What some have written about it
Facts: There is scientific evidence that whole body vibration can help with agility, balance and fall prevention in the elderly, says Tindel. In fact, there are more than 100 papers on the topic. Whole body vibration therapy shows promise for increasing temperature of the muscles, flexibility, knee stability and neurological controls, among other benefits, says William J. Kraemer, Ph.D., a professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut.
Vibration training works through a strong neuromuscular stimulus. An acceleration of the plate causes the body to react. "While there have been only moderate increases in size of muscle, there are strong results for the elderly and conditioned athletes in increased muscle power," says Joseph Signorile, a professor of exercise science at the University of Miami and Power Plate adviser. Muscle power is the rate at which you can produce strength -- the "spring in your step." He's seen results in as little as 15 minutes per day.
"Power Plate is a terrific method of bringing 'reactive' training to the body. This teaches the entire musculoskeletal system to be more resilient and robust when experiencing the often unpredictable demands of human movement," says Jonathan Ross, a spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise.
Fiction: This is "not a panacea for all fitness." We still don't know exactly how to use it, when to use it, and for which populations it works best. More research needs to be done, says Kraemer.
According to Sal Marinello, C.S.C.S., C.P.T., a fitness expert and blogger in Milburn, N.J., "Whole vibration therapy is a gimmick, plain and simple, from the idea that standing and/or exercising on a vibrating plate will help you get fit to the expensive nature of the machines. I can't see one positive about it."
Concerns: "Neither the Power Plate (nor any other piece of equipment) can replace many of the movements that occur without whole body vibration. The Power Plate can make your body better equipped to handle the stresses of whatever sport or activity you follow, but unless you are going to be living and moving on a vibrating surface permanently, you'll need to train off the plate," says Ross.
Plus, the list of medical conditions for which use of the Power Plate is contraindicated is staggering. Interested users need to read the list carefully and consult with their doctors if they have any of the conditions mentioned, adds Ross.
Furthermore, there is no documentation of any cardio benefits, says Geithner. Lastly, the Power Plate is expensive: Models range from
$2,500 to $10,500, says Ross.
Bottom Line: This is potentially one tool in a fitness and exercise toolbox, but it's still too early to make broad, sweeping claims that vibration therapy will get you fit. In fact, according to Kraemer, vibration therapy will never "by itself, create fit people - that I guarantee."
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