WHOLE
BODY VIBRATION INDUSTRY RESEARCH
While
the use of vibration therapy and training is a still
relatively new concept to most health and fitness
and medical professionals, it certainly does not suffer
from lack of supportive research, and while there
is obviously much research yet to be done in the area,
the overwhelming consistency of findings from scientific
research that currently exists on the subject is a
compelling precursor to the Evolution's potential
applications and impact on this revolutionary method
of training and treatment.
Muscles
The effect of vibration results in what scientific
literature calls 'Tonic Vibration Reflex' or 'TVR'.
That is a repeated myotatic reflex or stretch reflex.
This means that the vibrated muscle has to work very
hard, while the subject or player using the Evolution®
does nothing other than balance on the platform. The
effect per pulsation is like that of the knee jerk
reflex. This muscle activity can be measured by use
of electromyography (EMG). For example, in a one repetition
maximum effort, the muscle(s) involved are activated
100% voluntarily. However with vibration training
on the Evolution™ the muscles work at 200 to
300% of this IRM activation. This is an ideal way
to train, especially when the muscle does not function
properly, for example with weakened muscles in the
elderly, or after injuries.
Hormones
Research shows that after vibration training (just
one session!), there is a high excretion of Testosterone
and Growth Hormone. There is also a drop in the stress
hormone cortisol. This combination has favorable effects
on muscle protein synthesis.
Effect of vibration training on Hormones:
- Testosterone:
+ 7%
- Human
Growth Hormone: + 460%
- Cortisol:
- 32%
(Source: Bosco et al 2000)
Increases in Testosterone and Growth Hormone are important
in the functioning of both body and mind. Many complaints
of the elderly can be traced to a decrease in these
hormones. It is essentially these hormones, together
with the female hormone estrogen, which are used to
combat geriatric complaints so that it is possible
to still enjoy life and vitality even when one has
reached old age.
Bones
Bone
decalcification (osteoporosis) is one of the biggest
health problems especially in the elderly and women
population. Many elderly people break their bones
more easily when they fall because of bone decalcification;
the hip is the most notorious in this respect. The
onset of osteoporosis is partly due to a lack of movement,
which causes muscles to gradually weaken, the circulation
to diminish and the bones to be inadequately used.
In addition, as a result of the ageing process, the
body produces less hormones such as testosterone,
estrogen and growth hormone. Yet it is exactly these
hormones which play such an important role in the
maintenance of strong bones.
The advice usually given to sufferers of this disease
is to take more exercise, but that is difficult when
muscles are weak, particularly in the legs. the
Evolution™
offers a good alternative to vigorous impact exercise:
through vibration the muscles automatically become
stronger and regain their tone. The circulation improves
because the blood vessels in the legs are wide open
due to the vibration. At the same time, the pulsation
gives a direct stimulus to bone tissue, which in turn
stimulates the production of new bone tissue.
Scientific research shows that vibration training
can help against osteoporosis. Recent findings show
that even after only one vibration treatment, there
is an increase in the hormone testosterone and growth
hormone, which are so essential for strong bones.
Neurotransmitters
Parkinson's disease is an example of a deficiency
in dopamine, which is the reason that L-Dopa is given
as medicine. It is also recognized that serotonin
plays a role in our mood, or frame of mind. A shortage
of serotonin in the brain can lead to depression,
which is the reason that Prozac is given as a medicine
in order to increase the serotonin content in the
brain. From research, it appears that vibration training
also influences the neurotransmitters and the way
in which they work. Vibration training increases the
serotonin content in the brain, which could possibly
explain why one feels so well after vibration training.
Blood Vessels
The effect of vibration training on the blood vessels
is clear to see and to feel. After training, one often
sees that the skin of the lower leg is colored pink.
This is a sign that the blood vessels in that area
are wide open. It also explains the feeling which
many describe as: coming home after a snowball fight
with your bare hands, and then putting your hands
in a bucket of warm water. A tingling feeling which
indicates that your blood vessels are wide open. In
Germany, the effect of vibration training is used
as therapy for a disturbed peripheral circulation,
particularly in the lower legs, such as in chronic
venous insufficiency.
Nervous System
The effect on the muscles is reflexively activated
via the nervous system. With vibration training, it
seems as if pulsations awaken the nerve tract, which
could explain the positive effects of vibration training
in partial paralysis. In fact, good results have been
reported in the experimental treatment of, for example,
MS patients.
Cartilage
It is already recognized that intermittent pressure
stimulates optimal functioning of the cartilage. This
cause the synovial fluid, or synovia, to be repeatedly
pumped between the cartilage, just like a sponge which
is constantly squeezed under water. This intermittent
pressure maintains and improves cartilage function.
|
