Good Vibrations 4 Life (TM) - Vibration Theory

The Theory behind Vibration Therapy

History and the Current Understanding of Vibration Therapy

The use of vibration, as a therapy method, has been attempted in one form or another since the time of the ancient Greeks. In the late 1900s, whole body vibration (WBV) received serious attention as a possible means of reducing the detrimental effects, particularly of bone loss, during spaceflight (see NASA Article).

Thanks to extensive investigation concerning vibration in the workplace environment, such as when operating heavy machinery, standards for exposure to whole body vibration in industrial settings have been well-established. (Refer to ISO standards (ISO 2631) (8, 14, 22))

The use of vibration therapy for therapeutic purposes has been studied more recently for many reasons. Most every study recommends that more studies take place in order to understand the treatment more thoroughly. Researchers are (justifiably) conservative in making claims as to how the findings based on a small group can be applied broadly to the human population. Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. offers the following links for your information. Studies related to: Athletic Performance, General Interest, Osteoporosis & Age-Related Concerns, Rehabilitation.

This is by no means a complete list. Please refer to current scientific journals and the Internet for further studies.

Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. agrees that more research and investigation into the benefits of whole body vibration is desirable. However, given that the treatment has been clearly successful in many cases, Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. stands behind the use of its WBV equipment as a means of achieving a variety of health benefits, without fear of injury, as long as the equipment is used within the recommended safe guidelines.

More important than anything else, in response to today's society's enormous health challenges, we stand behind this philosophy:

"Any safe form of exercise is immensely better than no exercise at all."

Vertical Vibration or Oscillating Vibration, What's the Difference?

In the case of vertical (simultaneous) vibration, an upward force is applied to both the right and left sides of the foot plate (the entire plate) at once. In the case of oscillating vibration (rotating vibration), force is applied to one side at a time only, with the plate "rotating" around a central axis. Vertical vibration machines are normally operated at a lower amplitude, but a higher frequency, in order to achieve their effect.

Good vibrations presents the oscillating vibration stimulus of the GVM ^TM as a more natural stimulus. The forces directed toward the legs, hips and spinal column are similar to those the body experiences in the course of walking. Walking is perhaps the most natural movement engaged in by the human body involving large muscle groups.

While the effects realized by the many vertical vibration machines can be appreciated, treatment often requires going into the realm of unsafe frequency levels by ISO standards. (Equal to or greater than 30 hertz).

Good vibrations strongly suggests use of the GVM ^TM as a safer method of benefiting from the WBV effect.

How Does It Work? The Theory behind Vibration Therapy.

Vibration therapy affects muscles and bones by eliciting a response based on a stimulus. In the case of the GVM ^TM, that stimulus is both vertical and horizontal, Vertical forces cause the body to experience a greater force than it would standing still, comparable to performing exercise. That force is measured as a factor of G, the force of gravity normally acting on the body. G force causes a healthy response in bone to develop mass and structure in order to withstand the forces applied to it.

Horizontal forces cause the body to shift in posture from a state of equilibrium to a state of disequilibrium. In state of disequilibrium, the human body responds automatically, below the level of consciousness, by way of reflexes and other neurological pathways, those that allow us to stand straight and balance without thinking about it. This response strives, by way of nerves acting on muscles, as quickly as possible, to return the body to a state of equilibrium. The vibration forces induced by the GVM ^TM cause the muscles of the body to repeatedly act and then act again, many times per second, to reestablish equilibrium, thereby giving healthy exercise to muscles and bones.

Due to a physiological concept known as the stretch reflex, muscles receive additional stimulation as a result of vibration therapy. When a muscle is in the midst of a contraction, as it is on the GVM ^TM, due to an upset in the body's state of equilibrium and, while in that state of contraction, it is subjected to another force, a compounding effect is achieved. Muscles and tendons, when stretched, receive additional nerve input to contract further. This is a normal response that can be witnessed in the typical knee-jerk reflex test. This reflex exists in order to prevent damage to muscles from overstretching. The fitness benefit is that vibration therapy can, by this method, achieve a greater recruitment of muscle fibers than can be achieved by normal conscious efforts. This phenomenon has been utilized in the pursuit of peak athletic performance in a practice known as plyometrics.

Based on the effects of bone and muscle stimulation, many other naturally occurring effects can be achieved. These are primarily based on circulation, which is greatly increased in both the circulatory and lymphatic systems, whenever muscular contraction occurs. With that circulation comes the oxygenation of tissues, the delivery of nutrients to them, and the removal of toxins, waste and other undesirable substances - an indisputable benefit from many health-related points of view, including immune response and disease prevention.

Under heavy load (weight training, for example), muscles will experience a burning sensation. This is based on a natural accumulation of the waste products of muscular metabolism (lactic acid, in particular). That is why vibration therapy on the GVM ^TM, at lower frequencies, is a desirable way of finishing a work out. The delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and the removal of accumulated metabolites, is the likely reason why less post-workout muscle soreness, and faster recovery, can be experienced after a warmdown session on the GVM ^TM. (See studies related to athletic performance)

Other benefits, such as weight loss, stress relief and a general feeling of well-being, can be expected to result, just as they would from the practice of other forms of regular exercise. The primary benefit of the GVM ^TM, in this regard, is that it makes regular exercise highly accessible and efficient.

How Much Vibration Is Required?

The vibration effect is a matter of frequency, duration and amplitude.

Frequency is a matter of cycles per second, which should, based on ISO standards, be kept below 30 hertz.

Duration is a matter of time available, and, given the need to conserve time in today's society, that time is desired to be minimal. The minimal time also prevents any undesirable effects of exposure to vibration over time from materializing. A reasonable amount of time is judged to be 10 to 15 minutes - long enough for a person to feel that exercise is being achieved, without being unreasonably demanding.

Amplitude is a matter of a compromise between what is needed to create the exercise effect (the G force, for example) and that which can be pleasantly experienced by the human body. In the case of vertical vibration machines, amplitude is kept quite low, (less than 5 mm, for example) to prevent the experience from being too unpleasant. Unfortunately vertical vibration, therefore, requires operation at a higher frequency, which can push it out of the realm of safe exposure. In the case of an oscillating vibration machine, such as the GVM ^TM, the human body can safely enjoy a benefit from a greater amplitude, such as 12 mm. Because of the greater amplitude, frequencies of 30 hertz or more are not necessary .

By these means, a reasonable daily routine, to provide muscle stimulation and bone maintenance, can be achieved by spending 10 minutes per day, at a frequency of 12 hertz and an amplitude of 5 mm (feet placed halfway between the center and the side edge of the foot plate) on the GVM ^TM.

To provide more muscle stimulation, to burn more calories or create a greater fitness effect, several options are available:

1. The position of the feet can be shifted slightly outward on the foot plate to increase the amplitude toward 10 mm.

2. The frequency can be gradually increased toward 15 to 20 hertz.

3. The duration can be increased slightly, toward 15 minutes per session or to two 10 minute sessions per day,

For more information, see Progressive introduction, Exercise Manual & sample exercise schedules.

Please note: Some improvements due to WBV may be noticed quickly (within a few sessions), such as increases in muscular endurance. Most measurable improvements take at least several weeks to occur. Others, such as increases in bone mass and density, may take 6 to 8 months of WBV in order to have their effect (Refer to studies above).







	The Theory behind Vibration Therapy History and the Current Understanding of Vibration Therapy The use of vibration, as a therapy method, has been attempted in one form or another since the time of the ancient Greeks. In the late 1900s, whole body vibration (WBV) received serious attention as a possible means of reducing the detrimental effects, particularly of bone loss, during spaceflight (see NASA Article). Thanks to extensive investigation concerning vibration in the workplace environment, such as when operating heavy machinery, standards for exposure to whole body vibration in industrial settings have been well-established. (Refer to ISO standards (ISO 2631) (8, 14, 22)) The use of vibration therapy for therapeutic purposes has been studied more recently for many reasons. Most every study recommends that more studies take place in order to understand the treatment more thoroughly. Researchers are (justifiably) conservative in making claims as to how the findings based on a small group can be applied broadly to the human population. Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. offers the following links for your information. Studies related to: Athletic Performance, General Interest, Osteoporosis & Age-Related Concerns, Rehabilitation. This is by no means a complete list. Please refer to current scientific journals and the Internet for further studies. Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. agrees that more research and investigation into the benefits of whole body vibration is desirable. However, given that the treatment has been clearly successful in many cases, Good Vibrations 4 Life Inc. stands behind the use of its WBV equipment as a means of achieving a variety of health benefits, without fear of injury, as long as the equipment is used within the recommended safe guidelines. More important than anything else, in response to today's society's enormous health challenges, we stand behind this philosophy: "Any safe form of exercise is immensely better than no exercise at all." Vertical Vibration or Oscillating Vibration, What's the Difference? In the case of vertical (simultaneous) vibration, an upward force is applied to both the right and left sides of the foot plate (the entire plate) at once. In the case of oscillating vibration (rotating vibration), force is applied to one side at a time only, with the plate "rotating" around a central axis. Vertical vibration machines are normally operated at a lower amplitude, but a higher frequency, in order to achieve their effect. Good vibrations presents the oscillating vibration stimulus of the GVM ^TM as a more natural stimulus. The forces directed toward the legs, hips and spinal column are similar to those the body experiences in the course of walking. Walking is perhaps the most natural movement engaged in by the human body involving large muscle groups. While the effects realized by the many vertical vibration machines can be appreciated, treatment often requires going into the realm of unsafe frequency levels by ISO standards. (Equal to or greater than 30 hertz). Good vibrations strongly suggests use of the GVM ^TM as a safer method of benefiting from the WBV effect. How Does It Work? The Theory behind Vibration Therapy. Vibration therapy affects muscles and bones by eliciting a response based on a stimulus. In the case of the GVM ^TM, that stimulus is both vertical and horizontal, Vertical forces cause the body to experience a greater force than it would standing still, comparable to performing exercise. That force is measured as a factor of G, the force of gravity normally acting on the body. G force causes a healthy response in bone to develop mass and structure in order to withstand the forces applied to it. Horizontal forces cause the body to shift in posture from a state of equilibrium to a state of disequilibrium. In state of disequilibrium, the human body responds automatically, below the level of consciousness, by way of reflexes and other neurological pathways, those that allow us to stand straight and balance without thinking about it. This response strives, by way of nerves acting on muscles, as quickly as possible, to return the body to a state of equilibrium. The vibration forces induced by the GVM ^TM cause the muscles of the body to repeatedly act and then act again, many times per second, to reestablish equilibrium, thereby giving healthy exercise to muscles and bones. Due to a physiological concept known as the stretch reflex, muscles receive additional stimulation as a result of vibration therapy. When a muscle is in the midst of a contraction, as it is on the GVM ^TM, due to an upset in the body's state of equilibrium and, while in that state of contraction, it is subjected to another force, a compounding effect is achieved. Muscles and tendons, when stretched, receive additional nerve input to contract further. This is a normal response that can be witnessed in the typical knee-jerk reflex test. This reflex exists in order to prevent damage to muscles from overstretching. The fitness benefit is that vibration therapy can, by this method, achieve a greater recruitment of muscle fibers than can be achieved by normal conscious efforts. This phenomenon has been utilized in the pursuit of peak athletic performance in a practice known as plyometrics. Based on the effects of bone and muscle stimulation, many other naturally occurring effects can be achieved. These are primarily based on circulation, which is greatly increased in both the circulatory and lymphatic systems, whenever muscular contraction occurs. With that circulation comes the oxygenation of tissues, the delivery of nutrients to them, and the removal of toxins, waste and other undesirable substances - an indisputable benefit from many health-related points of view, including immune response and disease prevention. Under heavy load (weight training, for example), muscles will experience a burning sensation. This is based on a natural accumulation of the waste products of muscular metabolism (lactic acid, in particular). That is why vibration therapy on the GVM ^TM, at lower frequencies, is a desirable way of finishing a work out. The delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and the removal of accumulated metabolites, is the likely reason why less post-workout muscle soreness, and faster recovery, can be experienced after a warmdown session on the GVM ^TM. (See studies related to athletic performance) Other benefits, such as weight loss, stress relief and a general feeling of well-being, can be expected to result, just as they would from the practice of other forms of regular exercise. The primary benefit of the GVM ^TM, in this regard, is that it makes regular exercise highly accessible and efficient. How Much Vibration Is Required? The vibration effect is a matter of frequency, duration and amplitude. Frequency is a matter of cycles per second, which should, based on ISO standards, be kept below 30 hertz. Duration is a matter of time available, and, given the need to conserve time in today's society, that time is desired to be minimal. The minimal time also prevents any undesirable effects of exposure to vibration over time from materializing. A reasonable amount of time is judged to be 10 to 15 minutes - long enough for a person to feel that exercise is being achieved, without being unreasonably demanding. Amplitude is a matter of a compromise between what is needed to create the exercise effect (the G force, for example) and that which can be pleasantly experienced by the human body. In the case of vertical vibration machines, amplitude is kept quite low, (less than 5 mm, for example) to prevent the experience from being too unpleasant. Unfortunately vertical vibration, therefore, requires operation at a higher frequency, which can push it out of the realm of safe exposure. In the case of an oscillating vibration machine, such as the GVM ^TM, the human body can safely enjoy a benefit from a greater amplitude, such as 12 mm. Because of the greater amplitude, frequencies of 30 hertz or more are not necessary . By these means, a reasonable daily routine, to provide muscle stimulation and bone maintenance, can be achieved by spending 10 minutes per day, at a frequency of 12 hertz and an amplitude of 5 mm (feet placed halfway between the center and the side edge of the foot plate) on the GVM ^TM. To provide more muscle stimulation, to burn more calories or create a greater fitness effect, several options are available: 1. The position of the feet can be shifted slightly outward on the foot plate to increase the amplitude toward 10 mm. 2. The frequency can be gradually increased toward 15 to 20 hertz. 3. The duration can be increased slightly, toward 15 minutes per session or to two 10 minute sessions per day, For more information, see Progressive introduction, Exercise Manual & sample exercise schedules. Please note: Some improvements due to WBV may be noticed quickly (within a few sessions), such as increases in muscular endurance. Most measurable improvements take at least several weeks to occur. Others, such as increases in bone mass and density, may take 6 to 8 months of WBV in order to have their effect (Refer to studies above).