Technology : What is Power Plate? Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.   Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes: such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased cellulite, increased bone mineral density, reduced pain and soreness and faster recovery.  Our three-dimensional vibration technology continues to lead the industry, and its benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific medical research.

Technology : How Does it Work?
Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate® machines creates instability in the human body, as with each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, 25 to 50 times per second. Furthermore, these contractions must work in multiple dimensions as the Power Plate® machines actually oscillate in all three planes, exactly as the human body is designed to do. The net result is an incredible improvement in force production, or strength and power.

The principle by which Power Plate® machines work lies in the law of motion, stated by Sir Isaac Newton: that the force of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by acceleration, or f = m x a. What this means is that one can improve functional force (stability, strength or power) by either applying more mass or more acceleration to the body. Many forms of training and conditioning use mass - as seen in methods with weight machines, free weights, etc. Power Plate® machines, instead, use the second half of this equation, by applying acceleration to the body, while keeping mass, i.e. your body weight, the same.

This is a real breakthrough in training and conditioning as we can now optimally “load” the human frame while minimizing high impact, high load, and high stress factors.  Gravity is the force that adds load to the human body every second of every day for every movement we perform. Through Acceleration Training™ exercise, Power Plate® machines make the body feel as though it “weighs” more every time acceleration forces increase.

The result is that you work against a far greater influence or “load” of gravity in every movement you perform. This is the essence of all strength and conditioning programs and Power Plate® machines simply use a different part of the same equation to achieve this! In fact, the amazing outcomes seen with Acceleration Training™ exercise respect the same biological and physiological laws of the body as witnessed in other forms of training. The

Technology : Be Sure The Power Plate Method Is For You Please remember as we are primarily concerned for your safety, we advise you to review the following list of contraindications and contact your physician or specialist should you have any questions before training with Power Plate® machines. Contraindications for training with Power Plate® machines: • Pregnancy • DVT / Thrombosis • Cardiovascular diseases • Recent wounds from an operation or surgical intervention • Synthetic/artificial joints • Acute hernia / discopathy / spondylolysis • Severe diabetes • Epilepsy • Acute diseases / inflammation processes • Severe migraines • Pacemakers • Carrying recently fitted IUDs, coils, metal pins, bolts or plates • Tumors • Retinal problems/dysfunction Note: Should one of the contraindications listed above apply to you, you are not necessarily excluded from using Power Plate® machines. Extensive research is being performed on the effects of Acceleration Training™ exercise on specific medical conditions and, as a result, this list may soon be revised. However, to be safe, we would advise against usage until you have consulted your physician to determine whether this is a relative, or absolute, contraindication.

Technology : Scientific Support
A growing body of scientific research demonstrates how the technology behind the Power Plate® machines provides widespread therapeutic applications and health benefits. Listed below are just a few of the numerous studies detailing positive results from using Power Plate® machines as part of your exercise regime. 

Human Performance Strength Increase after Whole-Body Vibration Compared with Resistance Training Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Activity, Strength, and Power Whole Body Vibration Induced Increase in Leg Muscle Activity During Different Squat Exercises Neuromuscular Effects of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration Effect of Knee Flexion Angle on Neuromuscular Responses to Whole Body Vibration Neuromuscular Responses to Two Whole Body Vibration Modalities During Dynamic Squats Comparing the Effects of Different Whole Body Vibration Intensities on Vertical Jump Performance The Effects of 4 Different Acute Whole Body Vibration Exposures upon Indicies of Counter Movement Vertical Jump Performance EMG Response to WBV of Different Frequencies with Progressive External Loads Power Plate Whole Body Vibration Metabolic Study

Rehabilitation / Bone Density Power Plate Stimulates Recovery After ACL Rupture Use of Vibration Assisted Exercise in Fibromyalgia Patients Effect of 6 Month Whole Body Vibration on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women The Feasibility of Whole Body Vibration in Institutionalized Elderly

Other Research The Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Reflex Induced Standing in persons with Chronic and Acute Spinal Cord Injury Hormonal Response to Whole Body Vibration in Men Comparing the Performance Enhancing Effects of Squats on a Vibration Platform With Conventional Squats in Recreationally Resistance Trained Men Acute and Residual Effects of Vibratory Stimulation on Explosive Strength in Elite and Amateur Athletes Effect of Four Month Vertical Whole Body Vibration on Performance and Balance Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Muscular Performance, Balance, and Bone Electromyography Activity of Vastus Lateralis Muscle During Whole Body Vibrations of Different Frequencies The Effects of Vibration on Human Performance and Hormonal Profile "Strength training on vibrating plates: markers of muscle damage" Whole Body Vibration and Blood Muscle Volume Will Whole Body Vibration Training Help increase the Range of Motion of the Hamstrings?

HOW CAN WHOLE BODY VIBRATION (WBV) IMPROVE MY RESULTS?

 

The benefits of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) have been studied for decades and therapy using WBV has been utilized since the ancient Greeks.

There are several benefits to using WBV for spinal correction.

 

“Whole Body Vibration is a direct stimulation to the patient’s nervous system, especially the cerebellum, the autonomic nervous system and its reflexes (Pettibon).” This benefit will allow faster healing and rehabilitation times for spinal correction. Here are some of the many benefits of WBV.

WBV affects the loaded or stretched muscles, i.e. spinal postural muscles, rather than phasic muscles. WBV has shown to increase muscle strength and tone when used regularly. It has also been shown to help splinted or spastic muscles to relax and prevent further spasm.

“Neural drive is greatly enhanced by WBV and has been shown to increase blood flow as well as affecting the production of various and necessary for muscle rehabilitation (Pettibon).”

 

HISTORY OF VIBRATION THERAPY IN REHABILITATION

 

Vibration therapy is not new. In a patient search, one can easily identify multiple patients going back many years. Dr. J.H. Kellogg was one of the first in the modern era (1800-1900) to utilize mechanical vibration as a modality to treat health problems, although the ancient Greeks used primitive methods. Later, the Russians utilized WBV to help their cosmonauts combat the effects of minimum gravity. In the 1970s, ‘80s and

‘90s, the Soviet Union and the Dutch Olympic team trainers were the first to recognize the benefits of WBV to enhance athletic performances.

 

Language and physics

Whole-body vibration is a direct stimulation to the patient’s muscles and nervous system, especially the cerebellum, the autonomic nervous system, and it’s reflexes. Over-stimulation (use over too long of a time) may result in sweating and fatigue, and, in rare instances, the patient may pass out.

Because WBV is such a powerful tool, it is critical that those using it in their offices understand the terminology associated with its use and how to identify when over-utilization is approaching.

 

Frequency is the number of vibrations per second. Most platform vibrations are controlled and may vary from 10 up to 60 Hertz (Hz). To be effective, the Hz is varied to fit in the patient’s body type and changed as the patient’s physical condition changes.

Amplitudeis the distance the vibration forces the platform to travel, usually from 1 to 4mm.

Time is the duration a person is exposed to vibration and varies from individual to individual, dependent upon the Hz used and muscle activity of the individual during exposure to the vibration.

Physiology

Whole-body vibration and/or vibration of any kind affect postural muscles

rather than phasic muscles. Phasic muscles do not spasm or have tone. Vibrations stimulate afferent fibers in the muscle spindles, causing reflex

contractions, especially in loaded and/or stretched muscles. This increases

muscle tone and eventually one’s strength when performed on a regular schedule. Electromyography (EMG) activity is greatly increased with vibration of loaded or stretched muscles over voluntarily contracted muscles, causing them to fatigue up to 50% faster. Further, motor units

of vibration-exercised muscles are better synchronized, resulting in greater

control of balance and dexterity. Balance and dexterity may also be products

of vibration-induced somatosensory, central motor, and hypothalamus stimulation.

WBV has also been shown to cause spastic and splinted muscles to relax and prevent further spasms of muscles that have been over-stimulated. A Pulse Ox instrument can indicate when vibration efficiency of stretched and/or in the fatigued patient as soon as the patient plateaus.

 

Associated neural increases

Neural drive is greatly enhanced by WBV and has been shown to increase blood flow as well as to affect the production of various hormones, motor-unit recruitment and micro-traumas that are involved and necessary for muscle rehabilitation.

Research has shown that the prescription of correct vibration (Hz) and time in concert with the various weighted maneuvers during rehabilitation training increases the following:

1.The essential human growth hormone IGF-1 by 361%

2.Testosterone by 7%

3.Blood flow by 100%

4.leg strength by 15%

5.Bicep strength by 10%

 

Vibration resulted in a decrease of low back pain by 66% as well as a decrease in production of the fat-causing stress hormone, Cortisol, by 32%.

Whole Body Vibration

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is an advanced technology that is used by major medical, rehabilitation and therapeutic centers across the country for any years. It is now available at Manhattan Chiropractic.

The therapy consists of standing on a platform that produces a vibration. This vibration is transferred to your body, stimulating absolutely every part of your body, from your cells to your organs. This whole-body-vibration offers a host of benefits:

• Improves muscle strength and performance
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances critical blood flow throughout the body (oxygenation and lymph drainage)
• Increases secretion of hormones that are important in regeneration and repair processes, such as HGH (Human Growth Hormone), IGF-1, and testosterone
• Increases bone density
• Increases the “happiness” hormones serotonin and neurotrophine, substances that support our thinking process
• Decreases the stress hormone cortisol
• Rehabilitates injuries and ailments
• Enhances explosive strength
• Enhances conventional training results
• Speeds training recovery
• Accelerates weight loss
• Reduces lower back pain
• Enhances pain reduction
• Improves collagen production
• Reduces appearance of cellulite
• Eliminates the effects of stress

How & why it works

The human body has an innate reflexive response to disruptions in stability (think: doctor hitting below your knee cap). On the platform, the vibration causes muscles to instinctively stretch and contract: both movements occur rapidly and intensely at a rate of 30-50 times per second.

Exercise causes the body to tire; rest allows the body to recover. By repeating this process, the body adjusts to the level of effort, resulting in an increase in physical performance. This phenomenon, called super-compensation, similarly occurs when training on the WBV platform. However, compared with traditional training methods, greater results are achieved and hormonal production is increased in much less time.

Each set is performed no longer than 30, 45, or 60 seconds in length, and training sessions need to be performed no more than 3 to 4 times per week with each session lasting about 10 minutes of actual time on the platform.

You will see the results of increased flexibility each time you do a WBV work-out. Touch your toes before your set, and again after the set. You’ll be amazed. And, by the end of the set, the work-out will have been so vigorous that you’ll be sweating – without having run, without Bikram yoga.

About Bone Density

Without the force of gravity pulling on the skeleton, astronauts lose bone at the rate of 0.2% per month. Conversely, a professional tennis player may have 30% more bone on his playing arm. Unfortunately, most of us tend to simulate the life of an astronaut rather than the life of an athlete. As a result, one gets increasingly weaker over time.

Decades of scientific studies support the effect of gentle vibration on increasing bone density. Most recently, in one study on WBV, adult sheep were treated with vibration to their hind legs for 20 minutes a day. The vibrating sheep had 30% more bone in their legs than did untreated animals after one year.

To build bone, you have to beat it up. You have to punish your skeleton a bit. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are good for your heart and muscle tone, but they don't do much for your bones. High-impact activities, such as running and weightlifting, build bone. Shocks to bone only make it stronger. Bone is living tissue, and it responds to your activities. Mechanical stress—the impact of your feet pounding pavement, the weight of a barbell, or the shock that travels up your arm when you whack a baseball—creates microscopic fractures. Your bone not only repairs the tiny fractures, but it also responds by building more bone on top of them.

Post-menopausal women are the most at risk for losing bone. The end result can be osteoporosis: bones so brittle that even the stress of ordinary activities can snap them. But, men aren't immune. The rapid bone loss that leads to osteoporosis starts about 10 years later in men than in women—around the age of 60.

And, it is never too early to start. Clinicians and researchers feel that it is crucial to build up as much bone as you can during the first 20-30 years of your life, so that when you reach the age when bone loss accelerates, the effect won't be devastating. It’s a little like investing in the stock market. If you have $1 million and you lose 90% of it in a market crash, you're still left with more than most people earn in a year. But, if you've only invested $10,000, what's left probably couldn't cover a month's rent.

Whole Body Vibration on the Power Plate combined with Spinal decompression with the DRX 9000 is an amazing treatment for Herniated disc problems.

Call (212) 645-8151 in Manhattan for treatment of  herniated discs and  bulging discs without surgery. Spinal decompression combined with a core strengthing and core stabilization provides an effective treatment for chronic low back pain and herniated discs.

Rehabilitation
Not only can Acceleration Training™ exercise using Power Plate® machines prevent injuries, it can help rehabilitate them as well. Many professional sports teams have found Power Plate® machines to be indispensable for rehabilitation. The ability to strengthen muscles without strain on joints and ligaments can be extremely valuable for patients with rehabilitation needs. Increased blood circulation helps bring oxygen to inflamed areas to promote healing, while improved lymphatic flow helps drain fluid build-up from injured tissue.

 Image of Power Plate in use

Whole-Body-Vibration Training Effective in Older Women  Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd

 Whole-body-vibration (WBV) training is as efficient as standard resistance (RES) training for improving strength and speed in older women, according to the results of a randomized trial published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

"Recently, WBV training has been promoted as an efficient alternative for resistance training," write Machteld Roelants, MS, from Katholieke Universiteit in Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues. "Even if performed to exhaustion, the increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen uptake during WBV are mild, so the cardiovascular risks of WBV in older adults are negligible."

In this controlled trial at the Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory in Leuven, 89 postmenopausal women were randomized to WBV training, RES training, or to a control group that did not participate in any training. All women were not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and age range was 58 to 74 years.

Both active intervention groups trained three times a week for 24 weeks. The WBV group performed unloaded static and dynamic knee-extensor exercises on a vibration platform, which provokes reflexive muscle activity. The RES group performed dynamic leg-press and leg-extension exercises, increasing from low (20 repetitions maximum) to high (8 repetitions maximum) resistance, to train knee extensors.

A motor-driven dynamometer measured isometric strength and dynamic strength, speed of movement was measured using an external resistance equivalent to 1%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of isometric maximum, and countermovement jump performance was determined using a contact mat.

After 24 weeks of training, isometric and dynamic knee-extensor strength increased significantly in both groups (P < .001 vs. baseline), and the training effects were similar in both groups (P = .56). Isometric and dynamic knee-extensor strength were 15.0% ± 2.1% and 16.1% ± 3.1%, respectively, in the WBV group, and 18.4% ± 2.8% and 13.9% ± 2.7%, respectively, in the RES group.

After 24 weeks of training, speed of movement of knee extension significantly increased at low resistance (1% or 20% of isometric maximum) to 7.4% ± 1.8% and 6.3% ± 2.0%, respectively, in the WBV group only. There were no significant differences in training effect between the WBV and the RES groups (P = .39 and P = .14, respectively).

Countermovement jump height improved from baseline (P < .001) after 24 weeks of training in the WBV group (19.4% ± 2.8%) and the RES group (12.9% ± 2.9%). Most of the improvement in knee-extension strength, speed of movement, and in countermovement jump performance occurred after 12 weeks of training.

"WBV is a suitable training method and is as efficient as conventional resistance training to improve knee-extension strength and speed of movement and countermovement jump performance in older women," the authors write. "As previously shown in young women, it is suggested that the strength gain in older women is mainly due to the vibration stimulus and not only to the unloaded exercises performed on the WBV platform."

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004;52:901-908

Learning Objectives for This Educational Activity

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe features of WBV training.
• Compare effects of WBV training with RES training on knee-extension strength and movement in older women.

Clinical Context

Age-related decrease in physical activity and reduction in sex hormones are linked to strength loss and muscle atrophy. The latter predispose elderly women to falls and fractures with subsequent morbidity and mortality. WBV consists of standing unloaded on a platform generating vertical sinusoidal vibration at a frequency of 2.5 to 40 Hz with amplitudes of 2.0 to 10.5 mm transmitted to the body to stimulate sensory receptors such as muscle spindles. Unloaded exercise is performed on the platform. Tonic vibration is believed to facilitate activation of high-threshold motor units affecting fast-twitch fibers, which play a role in muscle strength and power. The major part of the gain in strength is believed to be due to muscle activity provoked by vibration.

One study by Delecluse and colleagues published in the June 2003 issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed increased isometric and dynamic knee-extensor strength of 16.6% and 9.0%, respectively, in previously untrained young women. WBV has the potential to enhance muscular performance in older adults who are unwilling or unable to perform standard RES exercises.

This is the first randomized study to investigate long-term (24 weeks) effects of WBV training on muscle strength, measured as knee-extension isometric, dynamic strength and speed in postmenopausal women not receiving HRT and to compare these effects with similar standard RES training.

Study Highlights

• Inclusion criteria were postmenopausal women not receiving HRT and not engaged in regular organized physical activities.
• Exclusion criteria were metabolic or neuromuscular disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, orthopedic injuries, or two or more cardiovascular risk factors.
• 89 women were randomized to a WBV group (n = 30), a RES group (n = 30), and a control group (n = 29) with no exercise program. 69 women completed the program (n = 24, 20, and 25 for the 3 groups, respectively) and were included in the analysis.
• The study was powered at 80% with an α of .05 to detect a difference between the training and control groups assuming a dropout rate of around 30%.
• Baseline assessment included complete medical examination, ergometer test for maximal exercise capacity, and modified Baecke Questionnaire for Elderly to document baseline activity level.
• The 2 training programs consisted of seventy-two 30-minute sessions for 24 weeks. Training frequency was 3 times a week with at least one rest day between sessions.
• The WBV group performed a supervised total-body training program with high, deep, and wide-stance squats and lunges with warm-up and cool down. Training volume was increased by extending the duration of the vibrations. Training intensity was progressively increased by reducing rest periods or increasing the amplitude or frequency of vibrations.
• The RES group performed cardiovascular exercises with increasing resistance for leg extensions and leg presses under supervision from instructors. Repetitions were increased using the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for individuals older than 60 years.
• Outcomes (comparing baseline to 12 and 24 weeks) were percentage changes in strength of knee extensors, dynamometry for isometric and dynamic knee strength and speed, maximal strength, speed of movement, and countermovement jump performance.
• Participants in the 3 groups were similar for age (64 years), weight (66-70 kg.), and body mass index (26 kg/m²). The 69 who completed the program attended all 72 sessions.
• Isometric and dynamic knee strength increased significantly (P < .001) in the WBV group (mean, 15.0%) and the RES group (18.4%) compared with no change in the control group, after 24 weeks of training. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P = .56).
• Speed of movement of knee extension significantly increased at low resistance in the WBV and RES groups after 24 weeks of training compared with the control group which showed no improvement from baseline. Improvements in speed of movement were greater in the WBV than the RES group at low resistances of 1% and 20%.
• Countermovement jump height enhanced significantly (P < .001) in the WBV group (19.4%) and the RES group (12.9%) after 24 weeks.
• Most of the gain in knee-extension strength and speed of movement and in countermovement jump performance were realized after 12 weeks of training.
• Reasons for dropout before 24 weeks included incompatibility of training program with lifestyle, mild knee discomfort, and health problems unrelated to the programs. 3 participants dropped out because of anterior knee pain (patellofemoral dysfunction and patellar tendinopathy) associated with the training program.

Pearls for Practice

• WBV is a safe, appropriate, and efficient strength-training method that can be applied in geriatric settings as a low-impact exercise program.
• Regular WBV training three times weekly for 24 weeks in postmenopausal women not receiving HRT significantly improved knee-extension isometric strength, dynamic strength, and speed of movement at levels comparable to similar RES training.

• Since its introduction to the U.S. in 2001 by vibration pioneers - Power Plate North America, Acceleration Training^TM (a.k.a. “vibration training") acceptance continues to increase steadily within the mainstream sports performance, fitness and wellness communities nationwide. Meanwhile, its stronghold in elite athletics, particularly professional and college football, surges onward. With more than 30 professional and college football teams, currently utilizing Power Plate® Acceleration Training™ products, Advanced Vibration Technology^TM has quickly established itself as arguably the most relevant new strength and conditioning technology in elite football circles.

  “Neuromuscular training using Power Plate® has a wide variety of benefits," said Jeff Fish, Oakland Raiders Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. “It increases strength, quickness and reaction time and provides warm-up, cool-down as well as injury-reduction benefits. The low impact nature of the Power Plate also makes it an effective tool for injury rehabilitation. The Power Plate® provides several physiological advantages in our program, and is critical in the overall development of our players."

  Professional and college football strength and conditioning coaches, as well as head athletic trainers, are driven by three primary motivators: providing players a competitive edge, ensuring players’ safety and health every step of the way and keeping players on the field and out of the training room. Acceleration Training™ through vibration training is unique in its ability to achieve these ends.

  Fish and the Raiders are among 15 NFL teams using Power Plate®, a list that also includes the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. In the college ranks, the impact is no different with Power Plate North America’s client list comprising another “who’s who” list of elite programs, including UCLA, Notre Dame and National Champion University of Florida Gators (the aforementioned teams do not officially endorse Power Plate North America or its products).

  “We used Acceleration Training with Power Plate® products extensively during our national championship run and traveled with it to Phoenix for the title game last year,” said Mickey Marotti, University of Florida Football Strength and Conditioning Coach. “Not only do I love the versatility and effectiveness of Power Plate®, our players also recognize the variety of benefits.”

  Athletes’ Performance, the nation’s preeminent athletic training franchise, has championed Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate® products since its inception in the United States. Athletes' Performance facilities prepare more college prospects for the annual NFL professional football combine than any other training organization. Through this use and the outspoken endorsements of Athletes’ Performance founder and nationally-renown athletic training specialist - Mark Verstegen, Acceleration Training™ has established itself within professional and collegiate football.

  “Acceleration Training™ is integral to sports performance methodology and Power Plate is the only choice for the elite athletic population,” said Verstegen. “We use Power Plate products across our entire methodology, from high performance to medical rehabilitation and regeneration.”

  Backed by a host of published research, Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate® products offers a wide variety of benefits, including improved muscle strength, flexibility, balance, reaction time and quickness, hormonal release, pain reduction and expedited recovery of damaged muscles and tendons.

  Acceleration Training™ via Power Plate® equipment exploits the body's innate reflexive response to disruptions in stability in order to achieve its varied benefits. Just as the leg kicks forward involuntarily when the doctor strikes the lower knee to test reflexes, the body's muscles engage in an involuntary reflexive muscle contraction in response to the vibration stimulus from Acceleration Training™. Muscles are forced to contract 25-50 times per second in response to mechanical vibrations delivered to the body from a central platform upon which static and dynamic exercises are performed.