Vibration Exercise Machines: Do They Work?

Vibration exercise machines may appear to be a gimmick, but for certain conditions they can be very effective. While there's debate as to the correct use of the vibration, vibration exercise machines do work. However, they don't work on their own. You must combine the use of a vibration machine with a regular exercise plan and a healthy diet for best results. In addition, be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines to limit vibration to the hand and forearm -- overexposure can lead to vibration syndrome and has poor effect on the fingers.

Definition

Vibration exercise requires that you either sit or stand on a platform that vibrates. For those with lower back issues, the vibration may trigger pain, so it isn't recommended. In some setups, you work out on the platform or stand on a regular exercise mat using vibrating dumbbells, forcing your muscles to contend with constant instability as well as the resistance exercise.

Balance

Vibration exercise assists those who have trouble with their balance, although the mechanism by which this occurs isn't entirely clear. In a March 2007 study of 67 senior patients, with an average age of 72, published in "The Keio Journal of Medicine," the group that included four minutes of whole body vibration once a week in their exercise regimen had significantly improved balance and muscle strength. The constant vibration helps elderly women in particular. This can be especially useful as the elderly population is sometimes at risk for falls due to poor balance. It is also effective in building muscle in those affected with knee osteoarthritis, which can further aid balance.

Osteoporosis

Vibration exercise appears to help build bone mineral density. While this doesn't make it a cure for osteoporosis, bone mineral density is improved, especially among postmenopausal women. For patients on bed rest, whole body vibration aids in bone formation and minimizes bone loss, according to an April 2010 study in "Osteoporisis International." The study evaluated bone mineral density in male patients restricted to their bed for eight weeks. It found that those exposed to regular whole body vibration had less bone leg loss than those who did not receive vibration.

Fibromyalgia

An October 2008 study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" studied the impact of vibration in combination with exercise for women who suffered from fibromyalgia. Compared to women who exercised without vibration, the group that used whole body vibration after exercise had significantly lower pain and fatigue.

Considerations

While vibration exercise may prove useful in some circumstances, it doesn't have a standard vibration setting, nor is there a clear amount of time that is appropriate for best results. While scientific studies supports its use in some population, regular exercise and diet are more effective in keeping you healthy.