Medical studies tend to express their findings in a very conservative manner – similar to the way that financial advisors express themselves.  There are few absolute claims and many disclaimers.  This is understandable given the litigious nature of our society.

The result is that much of what is known about the effect of whole body vibration exercise is as a result of anecdotal case histories which have been publicized either in journals or on the internet.

While claims regarding whole body vibration exercise are often grossly exaggerated, there is some substance to some – one being the claim that this technology helps as a therapy for osteoporosis.

This article is not intended to be a medical commentary or definitive finding.  It is based on some common sense observations and numerous testimonials.  It explores the reasons that whole body vibration exercise is beneficial in building bone mass density and leads to the obvious conclusion that it is a beneficial therapy for osteoporosis.

Firstly, whole body vibration exercise was originally developed to assist Russian athletes to increase muscle strength.  After being used for this purpose, Russian scientists observed that it had an effect on bone mass density.  This led to it being used by Russian cosmonauts to combat the loss of both bone mass density and muscle mass experienced after prolonged exposure to zero gravity conditions.

Shortly after the iron curtain fell, the technology made its way to Europe and then to North America.

The basic logic behind the claims that whole body vibration exercise is beneficial to the body, particularly the skeletal structure and muscles is fairly simple.

The vibratory action causes a muscle stretch reflex.  The body simply reacts to the vibratory stimulation in an effort to maintain balance.  This muscle stretch reflex exerts some stress on the bone.  The bone reacts by increasing density as a strengthening mechanism.

Whole body vibration creates the same reaction that caused by resistance exercise – only vastly accelerated. Because the rate is accelerated, the effects are also accelerated.  This is the basis of the claim that 10 minutes of whole body vibration exercise produces the equivalent result as 60 minutes of regular exercise.

If walking and resistance exercise is helpful in the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis, then by deduction it can been seen that whole body vibration exercise has the same effect.  Only quicker.

As with any exercise, consistency and frequency is key to obtaining and maintaining results. Because of the accelerated muscle action stimulated by whole body vibration exercise, sometimes the expectation is unrealistic.  Although it is only necessary to spend 10 minutes a day using whole body vibration, it is necessary to do this on a daily basis at least 5 or 6 times per week if you wish to see significant and lasting results.

General increase in flexibility, mobility and balance  should begin to be seen after a few weeks of use.  Increase in bone mass density has been reported after 6 – 8 weeks of use.  However it is advisable to think in terms of months and years rather than days and weeks.  Exercise of any kind is a lifestyle and not a short term therapy.

For further information including downloadable studies and testimonials, please visit the sites:

http://wholebodyvibrationsystem.com

http://vibetronix.com