Written by Morgan Hopkins, DPT, CMTPT
Get a full-body workout without putting stress on your joints! Vibration plates use Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) technology to provide a high-intensity workout that can be done from the comfort of your home, gym, or physical therapy facility. With the added convenience of being portable, you'll never have to miss a workout again. Whole-body vibration exercise therapy is just one type of physical activity that has been recommended to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. A study of 70 postmenopausal women exposed to whole-body vibration therapy twice daily resulted in reduced bone loss by 1.5% in the spine and 2.17% in the femoral neck region. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting out, vibration plates offer a versatile exercise option for all levels of mobility.
So, how do you choose? There are several factors to consider when selecting a vibration plate to ensure you get the best one for your needs. These factors include the plate's size and weight, the type of vibration it produces, the amplitude and frequency of the vibration, and the plate's additional features. You should also consider your fitness goals, budget, and the space available for the plate. Considering all these factors, you can choose a vibration plate to help you achieve your fitness goals while fitting into your budget and available space.
Whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) is a type of physical therapy that uses vibration to stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. The therapy is typically performed using a vibration platform designed to deliver vibrations to the body through the feet. These vibrations promote bone density, muscle strength, and flexibility. WBV therapy can treat various conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, and muscle weakness. The frequency and amplitude of the vibrations can be adjusted to suit the patient's individual needs. The therapy is typically performed for a set period, such as 10 minutes, several times per week.
Best: Vibration Plate - Vibrashape Vibration Platform by VacuActivus
The vibration plate generates mechanical impulses transmitted to the body through the feet. These impulses stimulate the muscles and joints, increasing blood flow and circulation, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, the vibrations can stimulate the production of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. The rapid muscle contractions caused by the vibrations also help to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination, which can further help to reduce pain and improve overall physical function. Overall, vibration plates can be an efficient and effective way to relieve pain and improve overall physical function.
Vibration plates can improve blood circulation by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles and other tissues in the body. When you stand on a vibration plate, the vibrations cause your muscles to contract and relax rapidly. This creates a pumping action that helps to move blood and oxygen through the body more efficiently. Increased blood flow can also help deliver nutrients and other essential molecules to the muscles and tissues, promoting healing and recovery. Additionally, vibration plates can also stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. This can further improve blood circulation and overall health.
Vibration plates can help to refine balance and motor skills by challenging proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. When you stand on a vibration plate, the rapid vibrations create an unstable surface that requires the body to adjust and adapt to maintain balance constantly. This can help improve muscle tone, flexibility, and coordination, as well as the ability to respond quickly to changes in the environment, which can improve balance and overall motor skills.
Additionally, many vibration plates come with different programs and settings that can be adjusted to provide different intensity levels, which can help target specific areas of the body and improve balance and coordination.
Vibration plates create high-frequency vibrations that cause muscles to contract and relax rapidly, increasing muscle activation and blood flow. The increased muscle activation and blood flow may help to stimulate the immune and lymphatic systems. Additionally, vibration therapy has been shown to increase the release of growth hormone and testosterone, which can help to boost the immune system. It is also suggested that mechanical stimulation from the vibration plate can help to increase the flow of lymphatic fluids, which can help to remove waste and toxins from the body.
Best: PneuVibe Club Vibration Platform System
Tri-plane motion is a type of motion where the plate moves in three planes: sagittal, coronal, and transverse. This type of motion simulates the natural movement of the spine and joints and is often used in rehabilitation and physical therapy.
On the other hand, oscillation is a motion where the plate moves in a back-and-forth or rocking motion. This motion is often used to improve circulation and flexibility and may also be used in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
When considering purchasing a vibration plate, one important feature is the platform's size. A larger platform size can provide more exercise flexibility, allowing for a greater range of movements and positions. However, a larger platform also means that the machine must work harder to vibrate the entire surface, which can lead to lower performance. Additionally, a larger platform may take up more space in your workout area or clinic.
On the other hand, a smaller platform size may be more suitable for those with limited space in their workout area or clinic. Additionally, a smaller platform may also be more portable and easier to store.
It's also worth noting that a larger platform size may be more suitable for taller or larger individuals, while a smaller platform size may be more suitable for shorter or smaller individuals. Ultimately, the choice of platform size will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and available space.
Warranty is always an important factor when purchasing any product, and it's especially important to consider when purchasing a vibration plate. Vibration plates are known to have moving parts that are subject to wear and tear and therefore wear down over time. A good warranty will protect you from costly repairs or replacements if something goes wrong with the machine.
When considering a warranty, it's important to take note of the following:
Vibration output is an important feature to consider when purchasing a vibration plate. The vibration output is measured in terms of acceleration and frequency, which determine the intensity and effectiveness of the workout.
Acceleration refers to the amplitude, or the level of intensity, of the vibration. A higher level of acceleration means a more intense workout.
Whereas frequency refers to the number of vibrations per second and is usually measured in hertz (Hz). A higher frequency means more vibrations per second, which can provide a more intense workout.
It's important to note that a higher vibration output typically means the machine will use more power and make more noise. Be sure to do your research to make an informed decision on which vibration output meets your standards and preferences before purchasing.
Weight is an important feature to consider when purchasing a vibration plate. Heavier vibration plates typically provide a more stable workout experience and are less likely to move around or wobble during use. This is because a heavier machine is less likely to be affected by the vibrations and stays more solidly on the floor, allowing the vibrations to make their way up into the body.
On the other hand, a lighter vibration plate may be more portable and easier to move around, but it may not provide as stable of a workout experience and may not be able to transmit the vibrations as effectively to the body.
It's worth noting that a heavier vibration plate may be more difficult to move around or store and may take up more space. However, a heavier vibration plate often signifies the quality of the machine, especially when it comes to vibration plates. It's important to consider where you will be using the machine and what you will be using it for before deciding.
Budget is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vibration plate. More expensive vibration plates typically offer a higher workout level, with more advanced features such as a larger platform size, higher vibration output, and more programs or settings. However, these advanced features may not be necessary for everyone, and more affordable options can still provide an effective workout.
It's also important to consider the long-term costs of owning a vibration plate. Some models may be more expensive up front but may have a longer lifespan or require fewer repairs, which can save money in the long run.
Best: Sonix Personal Full Body Vibration PEMF System
Vibration plates are a convenient and effective way to get a full-body workout without putting stress on your joints. They use Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) technology to provide high-intensity exercises that can be done from the comfort of your home, gym, or physical therapy facility.
If you're ready to take the next step towards a healthier and fitter you, then check out our full selection of vibration plates. While you’re there, feel free to scan through our curated collection of product reviews, related articles, and buying guides at Rehabmart’s Caregiver University.
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Morgan Hopkins is a licensed doctor of physical therapy and freelance medical writer. She practiced clinically in outpatient orthopedics for 8+ years specializing in intramuscular dry needling, dance medicine, and post-operative care. Morgan seeks to be a leader in the continued shift toward preventative healthcare, helping people optimize movement now so they can move for years to come. She is a firm believer in complementary therapies, holistic wellness, and functional fitness and is thrilled to be able to educate others through Rehabmart’s platform.
