Vibration machines use a technology known as whole body vibration training, or WBV, to improve the physical fitness of those who use the machines regularly, according to the American Council on Exercise, or ACE. Using a vibration machine for weight loss may supplement a healthy diet and regular exercise, but vibration machines are unlikely to measure up to all-inclusive fitness programs.
Function
A WBV machine consists of a vibrating platform that exercisers may sit or stand on. The machine's fast vibrations lead the muscles to reflexively contract, but machines may differ in the amount of vibrations per second and depth of each vibration, according to ACE. The results of a vibration machine session would thus vary by machine.
Claims
Those who market vibration machines claim that their products have many effects on the body, including weight loss, increased muscle tone, improved balance and stronger bones. Often, marketers also send the message that exercisers would only need to spend a few minutes doing WBV training every day to replace longer time spent doing traditional exercises, according to ACE.
Weight Loss Research
Reducing caloric intake and WBV training may help obese adults achieve and sustain 5 to 10 percent weight loss long term, according to a study at the University College of Antwerp, published in the April 2010 issue of "Obesity Facts." Ultimately, WBV training may be more effective than diet and fitness routines alone in reducing visceral adipose tissue -- the fat that accumulates between organs -- in obese adults, which would make it a helpful addition to a traditional fitness routine, according to the study.
Potential Fitness Benefits
Most healthy adults aren't likely to see measurable weight loss or significantly improved fitness as a result of WBV training, according to the MayoClinic.com. However, research suggests that WBV training may increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women, improve muscle strength in elderly and women with knee osteoarthritis and improve balance in elderly women, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Though WBV may help you burn off extra calories, self-initiated and maintained physical activities such as walking and swimming are more likely to be effective for most healthy adults, according to the MayoClinic.com. Until research suggests that WBV is superior to traditional physical activity, only use it as a way to supplement your current routine rather than relying on it to do all the work for you, recommends the MayoClinic.com.
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