Vibration Therapy (Whole Body vs. Targerted)

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Therapy has recently been proposed as an effective therapeutic exercise intervention, because of its force generating capacity in the lower limbs. Its recent popularity is due to the combined effects on the neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems. Preliminary results recommend vibration exercise as a therapeutic approach for sarcopenia and osteoporosis. WBV therapy has been shown to acutely enhance strength and power capabilities in well-trained people (1,2).

At Tampa Bay Holistic Wellness we use both Whole Body Vibration Therapy and Targeted Vibration Therapy. We have partnered with Power Plate Technology for both solutions. Power Plate’s Whole Body Vibration Therapy solution(s) are the only multi-directional vibration plate offering. Power Plate’s Targeted Vibration Therapy solution is the most quiet handheld solution with the most attachments for one handheld device. Having multiple attachments allow for us to apply the right therapeutic application necessary for each individual patient. So what are the major differences between Whole Body Vibration Therapy and Targeted Vibration Therapy?

Whole Body Vibration Therapy

• A vibrating platform that moves in 3 directions simulating ground reaction forces

• Performing movements on the platform stimulates natural reflexes

• Neuromuscular activation, circulation increase, proprioceptive training

• Use to prepare (warmup), perform (workout) and recover (cool down/massage)

Targeted Vibration Therapy

• Applies vibration directly to affected areas

• Various shapes/sizes for localized pressure points

• Applies percussive pressure waves (so more of a percussive therapy than a vibration therapy)

• Releases tight fascia and increases local circulation

• Use to prepare (warmup) and recover (cool down/massage)

Vibration is a mechanical stimulus characterized by an oscillatory motion. The biomechanical variables that determine its intensity are the frequency and amplitude. The extent of the oscillatory motion determines the amplitude (peak to peak displacement, in mm) of the vibration. The repetition rate of the cycles of oscillation determines the frequency of the vibration (measured in Hz).

Vibration has been studied extensively for its dangerous effects on humans at specific amplitudes and frequencies. Other studies suggest that low amplitude, low frequency mechanical stimulation of the human body is a safe and effective way to exercise & treat musculoskeletal structures. In fact, increases in muscular strength and power in humans exercising with specially designed vibration equipment have been reported (1-7)

REFERENCES

1. Bosco C, Colli R, Introini E, et al. Adaptive responses of human skeletal muscle to vibration exposure. Clin Physiol 1999;19:183–7.

2. Bosco C, Iacovelli M, Tsarpela O, et al. Hormonal responses to whole-body vibration in men. Eur J Appl Physiol 2000;81:449–54.

3. Cardinale M, Bosco C. The effects of vibration as an exercise intervention. Exerc Sport Sci Rev2003;31:3–7.

4. Delecluse C, Roelants M, Verschueren S. Strength increase after whole-body vibration compared with resistance training. Med Sci Sports Exerc2003;35:1033–41.

5. Roelants M, Delecluse C, Goris M, et al. Effects of 24 weeks of whole body vibration training on body composition and muscle strength in untrained females. Int J Sports Med 2004;25:1

6. Roelants M, Delecluse C, Verschueren SM. Whole-body-vibration training increases knee-extension strength and speed of movement in older women. J Am Geriatr Soc2004;52:901–8.

7. Verschueren SMP, Roelants M, Delecluse C, et al. Effect of 6-month whole body vibration training on hip density, muscle strength, and postural control in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Bone Miner Res 2004;19:352–9.