Whole Body Vibration

Whole body vibration (WBV) training involves standing, squatting, or holding other positions on a platform that vibrates at a set frequency and amplitude. The vibration creates rapid, small stretches in the muscles, which respond with reflexive contractions. In practice, it is exercise performed on a moving surface.

Research has looked most closely at strength and balance. Several reviews have found improvements in lower body muscle strength compared with no exercise, in groups such as older adults, healthy women, and athletes. Compared with regular exercise, though, the added benefit is often small or unclear, and evidence for effects on endurance or upper body strength is limited. Many studies are small, and the settings used vary widely.

Because of that, vibration is best viewed as an add-on to standard strength, mobility, and balance work rather than a replacement for it. Sessions are short, typically a few minutes of timed exercises at a time.

Safety screening matters. Vibration platforms are generally not recommended during pregnancy, after recent surgery or fractures, or for people with certain implants, kidney or gallstones, serious cardiovascular disease, or other medical conditions. Supervision helps ensure positioning and settings are appropriate, and sessions are stopped if dizziness or discomfort occurs.

Whole Body Vibration is on the therapies and services list at Precision Chiropractic ATX. Your doctor can tell you whether it fits your plan.