How WBV Works
An Easier Way to a Healthier You!
The WBV technology was originally designed to increase bone density and muscle mass. When you start to use your WBV, you will notice how your body automatically adapts to the vibrations. One of the first results you will have is increased flexibility and range of motion. By standing on the plate, the vibration generates systematic involuntary muscle contraction through out the body, which not only increases your flexibility but also burns fat by increasing your metabolism while it improves your circulation and provides your cells with ideal oxygen and nutrient delivery to slow the degenerative process.
The WBV unit is designed to create adjustable vibrations from 10-50 Hz by a pivotal type system. The pivotal system vibrates at the correct megahertz(s) from a medical and body-toning standpoint. The WBV generates systematic involuntary muscle contraction with less G force than the “piston” type systems, the other style of Whole Body Vibration that is on the market. The piston style offers a straight up and down motion just like a jackhammer. This type of “up and down” piston movement and vibration is known to cause problems that can develop into bad backs (truck drivers and others) and other various physical areas (carpal tunnel).
Science has learned that the human body adapts to various stressors and stimuli. The Whole Body Vibration produces amazing results as a result of that adaptation process. When you stand on your WBV, the vibration energy is transferred to your entire body. This first stimulates receptors in the Achilles tendon that stimulate nerve receptors, which track up to the cerebellum (the part of the brain that is responsible for balance). This pleasant vibrating action causes the brain to tell the muscles of your body to actively contract to maintain its equilibrium, thus creating a therapeutic and muscle-toning workout.
WBV increases the production of the regenerative and repair hormones. It also improves the blood circulation, increases the basal metabolic rate, strengthens bone tissue and improves lymph drainage. The net result is more strength, stamina, speed, increased flexibility, mobility and coordination, rapid recovery of muscles and tissue, improved collagen production and fat reduction. This is achieved with minimal stress on the joints and ligaments. You can perform static or dynamic movements including standing, sitting, kneeling, lying, and placing your hands on it. Almost any exercise from a typical gym workout to passively sitting on a chair and resting your feet can be done on a vibration platform. In using your WBV machine for only 10 minutes each day… What a Better Way to Optimum Health!
History of Whole Body Vibration
Vibration therapy began in 1857 by a Swedish doctor, Gustav Zander. He built 70 different exercise machines some of which were a type of vibration exercise. After exhibiting at two Worlds fairs, he started the Zander Institutes, which were an early form of today’s health clubs and proved to be very popular through out the world. The Netherlands had 9 centers at one point.
A little later in 1895 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the developer of corn flakes, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, invented a whole-body vibration machine. This was a unique chair design that shook violently and claimed to cure constipation, headaches and back pain. To stimulate the inner organs, he also developed a standing platform.
In 1960 the beginning of today’s vibration exercise techniques was begun in East Germany with a technique called rhythmic neuromuscular stimulation.
Russian scientists began the real studies of Whole Body Vibration and fine-tuned this technology for years. They used this technology for many years to help rehabilitate their cosmonauts after returning from space to help repair muscles from atrophy and bone density due to the weightlessness of space. Many were so weak that they needed assistance in walking after emerging from the aircraft. The scientists reasoned that providing a form of therapy that focused on hyper gravitational force it could yield an effective treatment. These Russian researchers found that not only did that stop the loss, but amazingly it also increased bone density and strengthened muscle tissue. They also used this technology then to prevent injury to their Olympic athletes. In the event one of their athletes did injure themselves, they were put on a WBV plate to rehabilitate the injury.
After the fall of Communism in Russia, Whole Body Vibration technology made its way east and west. This technology continued to be studied and enhanced. It has taken both the Orient and Europe by storm. Even though there were meager beginnings in the United States, vibration exercise really has not been in the United States for very long. In the past only wealthy, sports teams, or doctor’s offices were the only places you could find a WBV unit. These units usually cost $10,000 or more. After decades of research, NASA, many professional athletes, sports teams, medical centers, spas and health clubs have embraced this technology.
The Whole Body Vibration technology centers on a recurrent change of position on a vibrating platform with the specific physical factors of amplitude, frequency and time. The muscles are stimulated to work by the stretch reflex. You are probably familiar this type reflex when the doctor taps the patella tendon below the kneecap and the lower leg moves upwards without the brain being able to prevent the movement. When the muscles are activated with the stretch reflex we get a number of benefits not seen during regular exercise. Normally, we do not use all our muscles for standing or moving. With the Whole Body Vibration, the stretch reflex ensures that all muscle fibers are being stimulated at one time. The muscle responds to vibration by contracting to offset the stress it imposes and is ensured to produce effective results for your physical therapy needs.