Everything moves, down to the tiny atoms that compose every cell in our bodies. Our hearts, lungs, circulation, lymph, and digestive systems all rely on movement. Resistance to disease, injury prevention, and sparkling mental clarity into old age provided by regular exercise indicate that human bodies are built to move.
Researchers have been closely examining the role of movement in human health for decades. We now know that regular movement (exercise) is crucial for vibrant human health. However, not everyone can exercise. Some people are prevented from exercising due to injured joints, muscles, or discs in the spine, diseases of the bone such as osteoporosis, and many other conditions.
What can modern technology offer to stimulate some of the same mechanisms of exercise (movement and vibration) for those who can't exercise? Can these same things also increase the level of health of those with no injuries or diseases? The answer is "Yes!"
Whole Body Vibration
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a technology that was researched to prevent the loss of bone in astronauts subjected to long periods of weightlessness in space (1). Scientists discovered that astronauts could stand on a vibrating plate for just a short time yet recoup up to 2% of the bone loss incurred in space (1).
In the years since, as research has shown the benefits of whole body vibration, WBV devices have been produced in many shapes and sizes, making their way out to the general population. Typically, a person can stand, sit, or lie down on a large surface that shifts in tiny movements (vibrates) at different rates of speed and periods of time. The device moves the body slightly back and forth, causing muscles to respond by contracting and relaxing dozens of times each second (2). The body's response to the vibration is what initiates the cascade of health benefits.
Whole body vibration plates are being used in the home with increased frequency due to improved affordability. Some gyms may also provide WBV devices. However, gyms typically lack trained or certified practitioners to assess an individual's injuries or health history to spot potential risks before using the device. Increasingly, WBV devices are often found in healthcare practitioners' offices (chiropractors, physical therapists, holistic or integrative doctors), where they are used as primary or complementary therapy for many conditions.
Specific Benefits to Health
Like many of the therapies that Temecula Center for Integrative Medicine (TCIM) supports, WBV positively impacts many of the body's systems simultaneously. Tiny vibrational movements, gently shaking the body all at the same time, help the body heal and improve in so many ways! The following list is just a fraction of the ways this innovative therapy can benefit the body (1-4).
Improves bone density, muscle mass, muscle strength, and power in both healthy participants and patients
Prevents bone loss and wasting of muscles
Stimulates beneficial systemwide responses
Improves pain levels
Soothes back pain
Improves strength in older adults
Improves the ability to balance and coordinate movement
The number of studies showing numerous health benefits continues to grow. It is becoming undeniable that WBV is an extremely useful tool for increasing health!
Spotlight: WBV for Osteoporosis
WBV is a fantastic prevention and treatment therapy for osteoporosis because it has been proven to promote bone density (3), muscle coordination (1), good balance (1), and muscle strength (3). Those who suffer from chronic disease or who are of advanced age can benefit from this low-stress therapy, which can even be done while sitting or lying down!
Recall that osteoporosis is a medical condition where the body does not create enough new bone to replace old bone. Bone is a living tissue, perpetually being created and broken down in a process called remodeling. Old bone is not as dense and strong, so people become at risk for broken or shattered bones, especially the hip bones. Many things can cause osteoporosis, such as age, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and hormonal changes (5). Older women, especially post-menopausal women, are particularly at risk for developing osteoporosis (5).
It is well-known that weight-bearing exercise is the best for counteracting the development and advancement of osteoporosis. The mechanics of putting extra weight on the bones during exercise strengthens muscles and bones, including those at the hips. However, WBV offers an excellent second choice, especially for those who can't perform weight-bearing exercise.
Furthermore, WBV is a precious gift for those who can no longer safely walk alone. Animal studies have shown that WBV increases the abundance of muscle fibers (6), the size of muscle fibers (7), and mimics the benefits of walking (7)! The value of WBV increases even more when you combine these physical benefits with the benefit of pain relief.
Beyond Osteoporosis: Can WBV Help Your Situation?
WBV can positively influence muscles, bones, and systemwide mechanisms, such as the immune system's inflammation response, so it can impact a wide range of conditions. For example, WBV can improve (2, 8-13):
Inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Knee osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Parkinson's disease symptoms
Some symptoms of type II Diabetes (thirst, and frequent urination)
Improve blood sugar control and insulin resistance
Post-stroke recovery of function
Stress (can reduce stress by reducing the hormone cortisol)
Flexibility
Factors associated with heavy physical training: muscle strength, sore muscles, circulation, fat-burning, the ability to balance and be flexible
Factors associated with age: chronic illness, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular issues, balance, and flexibility
In addition to all the studies that provide scientific proof of WBV's health benefits, doctors witness many positive responses. It is not surprising to hear stories of improvements in headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, mood, and general well-being.
Summary
Whole Body Vibration is an excellent tool to prevent or treat osteoporosis (and many other conditions), and can easily be done at home. Whole body vibration therapy is best done on a daily basis, so it is a good idea to buy your own vibration plate and work it into your daily routine. For those who are healthy, WBV is a great way to maximize your health. For those who have had a stroke or have multiple health conditions, injuries, chronic illness, or disease, please see a doctor for an evaluation before you embark on a routine that includes WBV. While WBV has an excellent safety profile, there may be those who would benefit from a specific WBV schedule or even a completely different therapy. The healthcare practitioners at TCIM always keep your health in mind and suggest the most beneficial treatments for your situation.
We usually refer people to bcvibranthealth.com to get a vibration plate.
Jonathan Vellinga, MD is an Internal Medicine practitioner with a broad interest in medicine. He graduated Summa cum laude from Weber State University in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and completed his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Upon graduation from medical school, he completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Michigan. Dr. Vellinga is board-certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine.
951-383-4333
Sources
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