Whole body vibration increased blood flow to the lower body while subjects were in the supine position. Furthermore, the intervention reversed the decrease in leg blood flow in the upright position. Finally, leg vibration shifted the microvascular filtration relation to higher pressures, both in the supine and in the upright position.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
Volume 19, Number 8, 2004
Published online on April 5, 2004; doi: 10.1359/JBMR.0315011
© 2004 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Whole body vibration has been recently proposed as an exercise intervention because of its potential for increasing force generating capacity in the lower limbs. Its recent popularity is due to the combined effects on the neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems. Preliminary results seem to recommend vibration exercise as a therapeutic approach for sarcopenia and possibly osteoporosis. This review analyses state of the art whole body vibration exercise techniques, suggesting reasons why vibration may be an effective stimulus for human muscles and providing the rationale for future studies.
New “whole body vibration” machines showing up in some swank health clubs and rehabilitation facilities are generating ripples of curiosity — and concern.