What are we talking about?

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a mechanical stimulus characterized by oscillatory motion that is delivered to the entire body (usually in a vertical manner) a.k.a., vibration exercise (VE) or vibration training (VT) ? Biomechanical parameters include amplitude, frequency, magnitude, and duration

Effects of WBV depend on the training parameters used:

Amplitude (mm or cm) = the extent of the vertical displacement

Frequency (Hz) = number of impulses delivered per second

Magnitude (G) = the acceleration power/force of the movement

Duration (sec. or min.)= the amount of time one spends on the apparatus

Commercial devices that deliver WBV Galileo(tm) platform

manufactured by Novotec (Germany) available from Orthometrix Inc., White Plains, NY NEMES

(tm) platform manufactured by Nemesis (The Netherlands)

Power Plate(tm) Power Plate of No. America, Culver City, CA

Exogen platform manufactured in USAcurrently an investigational device

Galileo (tm) Vibrating Platform Works as a teeterboard with 0 -5 mm amplitude (medial to distal) and variable frequency

25 - 27 Hz seems optimal for increasing muscle power This frequency corresponds with time required for a single up-down movement to cause a natural stretch reflex plus relaxation of the agonists and antagonists www.galileo2000.de/english/ehome.htm

The Galileo 2000 (tm)"The 25 Hz speed of the

Galileo produces 1500 repetitions per minute, and

therefore a very strong training effect. Additional

reflex benefits can be achieved by adding voluntary movements such as rotating the hips, moving

the arms, etc. during the Galileo session." www.orthometrix.net

Galileo 100 (tm)(handheld dumbbell for UE exercise)

"The Galileo is particularly suited for such people because it is easy to use, and its exercise sessions are short (due to its fast 25 Hz stimulation rate). The Galileo allows people with osteoarthritis to enjoy the benefits of exercise."

Other Findings and Conclusions

Mechanical work output of leg extensor muscles was significantly enhanced while EMG activity was reduced

Jumping performance also improved Increased plasma concentrations of T and GH suggest "neural potentiation

effect" similar to power weight training but without the general stress response (i.e., decreased cortisol levels)

Acute Physiological Effects of WBV Rittweger examined HR, BP, oxygen uptake, lactate levels, and perceived exertion in 37 young adults who exercised to exhaustion with weights added to their waists Results of two WBV exercise sessions

compared to bicycle ergometry Used Galileo platform: amp. = 1.05 cm @ 26 Hz; est. acceleration force = 15 g

Rittweger et al, Clin Physiol, 2000, 20(2):134-142

Exercise Effects of WBV

Other Findings and Conclusions:

Perceptions of fatigue were comparable. Some subjects experienced leg edema, erythema, and itching from WBV Fatigue associated with intense WBV attributed to neuromuscular system, not cardiovascular insufficiency

Cardiovascular risk for this exercise with elderly considered "negligible." Other Short-Term Systemic Effects

Temporary vestibular impairment and motion sickness with high-amplitude vibration of long duration Increased gastric secretions, but no effect on rate of stomach emptying Decreased attention to other stimuli, but no sig. reduction in reaction time, eye-hand coordination, or visual acuity

Kjellberg et al, Ergonomics.

Additional Documentation

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