The Science Behind Whole Body Vibration

Whole body vibration is not just the latest lose weight quickly scheme sweeping the nation. It originally started off as a way to help the body internally rather than focusing on the external results. This technology dates back to the space race of the 1960′s between the US and the then Soviet Union. Any breakthrough with technical and scientific development would help them win the race. One of the biggest challenges they faced was the limited time their astronauts could spend in anti gravity conditions.

The Russian scientists were looking for ways to strengthen their muscles to stay in space longer. It has taken millions of years of evolution for the human skeleton to evolve and its adapted to the gravity pressure on Earth. The Russian scientists needed to find a way to stop their cosmonauts muscle and bones from succumbing to the long term anti gravity problems they were experiencing after prolonged periods in space. Weak muscles were one of the most common side effects of long periods in space as the anti gravity conditions meant they werent getting the same use they do on Earth. The focus become to build their muscles before they left so theyd be better equipped to deal with long anti gravity exposure. Whole body vibrations using a vibrating plate exposed the muscles to up to 60 vibrations per second. This caused the muscles to involuntary contract at each vibration. Up to 60 muscle vibrations every second started to not only strengthen the muscles but also the bones too. After using a vibration trainer they also noticed other positive effects too like better circulation and more energy.

The vibration training had the desired effect, their cosmonauts muscles were stronger and their muscles were able to withstand longer periods in anti gravity environments. Over the last half century vibration training has been improved upon and adapted. It’s now used across several different fields from weight loss and fitness to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.