I have seen the expensive WBV machines at high end PT shops, but have not seen a consumer model until Soloflex came out with one.
I am naturally skeptical, but was curious if anyone had any experiences with using one?
I have seen the expensive WBV machines at high end PT shops, but have not seen a consumer model until Soloflex came out with one.
I am naturally skeptical, but was curious if anyone had any experiences with using one?
what the heck is that
NOPE
bump h
Funny you ask! I used a whole body vibration plate for my thesis project. We're trying to see if the application of WBV can improve the recovery of bone following a period of disuse in rats. I'm analyzing my bones right now, so I can't provide any conclusions.
I will say that one interesting thing we found in a prior pilot study was a significant loss in fat mass, without compromising muscle mass. So it seems to 'sprecifically' up-regulate metabolism of fat (although this may not apply to humans).
I've looked at the research pretty thoroughly (moreso with bone). The energy metabolism is compared to going for a walk. Several studies have found improvements in different muscle parameters (~muscle strength, jump height, alleviating back pain, improvements in muscle mass). There are tons of bone studies showing improvements in people of all ages and abilities. We'll eventually be doing a studies using the WBV platform with hip replacement patients. An area PT we work with swears by it, so it will be cool if we get some interesting data with that.
I'm definitely a little skeptical of the consumer platforms that are highly advertised. There's some contraindications with using a platform with too high of an amplitude (~vertical oscillation). We use a platform by Pneumex with a very low amplitude (<1mm) and high frequency (~90 hz). We have another platform that vibrates at between 30-60 hz. Of course, the platforms we use are likely more expensive and more for clinical/research purposes.
I can provide more information about how it works, etc..
thanks Jaguar,
I am more interested in it as a recovery/prevention tool than as a strength builder.
Have you run across any studies that show benefits in recovery or as a stretching tool.
One of my buddies swears by it as working out sore spots in his feet and calves (he is a martial arts guy) by standing and laying with his calves across the platform.
Thanks again for responding
Bump...Any more research on this product jaguar1??