What is Whole Body Vibration (WBV)and who should use it?

WBV is the stimulus created by the oscillatory motion of the vibrating plate. When provided at low amplitude and frequency the vibratory stimulation to the human body is safe and can have many positive impacts on the body. The up and down oscillating movement of the plate, transmits energy to the body and increase the neuromuscular gravitational load, causing the body to contract and relax with each tiny motion (Cardinale & Wakeling, 2005) which improves the functionality of skeletal muscle.

WBV has been shown to positively impact a variety of ages, needs, and disorders. Most commonly used originally for athletic strengthening and weight loss, we are seeing the therapeutic benefits it has for low back pain, muscle spasticity, attention and cognitive function, individuals with sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and Autism. WBV has gained a lot of attention lately as well because the benefit is seen after only minutes on the machine. This modality can be used in practice as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients of any age, with a wide variety of disorders, diagnoses, and presentations.