MEDICAL STUDIES
Important note: The patented PrecisionWave™ technology of Power Plate® offers three-dimensional (3D) movement with ultra-fast, low-impact micro-vibrations, causing no jolting or discomfort. The predictable, harmonious, repetitive, and precise movements integrate better with the body, providing the neuromuscular system with the most optimal stimulus.
Disclaimer: The information provided on our site does not replace professional medical advice and is intended only to illustrate the potential of this technology.
SENIORS
WBV to improve physical function parameters in nursing home residents older than 80 years: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
Sañudo, Borja et al. “Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Function Parameters in Nursing Home Residents Older Than 80 Years: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.” Physical therapy vol. 104,5 (2024): pzae025. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzae025.
Conclusion
WBV may be an effective intervention to improve the strength, balance, mobility, walking ability, and physical performance of older nursing home residents. WBV presents a safe, accessible alternative for improving health in this vulnerable population, warranting further research and integration into health care practices.
Therapeutic vibration sessions (WBV) for senior residents in nursing homes
Grubbs, Brandon F et al. “Whole-body Vibration Training in Frail, Skilled Nursing Home Residents.” International journal of exercise science vol. 13,3 140-156. 1 Feb. 2020.Conclusion
The WBV sessions were well tolerated and occurred without health complications. This study demonstrated that WBVs could be used to counteract loss of leg strength in pre-frail and frail people living in nursing homes. More frequent and longer sessions could be more beneficial for this population and could help them improve their physical performance.
ARTHROSIS
Osteoarthritis of the knee: daily activities, climbing stairs, pain
Salmon, Jay R et al. “Does acute whole-body vibration training improve the physical performance of people with knee osteoarthritis?” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 26,11 (2012): 2983-9.Conclusion
Our data show that a single Power Plate® (WVB) session is effective in improving the ability of subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee to perform a test intended to simulate the task of climbing and descending stairs. The improvement in performance is likely due to the beneficial effects of Power Plate® on the neuromuscular system, such as improved balance, muscle power and strength. The reduction in pain can be considered likely to have contributed to the improvement in performance.
Our data suggest that therapeutic vibration sessions may be a non-pharmacologic mode of treatment for certain symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
CARDIOVASCULAR - ARTERIAL RIGIDITY
Arterial stiffness of the lower limbs, reflex blood wave, prevention of cardiovascular disease
Otsuki, T et al. “Arterial stiffness acutely decreases after whole-body vibration in humans.” Acta physiologica (Oxford, England) vol. 194,3 (2008): 189-94.Conclusion
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of static exercises associated with and without Power Plate® therapeutic vibrations on arterial stiffness. The group using the Power Plate® showed an improvement in all factors influencing arterial stiffness compared to the group not using therapeutic vibrations. The results of this study show that the Power Plate® intervention counterbalances the increase in arterial stiffness induced by a static squat. However, we know that the increase in arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular accidents.
Peripheral cardiovascular system: blood flow speed, venous function
Otsuki, T et al. “Arterial stiffness acutely decreases after whole-body vibration in humans.” Acta physiologica (Oxford, England) vol. 194,3 (2008): 189-94.Conclusion
This study investigated physiological changes in the cardiovascular system in response to therapeutic vibrations received during static standing. Due to the absence of changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or temperature of the foot and lower leg, changes in blood flow rate can be attributed to changes in peripheral vascular function. These results suggest a high level of sensitivity of the peripheral vascular system to exposure to therapeutic vibrations. The physiological mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be explored.
Effects of whole body vibration training on body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and cardiovascular health
Park, Song-Young et al. “Effects of whole body vibration training on body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.” Journal of exercise rehabilitation vol. 11,6 289-95. 31 Dec. 2015.Conclusion
WBV has been shown to improve body composition, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. In particular, WBV is a useful exercise modality for the disease and the elderly population because WBV does not require the use of conventional dynamic exercises such as free weight or dynamic movement. Instead of using these conventional exercise modalities, WBVs use vibration which not only evokes muscle contraction but also local vasodilation in the microcirculation through stimulation of the endothelium. Additionally, this exercise modality, WBV, can be further utilized for the immobile population to simultaneously improve skeletal muscle strength and cardiovascular health.
CELLULITE
Cellulite reduction with WBV
Cristovam DN, Botelho S, Andrade MF, Marques J, Sousa L. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2019 Aug;21(5):278-285.Conclusion
In the clinical trial, participants were more satisfied with the WVB sessions and the blind raters noted improved texture in the same participants.
BLOOD FLOW
The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects
Lohman, Everett B 3rd et al. “The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects.” Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 13,2 (2007): CR71-6.Conclusion
The results of the study suggest that even a short session of therapeutic vibration can significantly increase skin blood flow for at least ten minutes after the session.
WBV appears to be an alternative intervention in people with reduced circulation in the lower limbs especially in populations, such as those with unresponsive feet, vulnerable to burns due to thermal modalities. It appears that the therapeutic modality of WBV significantly increases blood flow.
COVID
Potential application of WBV sessions to improve clinical conditions of people infected with COVID-19
Sañudo, Borja et al. “Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise For Improving The Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review From the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,10 3650. 22 May. 2020.Summary: COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease that leads to several conditions related to respiratory system dysfunction as well as other physical problems and psychological complaints. Severely ill patients are referred to intensive care units, limiting their possibilities for physical exercise. Whole Body Vibration Exercise (WBV) is a non-invasive, therapeutic exercise that has been suggested as part of the procedures involved in pulmonary rehabilitation, even in intensive care.
Therefore, in the current review, the World Association of Vibrational Exercise Experts (WAVEX) examined the potential of WBV as a useful exercise and safe intervention for the management of people infected with COVID-19 for improve quality of life, decrease symptoms due to lack of physical activity and reduce time spent in intensive care.
Conclusion
We believe that these results may help authorities plan a simple action like prescribing WBV sessions, and that these may help those infected with the decline in physical function, make recovery faster, and possibly reduce time. time in intensive care and thus allow more people to be treated.
Additionally, these considerations could stimulate further scientific consideration of the use of WBV sessions in COVID-19 patients.
ATTENTION DEFICIT
ATTENTION DEFICIT, HYPERACTIVITY, COGNITIVE DISORDERS, HEALTHY SUBJECTS
Therapeutic vibration - Effects of WBVs on attention in healthy people and in people with ADHD.
Fuermaier, Anselm B M et al. “Good vibrations--effects of whole body vibration on attention in healthy individuals and individuals with ADHD.” PloS one vol. 9,2 e90747. 28 Feb. 2014.Conclusion
In previous studies, WBVs have been shown to have beneficial effects on a variety of physiological measures.
This study demonstrated that WBVs improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals as well as ADHD. WBV treatment is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply and therefore could be potentially relevant for clinical use. The application of WBV treatment as a cognitive enhancement strategy and as a potential treatment for cognitive impairment is discussed.
BACK PAIN
Effects of WBV on chronic back pain.
Wang, Xue-Qiang et al. “Effects of whole-body vibration exercise for non-specific chronic low back pain: an assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial.” Clinical rehabilitation vol. 33,9 (2019).Conclusion
The study showed that WBVs may offer more benefits than general exercise in relieving pain and strengthening the back in patients with chronic non specific low back pain.
FIBROMYALGIA
Six Weeks of WBV Reduce Pain and Severe Fatigue in Women With Fibromyalgia
Alentorn-Geli, Eduard et al. “Six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 14,8 (2008): 975-81.Conclusion
In the group using Power Plate®, indicators on the fatigue and pain scales were significantly reduced compared to at the start of treatment, while exercise alone did not show improvement.
Knees
Early Post-Operative Intervention of WBV in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Hsiao et al. "Early Post-Operative Intervention of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study" Journal of Clinical Medicine 8, no. 11: 1902. 2019.Conclusion
Early WVB sessions intervention in patients early post total knee arthroplasty showed significant immediate
effect in increasing knee extensor strength and decreasing calf swelling.
HORMONES
Hormonal responses seen in a single session in the elderly.
Cardinale, M et al. “Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 44,4 (2010): 284-8.Conclusion
The results of the study demonstrate that five minutes of WBV characterized by a static squat with a frequency of 30 Hz can be safely performed by older people who show no apparent signs of stress and / or fatigue. Additionally, WBV produced an acute increase in circulating IGF-1 and cortisol levels greater than that observed by following the same vibration-free exercise protocol. WVBs could represent an effective stimulation for the neuroendocrine system.
Growth hormones gh, testosterone, cortisol in men
Bosco et al. (2000). “Hormonal responses to whole body vibration in men.” European journal of applied physiology. 81. 449-54. 10.1007/s004210050067.Conclusion
Improvement of neuromuscular performance. Very receptive hormonal responses. Significant increase in testosterone and growth hormone GH and significant decrease in plasma cortisol levels.
Obesity - Weight - Diabetes
Post-menopause: body composition, fat and lean mass, sedentary lifestyle, resistance training and WBV
Park SY, Son WM, Kwon OS. Effects of whole body vibration training on body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. J Exerc Rehabil. 2015 Dec 31;11(6):289-95.Conclusion
There is generally a redistribution of body fat with age. Three groups were part of the study. In the Power Plate® group, the total body fat percentage decreased between the "pre" and "post" times while at the same time, the control CG group had a significant increase in the total fat percentage. Both active groups (VR and RG) showed significant increases in whole body, arm and trunk free lean mass between "pre" and "post" times. The inactive control group (CG) showed no change in their lean tissue.
Overweight and obese women: gaseous respiratory exchange, oxygen ventilation
Vissers, Dirk et al. “The effect of whole body vibration short-term exercises on respiratory gas exchange in overweight and obese women.” The Physician and sportsmedicine vol. 37,3 (2009): 88-94.Conclusion
The results demonstrate an improvement in oxygen uptake due to the addition of WBV in overweight and obese women. Oxygen and CO2 levels are substantially elevated compared to traditional exercise.
Obesity, overweight in adults: peri-visceral (abdominal) fat, one year follow-up
Vissers D, Verrijken A, Mertens I, Van Gils C, Van de Sompel A, Truijen S, Van Gaal L. Effect of long-term whole body vibration training on visceral adipose tissue: a preliminary report. Obes Facts. 2010;3(2):93-100.Conclusion
Combining aerobic exercise or Power Plate® sessions with calorie restriction can help achieve sustained long-term weight loss of 5-10%. These preliminary data show that Power Plate® sessions have the potential to reduce visceral fatty tissue more than aerobic exercise in obese adults, making them perhaps an addition to future weight loss programs.
Obese and overweight young women: arterial stiffness and muscle strength
Figueroa, Arturo et al. “Whole-body vibration training reduces arterial stiffness, blood pressure and sympathovagal balance in young overweight/obese women.” Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension vol. 35,6 (2012): 667-72.Conclusion
WBV sessions for six weeks may be beneficial for arterial function and muscle strength in people who are not in shape and cannot perform conventional exercises.
Effects of aerobic exercise and WBV on blood sugar control in men with type 2 diabetes
Manimmanakorn N, Manimmanakorn A, Phuttharak W, Hamlin MJ. Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Glycemic Indices and Peripheral Blood Flow in Type II Diabetic Patients. Malays J Med Sci. 2017 Aug;24(4):55-63.Conclusion
It can be concluded that patients with type 2 diabetes who do not enjoy aerobic exercise or do not have endurance for aerobic exercise may opt for vibration exercise as an effective substitute. The present study showed that aerobic training and WBV similarly boost the metabolic system.
Osteoporosis
Effect of whole-body vibration on reducing bone loss and preventing falls in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
Ma, Chiyuan et al. “Effect of whole-body vibration on reduction of bone loss and fall prevention in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and systematic review.” Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 11 24. 17 Feb. 2016.Conclusion
Participants: 1014 patients including 477 in the WBV group. Low-magnitude WBV therapy can provide significant improvement in reducing loss of lumbar spine bone density in postmenopausal women. Additionally, WBV sessions can be used as a fall prevention intervention.
WVB intervention to maintain cartilage thickness and serum cartilage oligometric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations during immobilization
A.-M. Liphardt, A. Mündermann, S. Koo, N. Bäcker, T.P. Andriacchi, J. Zange, J. Mester, M. Heer, Vibration training intervention to maintain cartilage thickness and serum concentrations of cartilage oligometric matrix protein (COMP) during immobilization, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Volume 17, Issue 12, 2009, Pages 1598-1603,ISSN 1063-4584.Conclusion
The results suggest that WVB sessions may be a powerful countermeasure against the effects of reduced cartilage thickness during immobilization due to space flight or during convalescence. The sensitivity of cartilage to physical training is of great importance for training methods for spaceflight, elite and sport and rehabilitation after illness or injury.
Therapeutic vibration and bone density - A technology from NASA
NASA ScienceConclusion
After flying in space, astronauts lose bone density. NASA-funded scientists who have done clinical trials with WBV suggest that astronauts could prevent bone loss with 10- to 20-minute WBV sessions each day.
Fall prevention - Balance
Effect of whole-body vibration on reducing bone loss and preventing falls in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
Ma, Chiyuan et al. “Effect of whole-body vibration on reduction of bone loss and fall prevention in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and systematic review.” Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 11 24. 17 Feb. 2016.Conclusion
Participants: 1014 patients including 477 in the WBV group. Low-magnitude WBV therapy can provide significant improvement in reducing loss of lumbar spine bone density in postmenopausal women. Additionally, WBV sessions can be used as a fall prevention intervention.
Urinary incontinence
Effect of WBV sessions on pelvic floor muscles of healthy and unhealthy individuals: a narrative review
Guedes-Aguiar EO, de Sá-Caputo DDC, Moreira-Marconi E, de Macêdo Uchôa SM, de Barros PZ, Valentin EK, Bergmann A, Taiar R, Bernardo-Filho M. Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in the pelvic floor muscles of healthy and unhealthy individuals: a narrative review. Transl Androl Urol. 2019 Aug;8(4):395-404.Conclusion
The results demonstrate that WBV could be assigned to the management of PFM. In addition, the idea of using WBV for the treatment of urinary disorders is very relevant. Safety and effectiveness suggest that WBV sessions could be an alternative to traditional exercise-based training.
WBV has been reported to: improve muscle strength and quality of life in people with urinary incontinence; does not cause muscle fatigue; leads to higher muscle activation in debilitated subjects and achieves higher pelvic floor activation than maximal voluntary contraction alone.
Prostate surgery and urinary disorders
Effect of 4 weeks of WBV sessions in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.
Conclusion
WBV sessions are an effective modality for treating patients with stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.
Muscle strength
Effects of WBV sessions on body composition, muscle strength and cardiovascular health
Park, Song-Young et al. “Effects of whole body vibration training on body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.” Journal of exercise rehabilitation vol. 11,6 289-95. 31 Dec. 2015.Conclusion
These studies reported that WBV sessions not only have beneficial effects on muscle strength, but also on cardiovascular health in the elderly and those with illness.
Multiple sclerosis
WBV sessions in patients with multiple sclerosis - a pilot study.
Schuhfried, Othmar et al. “Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.” Clinical rehabilitation vol. 19,8 (2005): 834-42.Conclusion
The results of this pilot study indicate that sessions with Power Plate® can positively influence postural control, balance, mobility, strength and endurance in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Results from other studies reveal a similar result, indicating that WBVs influence power and explosive strength, although the exercises are not performed explosively, often even statically.
In a degenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis, maintenance of function and performance are major goals of therapy. For most people, being independent for longer improves quality of life and will reduce the need for professional help.
The results of this pilot study showed that most patients maintained their level of performance indicating the positive benefits that could be achieved with a WBV program.
Effects of WBV training on physical capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis
Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Division of Sport Science, Universit¨at Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Konstanz, GermanyConclusion
The determinants of walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis, specific to endurance walking tasks, are improved by WBV sessions. The positive effects observed from WBV sessions demonstrate its effectiveness.
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