TITLE: "Vibrate Your Way to Fitness?”

Dear David and Trish,

I was recently working out at Gold’s Gym and overheard some fellow members talking about what they described as a “revolutionary new exercise device”. That string of words caught my attention, so I listened even MORE intently (without missing a repetition, of course!). Anyway, he went on to describe a machine called the “Power Platform”, or something of that nature.

I am curious… is this new device available, and does it really work the way this guy says it does?

Sincerely,

“Ready to Shake” in South River

Dear “Ready to Shake”,

Is the piece of equipment you describe just another “nasty rumor”? Well, I was curious, also. And did some serious (and not so serious) research.

“Ready” you were fairly close in the name…. It is actually called the “Power-Plate”.

"Not only will users see a reduction in the appearance of cellulite but Power-Plate therapy reverses the aging process. It improves circulation, stimulates the lymph glands, improves skin tone and breaks down cellulite all in just 12 minutes. Vibration training has been used for a while by high-performance sports people to perfect their performance. It also affects your body's "neuromuscular function". There are specific neural pathways from the brain to the muscles and the increased stimulus of the vibrations reinforces these pathways. Essentially, the muscle learns that 'this is a very important action', and remembers how to do it well." (And how much IS The Brooklyn Bridge?)

OK, this might very well sound like a cheap info-mercial. Well, it certainly ISN’T cheap! This peace of equipment carries a price tag of $9,999. Pretty steep we’re thinking aloud for a vibrating platform with some handrails attached for stability and relaxation.

To label this device, and the process that goes with it, brings us to the term of “passive exercise”. This is where modern technology makes it possible to get fitter, and healthier, merely by using the right equipment. It’s the promise of “get more and do less”.

Any of my contemporaries who visited gyms years ago might remember those funny machines that “jiggled” your belly with the canvas band to firm and tighten (come on… confess it… you tried it!). And the machines with the rotating wood dough rollers that claimed to firm and tighten your butt whilst you jiggled! Well, if this new contraption is actually effective, it is quite possible that those old machines were far more effective than we thought!!! (They WERE quite amusing to watch, as is a person on the “Power-Plate”.

Actually, the main “activity” of WBV (Whole Body Vibration… see, we LOVE those acronyms!) is simply staying put on the platform. Additionally, there are basic movements such as gentle squatting, deep-knee bending, torso movements, etc., that are supposed to enhance the positive effects of the system. Imagine, you can now FULLY concentrate on other people’s conversations WIHTOUT missing a rep (or a vibration!).

Dear readers, after doing quite a lot of reading on the subject, and reviewing scores of studies, I must confess that this piece of equipment does NOT appear to live up to it’s creator’s claims. So, as far as really promoting overall fitness, muscle endurance, aerobic efficiency, and systemic functioning, you’d be shaking the wrong tree here.

However, this piece of equipment DOES seem to have some very interesting, and important, possibilities!

For Physical Therapy, ESPECIALLY rehabilitation work and joint strengthening, this device shows great promise. Also, there are exciting possibilities in treating osteoporosis, neuro-musculoskeletal diseases or deficiencies, and other special needs. And there are even possibilities regarding effective treatment of chronic lower back pain with lumbar extension and WBV Exercise (as an adjunct to other therapies).

It was really fun for us to research and write this column. We LOVE new devices, and value new and innovative approaches to fitness. This one, though, doesn’t seem to deliver as promised. But it DOES have limited value. Based on the studies that we read, it does increase circulation, and possibly endurance in seasoned athletes. So it may be an effective tool in making well-trained athletes even more competitive. It also is sighted as a way to increase some elements of fitness in those who do not have the motivation to engage in an active exercise program. We doubt that would work.

Though somewhat old-fashioned, both Trish and I believe the principle that if you are comfortable during exercise you are not doing enough to get full benefit. No effort, no gain.

If it looks too good to be true it generally is. We’ll keep on researching. Keep those cards and letters (and E-mails) coming!

END