VIBRATION TRAINING


Science Speaks


From improving explosive power to building strength and boosting balance, studies show vibration technology is effective in a wide range of applications. Kath Hudson reports on some of the latest research


A


few years ago, vibration training manufacturers seemed to be working on new research constantly,


eager to back up the effectiveness of what might have been viewed as a ‘too good to be true’ form of exercise. Previous studies have shown


that whole body vibration training (WBV) can help with muscle development, improved cardiovascular/ cardiorespiratory endurance and lymphatic circulation, re-education of neuromuscular pathways and motor skills, better fl exibility, greater strength and stability, pain reduction and regeneration and recovery. However, in recent years the rate


of research has slowed down, possibly because vibration training has now become more widely accepted by the industry. “Scepticism among health club operators in the early years has been replaced by positive opinion,” says David Morrell, managing director of React Fitness, the UK distributor of VibroGym.


“Personal trainers in particular realise that vibration training forms an integral part of their clients’ programmes, and in many cases will be the key component of an effective and enjoyable workout.


Powrx research: WBV can increase explosive power generation


56 Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital


“This is particularly evident when


training older clients or special population groups, with vibration training’s potential to prevent and reduce many debilitative ailments.”


Falls prevention is better than cure Historically there has been an emphasis on vibration training to build bone density, but Steve Powell, director UK training & education of Performance Health Systems – which produces Power Plate – says the key benefits of vibration training among special populations and the elderly are being overlooked: “While vibration training can help build bone density, the reality is that the most effective machine for this outcome is one that can deliver loading in many multiples of body weight, like our bioDensity device. To prescribe Power Plate for building bone density is missing the point: its primary benefits for special populations are to build proprioception, strength and balance for falls prevention.” The impact of falls is considerable.


The Age UK June 2013 report Falls Prevention Exercise – Following the Evidence explains that falls and fractures in people aged 65 and over account for over 4 million hospital bed days each year in England alone, and the healthcare cost associated with fragility fractures is estimated at £2bn a year. There are around 70,000 hip fractures annually and these injuries are the leading cause of accident-related mortality in older people. After a fall, an older person has a 50 per cent probability of having their mobility seriously impaired, as well as a 10 per cent probability of dying within a year (Help the Aged, 2008, Towards Common Ground). The Age UK report states that a


tailored exercise programme can reduce falls by as much as 54 per cent, and draws attention to NICE guidelines on the assessment and prevention of falls in older people: namely, that strength and balance training should be a key component of successful multifactorial intervention programmes. A one-year study of Power Plate


training in elderly people showed improvements in mobility and stability, which resulted in reduced fall frequency and improvement in the response


April 2014 © Cybertrek 2014


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