Vibration plates for weight loss and bone building have ebbed and flowed for decades. Manufacturers tout improved weight loss, circulation and increased bone density. Sounds good when all you have to do is stand on a vibrating base for 15 minutes several times a week doesn’t it?
READ ON to see if you need to run out and get one of these devices….
When I did a literature search on this topic, I was looking at two key parameters: weight loss and bone building. What I found were many studies with conflicting data. Here is a very quick summary:
- Studies in children/adolescence with disabilities had significant improvement in bone density using a vibration plate device.
- Studies in post-menopausal women showed conflicting results on bone density. Even the studies that said there was improvement it was very slight. Lumbar spine seemed to benefit slightly more than hip but still had inconsistent studies. The studies that incorporated exercises on the vibration plates versus just standing on them had more improvement.
- Studies for weight loss showed little improvement when this was the only modality.
- Studies looking at post-stroke spasticity and function showed significant improvement.
Take home message – if there is a situation concerning a disability and regular exercises are not easily done these may be quite useful. For the rest of us, if you are going to use the vibration plate do some exercises while on the device following recommended guidelines. If you are planning on standing there it doesn’t seem to hurt but if you are targeting bone building then use your fifteen minutes and do some resistance training instead for a more consistent and improved outcome.
To your health,
Laura
