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Are vibrating devices good for your whole body?
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A couple of years ago I wrote an article about the Soloflex Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Platform. Vibration devices have gotten some press but today I read an article asking if this was a fad or the real deal. These are my thoughts and those of Soloflex.
- The benefits and harm from WBV are unclear. The company of course gives positive research on WBV. Other research I found does not and I have found example after example of harm to the spine. However I also noticed that the negative research was older than the newer research. "Exposure of the whole body to vibration (usually through the feet/buttocks when riding in a vehicle). Whole body vibration may increase the risk for injury, including low back pain and internal organ disruption."
www.ergoweb.com/resources/faq/glossary.cfm
- WBV refers to "mechanical energy oscillations which are transferred to the body as a whole (in contrast to specific body regions), usually through a supporting system such as a seat or platform. Typical exposures include driving automobiles and trucks, and operating industrial vehicles."
wisha-training.lni.wa.gov/training/presentations/WholeBodyVibration.ppt
- Soloflex says that WBV therapy triggers physical improvements much like a moderate weight training workout. We are told that just standing on a WBV platform will make us sweat.
- At www.soloflex.com the company goes on to say that “The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has established time limits for allowable workplace exposure to whole body vibration (WBV). The Soloflex WBV Platform safe exposure time is approximately 30 minutes a day at all acceleration levels."
What I really think:
I wanted to love the WBV. I wanted it to cure me. I wanted the little tingling I have in my foot to be gone. I wanted the pain in my fingers to be gone. However none of this happened. I never did sweat on the WBV Platform.
I’m not giving up on this machine. I happen to like Soloflex products and the company. I think they make quality products. I just don’t think people should be running out to buy this. Although a prescription is not needed I’m leaning toward recommending that prescriptions should be needed! I most certainly do not think anyone should be buying the WBV without talking with their doctor. I think it has a place in rehab facilities, to warm up before a workout or to supplement a workout but not in and of itself unless you have a trained medical person with you. If you are immobile this may increase circulation and stability. I can understand that concept. I don’t understand how it will increase strength but there appears to be some evidence that the vibrations may increase strength and increase bone density but that’s a big may.
Note: at the time I read that this machine wass considered a class 1 Medical Device by the FDA. "Those who shouldn’t use this are recovering from surgery, have heart disease, neurological conditions, pre-existing deep vein thrombosis, joint implants or are pregnant." I got an e-mail from the company telling me that it is not classified as a medical device by the FDA. The cost of this particular machine is $495.
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