereas the CG group had a significant increase in total % body fat (p<0.05). Both training groups exhibited significant increases in bone-free lean tissue mass for the total body, arm and trunk regions from pre to post (p<0.05). CG did not show any changes in lean tissue.

CONCLUSION: In older women, resistance training alone and with whole-body vibration resulted in positive body composition changes by increasing lean tissue. However, only the combination of resistance training and whole-body vibration was effective for decreasing percent body fat.

Source: Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. The Week in Chiropractic, Wednesday, May 5, 2009.

The use of WBV as a warm-up could be beneficial due to the increased blood flow in the muscles, the stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) and the increased “lubrication” of the joints. Balance work may be improved with the proprioceptive feedback that WBV provides, and power training could be enhanced due to the increase in CNS stimulation. You may get more from a workout, with better recovery and less apparent delayed onset muscle soreness.

Another way to use WBV is to incorporate it in a circuit-style workout, using the WBV platform as one of the circuit stations. To progress the program, exercisers could repeat the circuit and change the exercise that is performed on the WBV platform each time. The possibilities are limited only by the trainers’ creativity and the clients’ goals.

A variety of research has shown significant improvements in health conditions among de-conditioned individuals who engage in vibration exercise because they are not capable of fully engaging in conventional training. There are many people with health conditions, who would benefit from an active lifestyle, but may not be able to perform certain exercises.

The skills and knowledge of a personal trainer are important in implementing the proper exercises for this demographic in order to maximize their experience. If a trainer is involved, there is a greater chance of success, thereby increasing satisfaction with the facility and generating additional referrals. Vibration can be an excellent early adoption of exercise for those who need a low-impact, non-strenuous way of initiating a program. The goal for personal training sessions that begin with vibration is to gradually transition to more traditional personal training services as the client becomes stronger and healthier.

Right now, at age 75, after about eight months, I am exercising with the PV machine about four times a week. Last Spring I wanted to loose some weight and went on a diet. In about three months I lost eighteen pounds, which was easier and more successful than previous tries and it seems less an effort now to maintain the loss. I think the Power Vibe definitely plays a role in the weight loss process. After an exercise session on the Power Vibe, I feel energized and, at the same time, feel relaxed and always enjoy the session. In addition to the Power Vibe, I practice Hatha Yoga three times a week and walk about a mile and a half four times a week. The Power Vibe has certainly made a difference to me in ways I can see and I’m sure in less obvious areas like bone density and circulation.

Judy

One such technique that has garnered some success is Whole Body Vibration. This is a very passive treatment that is easy to do and seems to actually help. The patient only needs to stand on a platform that proceeds to shake or vibrate the body both up and down.

A recent participant study tested the effects of Whole Body Vibration. The aim was to determine if it had any bearing in pain relief. To determine this, the medical team tested three sets of participants. One set took part in traditional exercises, such as stretching and aerobics. The second group did this plus WBV. The results showed that the group that saw the most benefit participated in traditional exercises followed by Whole Body Vibration. Evidence is pointing to the fact that exercise alone is not enough to produce pain relief for sufferers. These patients also noted less fatigue as well. There is enough supportive evidence for patients to see Whole Body Vibration as an option for fatigue and pain relief therapy.

Whole Body Vibration is a low impact way to work out the body. In fact, in some cases, movement by the patient is not required. The patient must simply be on a plate. Any position is acceptable. Sitting, standing, it does not matter. Once on the plate, the machine launches vibrations through the patient’s body. They occur anywhere from 20 to 50 times a second. The frequency setting is up to the user. The thought behind this therapy is that the vibrations make the muscles contract or work. The muscle contractions happen very quickly and are very hard to replicate using other methods.

The vibrations work the muscles out in a very creative way. As they shoot through the patient, the body begins to feel like it is unstable. To correct this, it begins to contract. Its natural instinct is to counterbalance the vibration. This counterbalancing reflex is what produces the results. Whole Body Vibration is good for anybody. Users range from professional athletes to patients who must be helped due to physical limitations. Because this therapy is low impact, patients with bad joints can participate without the negative repercussions they would normally expect when working out.

It can even help with pain, fatigue, stiffness and stress. Some patients have had the extra benefits of happier moods and a calmer state of relaxation.

Here is a 5 minute Yoga Standing Practice that will strengthen muscles and realign your body, particularly when combined with WBV

•Keep the weight balanced through the whole bottom of your feet.

•Now engage your big toes. You’ll feel an arch forming

•Knees should not be locked, rather barely bent.

•Roll your upper thighs inward slightly

•Lift your lower Belly while relaxing your Lower Back.

•Release your chest

•Raise the top of your head towards the ceiling

•Relax your jaw with teeth touching but not clenched. Place the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth.

•Check of your body’s alignment, making sure that your ears are over your shoulders, shoulders over hips, and hips over the ankles.

•Now pick a spot in the distance, or on the wall, and focus on that spot.

 Try standing for about 2-3 minutes a day to begin with, and increase the time as you see fit.

At first, it may seem as if you are not working that hard, but you are, because you are using muscles that are not being used much anymore.

Rehabilitation programs can be accomplished in a fraction of the time of conventional exercise, while minimizing space requirements.  It can help in the rehabilitation process, but just as important, WBV may also prevent injuries.  Many professional sports teams, physiotherapists and chiropractors have found WBV to be an invaluable tool-having an ability to strengthen muscles without the usual strain on joints and ligaments. 

The process of rehabilitation involves an increase in blood flow causing a dramatic spike in Human Growth hormone (HGH)-the key to the repair and regeneration of soft tissue.  While improved circulation also helps to drain fluid build-up from injured tissue, vibration stimulates a combined release of hormones and natural chemicals to suppress pain.   WBV makes normal strength and flexibility training more effective. Many medical doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors have embraced WBV when treating patients recovering from injuries because WBV can speed up the recovery process and actually make muscles stronger in the end. Because WBV increases circulation and muscle activity at the cellular level, you can heal from injuries in less time.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage are very important in today’s environment where pollution, stress and deficient immune systems make many people susceptible to contagious disease and viral infections.  The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymphatic fluid builds up and stagnates causing the entire system to become toxic.

Using Whole Body Vibration stimulates the lymphatic system.  It causes immune response in the lymph nodes, giving the body better defenses against illnesses.  It causes the lymph system to drain more efficiently, getting trapped fats and biological intruders on their way out of the body through the circulatory systems filters.  In short, the vibrations of the WBV cause dozing lymph nodes to wake up and do the work they are intended to do, especially in the aging body where lymph health is even more vital to overall health.

Having excess belly fat puts you at higher risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Coronary artery disease

• High cholesterol and triglycerides

• Many other health conditions

In general, you’re in risky territory if your waistline measures more than: 40 inches for a man or 35 inches for a woman.

Hitting the floor for a flat-ab routine may sound like a fix. Crunches and sit-ups will give you stronger core muscles. But, they won’t cause you to lose abdominal fat any faster. Instead, plan for a slow, steady and overall weight loss. About ½ to 2 pounds a week is a safe and realistic goal for most people.

The most successful approach includes:

Regular aerobic exercise and strength training

Nutritious foods in reasonable portions

A support system, such as family and friends

Did you know?…Whole Body Vibration has been shown to be effective at increasing lean body mass, which improves resting metabolic rate and increases caloric expenditure, resulting in lower levels of body fat when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. Whole body vibration enhanced exercise training improves the flow of blood and oxygen to the tissues which enhances cell metabolism function. It balances hormone levels like cortisol or insulin resistance.

With WBV training, you can get a full body workout in just 10 minutes a day, 3‐5 days a week.