With whole body vibration more motor units (and the correlating muscle fibers) are activated under the influence of vibration than in normal, conscious muscle contractions.
Due to this, muscles are incited more efficiently. The immediate effect of WBV is therefore that the muscles can be used quickly and efficiently, rendering them capable of producing more force. A major immediate effect of WBV is an improvement of circulation. The rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles at 20 to 50 times per second basically works as a pump on the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, increasing the speed of the blood flow through the body. Patients often experience a tingling, prickling, warm sensation in the skin which is caused by widening of the blood vessels as a result of vibration. Another important difference between conventional training methods and WBV is that there is only a minimum of loading. No additional weights are necessary, which ensures that there is very little loading to passive structures such as bones, ligaments and joints. That is why WBV is highly suited to people that are difficult to train due to old age, illness, disorders, weight or injury. On the other hand, it is also highly suitable for professional athletes who want to stimulate and strengthen their muscles without overloading joints and the rest of the physical system (Cochrane et al. 2005 [28]; Mahieu et al. 2006 [29]).
Furthermore the Berlin Bedrest Study (BBR) proved that 10 minutes of vibration training 6 times a week prevented muscle and bone loss in total bedrest over 55 days (Rittweger et al. 2004 [3], Felsenberg et al. 2004 [4], Bleeker et al. 2005 [5], Blottner et al. 2006 [37]).
In preventing falls and the bone fractures that often result from them, enhancing bone mineral density is not the only important issue. Increased muscle power, postural control and balance are also factors worthy of consideration. Studies involving elderly subjects have shown that all of these issues can be improved using whole body vibration (Roelants et al. 2004 [26], Bautmans et al. 2005 [38], Bogaerts et al. 2007 [39], Kawanabe et al. 2007 [40]).
We teach our patient’s special "blueprint" exercises designed just for them to help strengthen and correct their own unique problem. These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your own home and can improve the effectiveness of your spinal correction by as much as 30-40%. In addition to skeletal misalignment, muscles and connective tissues can be out of place or strained by improper alignment and use. Specific exercises and stretches can help your body stay in balance and in health.
