A new craze has been sweeping the health, fitness, and wellness industry. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) consists of vibrating platforms that move in multiple directions to stimulate muscle activity and bone strength. Many wellness centers and fitness centers in Long Beach have included WBV into their programs. Personally the rehabilitation results I have seen for myself and my patients speak volumes (see below for local centers that offer WBV).
Not just another fad, there are numerous research publications showing positive results with:
- Postmenopausal women bone density
- Muscle and joint proprioception or “balance”
- Joint injury
- Hormone levels such as Growth Hormone
Whole body vibration was explored by Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov, who tested vibration on astronauts in an effort to decrease the loss of muscle and bone mass in space. He observed a substantial increase in flexibility and strength after the application of vibrations in the athletes he studied (Kunnemeyer & Smidtbleicher, 1997)
Centers that offer WBV include:
- Advanced Wellness Center at the Marketplace
- Healing Waves in Naples
- 20/20 Fitness on 4th street
References
(Melnyk M.; B. Kofler, M. Faist, M. Hodapp, A. Gollhofer. “Effect of a Whole-Body Vibration Session on Knee Stability.” International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2008 Apr 9.)
(Bosco, C., et al. “Hormonal Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Men.” European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000, pg. 449-454.)
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