What are the benefits of whole body vibration (WBV) training?

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  1. Dr. Michael Roizen
     
    Dr. Michael Roizen answered:
    Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a technique pioneered by the Soviets decades ago to help cosmonauts stay in space for long periods without losing so much muscle and bone that they were ragdolls when they got back to Earth. It worked. But does WBV do anything for the earthbound?

    The science is mixed but promising, particularly for improving strength, power, balance, and bone density. WBV may also help keep weight off once you've lost it. It seems to target the deep belly fat (visceral fat) that's linked to diabetes and heart disease. And in one small study, people with low back pain who vibrated twice a week for 12 weeks got relief.

    So go ahead, "shake it up, baby," but check with your doctor first. There's not much known yet about side effects, but WBV is not recommended if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, have a history of blood clots or seizures or have recently had a concussion

    You might want to check with your banker, too. Vibrating machines are expensive.
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  2. National Academy of Sports Medicine
     

    Numerous benefits have been associated with whole body vibration training such as improvements in strength, explosive power, balance, flexibility, bone density, and body composition.In sedentary and elderly individuals performing WBV,gains in most measures of muscle performance have been similar to comparable traditional resistance exercise training programs. However, these gains have been made quicker than traditional methods, and this makes it a very time ,efficient exercise mode. Also, WBV training has been shown to improve flexibility in younger, athletic populations and gains or maintenance in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.Its low-impact nature and the relatively low exertion requirements make WBV an attractive exercise mode for obese, elderly, or less mobile individuals. Additionally, it can be a good form of cross-training for athletes looking to minimize the amount of repetitive joint loading on their bodies.

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  3.  Eric Beard - NASM Expert
     

    Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training has many benefits. It almost seems to good to be true. There is a growing pool of research supporting the use WBV. People using WBV training have seen; improvements in strength, circulation, bone density, flexibility, explosive power production, balance and body composition. The individual research studies provide information in regards to specific types of people. For example; athletic adolescents, postmenopausal women or elderly adults. The benefits of WBV are the same that a comprehensive fitness program can provide, but WBV can provide them faster. In my experience using a vibration training platform in my own program as well as with my clients it provides a tool that is relatively low impact and very versatile. When I use a vibration training platform during my workout; I warm-up and stretch out faster, get my core to fire up more quickly, get a more complete strength training workout and burn more calories. WBV can be used effectively in many different types of exercise programs including weight loss, rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. Before incorporating WBV into your exercise program, make sure you receive guidance on a complete program that encompasses nutrition from a qualified and credentialed professional. If you have any medical conditions consult your personal physician to make sure that WBV is right for you. 

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    Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training has many benefits. It almost seems to good to be true. There is a growing pool of research supporting the use WBV. People using WBV training have seen; improvements in strength, circulation, bone density,... More