Blog

Protect Your Brain Health with WBV

Wed, 20 May 2015 13:32:41 +0000

Among health care providers it is common knowledge that patients suffering from neurological disorders such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Transverse Myelitis, and Cerebral Palsy can benefit from regular exercise, like that received during a whole body vibration session. And while benefits can vary greatly depending on the severity and type of disorder, exercise has an important role to play in reducing depression, which, if left untreated, can lead to faster cognitive decline.¹Exercise also lowers the risk of sedentary-induced, secondary illnesses that can accompany the onset of a neurological condition.

In addition to the many health benefits, the psychological benefits can be the most important part of managing a neurological disorder. Exercise, like whole body vibration, can improve everything from endurance to mood,² and researchers are hard at work to discover how we can use exercise to both manage and avoid these life altering conditions.

In a recent study by Julie Robichaud, Ph.D., a research assistant professor at the department of movement sciences at the University of Illinois, Parkinson's study subjects showed improved balance, walking velocity, and the ability to release a contraction improved by 30 percent.³ In 2008, a team of researchers found that Alzheimer’s patients who incorporated physical activity in their daily lives reduced cognitive decline and improved psychological and/or physical performance, as well as mobility, balance, and strength.⁴

Researchers are also making promising finds related to exercise like WBV and the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In 2010, a study found that aerobic exercise improved several measures of cognitive function,⁵ providing evidence that such exercise regimens may provide significant benefits to patients with PD.

While epilepsy, brain tumors and some other brain disorders are not preventable, there is evidence that exercise can help you to avoid certain neurological problems. The Caerphilly Heart Disease Study followed 2,375 male subjects over 30 years and examined the association between healthy lifestyles and dementia. The study identified that men who undertook regular physical exercise had a 59% reduction in dementia when compared to the men who didn't exercise regularly.⁶ Reasons physical activity leads to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s include lowering body weight, since obesity is a risk factor for the disease,⁷ and improved blood pressure and cardiovascular health.⁷

When designing a wellness plan the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise can have a positive impact on your life. From brain health to overall mental well-being, adding whole body vibration to your routine has benefits for every part of your health. Take steps today to protect your brain from the ravages of time and ill health. Find out how you can get a VibraWav Pro series machine for your home so you start to reap the benefits of this fun, easy form of exercise today. To find out more, visit vibrawav.com or contact us at info@vibrawav.com.

1. Rolland, Y., Abellan van Kan, G. and Vellas, B. 2008. Physical Activity and Alzheimer's Disease: From Prevention to Therapeutic Perspectives. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 9:390–405.
2. Sutoo, D., Akiyama, K. (2003) Regulation of brain function by exercise. ‘’Neurobiology of Disease’’ 1–14.
3. Two-Year Exercise Program Improves Physical Function in Parkinson's Disease: The PRET-PD Randomized Clinical Trial. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair 06/2014; DOI: 10.1177/1545968314539732
Source: PubMed
4. Rolland, Y., Abellan van Kan, G. and Vellas, B. 2008. Physical Activity and Alzheimer's Disease: From Prevention to Therapeutic Perspectives. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 9:390–405.
5. Nocera, J. R., Altman, L. J. P., Sapienza, C., Okun, M. S. and Hass, C. J. 2010. Can exercise improve language and cognition in Parkinson's disease? A case report. Neurocase: The Neural Basis of Cognition. 16(4):301–306.
6. Elwood P, Galante J, Pickering J, et al. Healthy Lifestyles Reduce the Incidence of Chronic Diseases and Dementia: Evidence from the Caerphilly Cohort Study. PLOS ONE 2013;8(12)e81877. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0081877
7. Friedland, R. P., Fritsch, T., Smyth, K.A., Koss, E., Lerner, A. J., Chen, C. H. et al.. 2001. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced activities in midlife compared with healthy control-group members. The National Academy of Sciences. 98(6): 3440–3445.
8. Kivipelto, M., T. Ngandu, L. Fratiglioni, M. Viitanen, I. Kareholt, B. Winblad et al.. 2005. Obesity and Vascular Risk Factors at Midlife and the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer Disease. Archives of Neurology. 62(10):1556–1560.

Jump Start Your Fitness with Whole Body Vibration

Thu, 22 May 2014 19:04:52 +0000

Starting a new fitness program, or sticking with a routine you already have in place, can be a challenge. So this month we thought we would share 5 tips on how whole body vibration (WBV) can help you jump start your fitness so you can reach your goals.

Tip 1: Pick an Activity You Enjoy

Getting started with an exercise routine begins with picking the right activity. This means choosing an exercise program that a) gets results, b) is physically comfortable and that c) you enjoy doing. In the end, it doesn’t matter if cross-country skiing is a great cardio workout, if it hurts your knees or you hate it, you will never reach your goals by doing it.

WBV can be a great way to kick-start your fitness because it is within the reach of most people regardless of age or fitness level. The flexibility to sit or stand on the vibrating plate, makes it a comfortable, low impact way to add fitness to your routine.

Tip 2: Get the Right Equipment

Whatever your chosen activity, having the right equipment is a must. Not only will it help you to perform the activity correctly, it will also minimize your chances of injury. New equipment can also help to motivate you, since you will be excited to try it out.

For instance, if you're a runner, go invest in the best pair of running shoes you can afford or if you're into rowing, buy yourself a cool pair of rowing gloves. If you are motivated to try WBV, then choosing a VibraWav Pro XT means you will get a professional-grade piece of equipment that is already in use in doctors’ offices around the country.

Tip 3: Make it Enjoyable

If your goal is to use your WBV machine for 30 minutes, three times per week, then make sure you are prepared to make that time as useful and enjoyable as possible. Loading a special exercise playlist or listening to a “book on tape” can make time fly by, which will make your workouts seem like they've finished before they've begun.

Tip 4: Switch It Up

If you get bored by doing the same exercise for 30 minutes at a time, take steps to change up your routine so you can maximize the benefits, and minimize the boredom. WBV can help you combat boredom in several ways. First, there is a wide range of exercises you can do with your VibraWav Pro XT machine that will add variety and interest to your workout. As a bonus, changing positions can also help you to get more out of your exercise.

Also, WBV can be a great way to supplement any other exercise you may be involved in. Avid golfer? Adding WBV can not only you add more exercise to your life, it can also improve your golf game. In fact, the increased blood flow and circulation of whole body vibration can be a great addition to almost any activity you perform.

Tip 5: Sneak It In

If you really can't stand doing cardio, having a WBV machine in your home is a great way to get the exercise you need in small doses. Try sneaking in a few minutes between television shows or household chores. The beauty of having your own VibraWav Pro XT is that you can easily make it a part of your daily life in a way that works for your unique schedule.

In the end, it is not enough to know you “should be” exercising, you need to create specific strategies that will help you get started and keep going. Adding whole body vibration to your routine means you are giving yourself the best possible chance to reach your goals.

New Research on Cholesterol & WBV

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:18:05 +0000

We have all heard that “lower cholesterol is healthier”, but the truth behind this common knowledge is more layered and complicated than simply getting your cholesterol to a goal number. To make a positive change, you need to raise your “good” cholesterol (HDL-C) and lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C). There is research that exercise, like whole body vibration (WBV), can help you get your numbers where they need to be.

The connection between LDL-C and heart disease has been recognized the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute(1). In fact, there is evidence that reducing your LDL-C by just 1% corresponds to a 2 to 3% reduction in the risk of heart disease(2). Even more encouraging, is the fact that aerobic fitness and exercise programs, like WBV, have been encouraged as a means to reduce total cholesterol, while elevating "good" cholesterol.

Cholesterol: An Important Role to Play

There is a variety of factors that influence a person's cholesterol composition, some within our control to manage, and some that are outside our control. Diet and exercise form a powerful one, two punch with the power to help you take charge of your cholesterol levels and make a positive impact on your health. In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise consistently lowers triglycerides(3), which helps to decrease body fat and lower the effect of triglycerides.

Women, Cholesterol and Exercise

From puberty until menopause, women benefit from naturally lower total cholesterol and LDL-C values. This natural protection, however, is lost after menopause when these values begin to mirror those of men(4). Cross-sectional studies confirm that active women have higher HDL-C levels than their sedentary counterparts. However, because of the variable effects of diet, body composition, exogenous hormone use, contraceptive use, alcohol consumption, and age, the specific exercise recommendations for increasing HDL-C have yet to be determined(5).

Regardless of your gender, prevailing evidence supports the concept that physical activity can slow the progression of heart disease, but, at this time, there is no research-based guidance for exactly what type of exercise will maximize the positive effects of exercise on cholesterol levels. Until specific recommendations are developed, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for frequency, intensity and duration of exercise are the most current and scientifically-documented exercise recommendations available.

In the end, reducing your bad cholesterol and raising your good cholesterol means taking proactive steps including diet, exercise and educating yourself on your risk factors. Adding whole body vibration is just one more way you can improve and protect your health.

1 Expert Panel. (1993). Summary of the second report of the national cholesterol education program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. Journal of the American Medical Association, 269, 3015-3023.

2 Goldberg, L., & Elliot, D. L. (1985). The effect of physical activity on lipid and lipoprotein levels. Medical Manson, J. E., Tosterson, H., Ridker, P. M., Satterfield, S., Hebert, P., G.T., O., Buring, J. E., & Hennekens, C. H. (1992). The primary prevention of myocardial infarction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 326, 1406-1416.

3 Martin, R. P., Haskell, W. L., & Wood, P. D. (1977). Blood chemistry and lipid profiles of elite distance runners. Annals of New York Academy of Science, 301, 346-360.

4 Heiss, G., Tamir, I., & Davis, C. E. et al. (1980). Lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions on selected North American populations. The Lipid Research Clinic Program Prevalence Study. Circulation, 61, 302-315.

5 Taylor, P. A., & Ward, A. (1993). Women, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and exercise. Archives of Internal Medicine, 153, 1178-1184.

New Research on Cancer Prevention & WBV

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 04:00:00 +0000

For years, scientists have linked physical activity and lymphatic drainage; like that you get from whole body vibration (WBV), to lower cancer rates. New research is shining light on how you can protect yourself from one of America’s most-common killers.

Cancer Prevention – Less is More

In a recent study (1) two groups of women were examined. The exercise group completed a schedule of moderate-to-intense exercise 5 days a week for 16 weeks, while the second group did not exercise. Before and after the study period, researchers collected urine samples and analyzed estrogen levels that included byproducts from several specific types of estrogens.

Among women who worked out, urine samples taken after the study period contained lower levels of potentially cancer-causing estrogen byproducts. Among women in the study who exercised, the ratio of good to bad estrogen byproducts improved roughly 25%. Simply said, less bad estrogen byproducts means more cancer protection.1

Lymphatic Drainage: A Piece of the Prevention Puzzle

The lymphatic system is an important part of the circulatory system comprised of a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels that carry a fluid called lymph towards the heart. Lymphatic organs play an important part in the immune system, which gives them a key role to play in cancer prevention.

The movement of the vibration plates enhances the natural drainage of the lymphatic system by increasing movement of the skeletal muscles and smooth muscle cells to push the lymph from tissues. Increased blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the tissues and cells, especially in areas where circulation is poor as a result of injury or disease.

Tying it All Together with Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This can be achieved by combining activities like brisk walking, playing tennis, whole body vibration or any other activity that raises your heart rate. With WBV you also get a boost to your lymphatic system that rounds out the positive impact on your health. Whole body vibration is a particularly good option to accomplish these goals since it is accessible to people of all ages and health levels.

1-Recreational Physical Activity and Leisure-Time Sitting in Relation to Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk, Janet S. Hildebrand, Susan M. Gapstur, Peter T. Campbell, Mia M. Gaudet, and Alpa V. Patel.

Vibrating Exercise Machines, Buy Vibration Exercise Machine & Equipment

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The health benefits of whole body vibration therapy (WBV) are well documented and it is used in healthcare facilities across the country like the one run by Dr. David Lee. He is a leader in his field who advocates the use of WBV to provide the very best treatment for his patients. In this interview Dr. Lee shares insight into why he uses WBV and why he chose the VibraWav Pro XT to deliver the best results possible.

Dr. Lee, take a moment and tell us why you began providing WBV therapy for your patients.

Where do I start? The ideal client for whole body vibration is anyone wanting to increase their health index and mobility down to the cellular level. And since whole body vibration can be used standing, sitting, lying, etc., it is accessible to a wide range of patients despite age and mobility.

Many of our patients have reported cessation of symptoms since starting the VibraWav Pro XT sessions. We even include a vibration session for all of our weight-loss patients with increasing and speedy results. Of all of our modalities it is by far the easiest, most patient friendly and popular device or procedure we offer; second only to the Chiropractic Adjustment.

Lots of products come across your desk, why did you choose the VibraWav Pro XT for your office?

The VibraWav Pro XT came to my office after I had tested three other vibration plate devices. I sent the first three back due to failures, safety issues and faulty controls. I now have two VibraWav units in the Woodstock, GA clinic and one at each of the three Florida locations. We use the machines on every patient, at every visit. The patients love this therapy and are continually inventing new ways to stretch, exercise and just enjoy their time on the machines.

What would you say to the patient reluctant to try WBV?

Motion is the difference between life and death of an organism and our patients feel the positive effects of vibration on lymph, muscle, joints and overall body mobility. Patients regularly report feeling energized and re-vitalized with each session. I encourage you to try this therapy for yourself. I think you will find it as impressive and exciting as I have.

Your Summer Slimdown Starts Here

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Jump Start Your Weight Loss

Summer is here and with it, the pool parties and beach retreats we both love and dread. Even if you have tried and failed on other programs, take a minute to discover the science behind how whole body vibration therapy can jump start your weight loss so you can look, and feel, your best this summer.

Oxygen: Critical To Your Success

You know how important oxygen is to your body, but did you know that your oxygen uptake is significantly higher when you perform exercises while standing on a whole body vibration (WBV) machine vs. the same exercises done without the benefit of WBV (1,2)? Oxygen is believed to promote healing, energize the body, displace harmful free radicals, neutralize environmental toxins, detoxify the blood, and strengthen the immune system... all great things when you are asking your body to operate with less calories so you can lose weight safely.

Rev Up Your Metabolism

Beyond the additional oxygen, WBV has also been suggested to have a beneficial effect on muscle strength (3,4). Researchers have reported that the addition of WBV to an exercise routine increased muscle strength and lean muscle (5,6) allowing participants to get more out of their workouts when the exercises were performed using whole body vibration. The ratio of lean muscle to fat is an important part of weight loss. The more the muscle you have the higher your metabolism and a higher metabolism is a great way to boost your weight loss.

What does this mean for you?

It means that 10 calf raises done on your personal VibraWav Pro Series, in the comfort of your own home, will do more to benefit your health than the same 10 calf raises done without vibration. It means you will get better, faster results in less time by adding whole body vibration therapy to your life. Why wait? Give yourself the gift of health this summer by adding a VibraWav Pro XT to your home today. Click here to find out more information and make the Summer of 2013 your best summer ever!

1-Rittweger J, Schiessl H, Felsenberg D. - Oxygen uptake during whole-body vibration exercise: comparison with squatting as a slow voluntary movement. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2001;86(2)169–173.

2-Rittweger J, Ehrig J, Just K, Mutschelknauss M, Kirsch KA, Felsenberg D. Oxygen uptake in whole-body vibration exercise: influence of vibration frequency, amplitude, and external load. Int J Sports Med. 2002;23(6): 428–432.

3-Ibañez J, Izquierdo M, Arguelles I, et al. Twice-weekly progressive resistance training decreases abdominal fat and improves insulin sensitivity in older men with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005;28(3):662–667.

4-Schmitz KH, Jensen MD, Kugler KC, Jeffery RW, Leon AS. Strength training for obesity prevention in midlife women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003;27(3):326–333.

5-Jurca R, Lamonte MJ, Barlowe CE, Kambert JB, Church TS, Blair SN. Association of muscular strength with incidence of metabolic syndrome in men. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005;37(11):1849–1855.

6-Roelants M, Delecluse C, Goris M, Verschueren S. Effects of 24 weeks of whole body vibration training on body composition and muscle strength in untrained females. Int J Sports Med. 2004;25(1):1–5.

Vein Health & Whole Body Vibration

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Deep Vein...What?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a silent killer that affects thousands of Americans every year. So we thought we would take a minute to talk about DVT and how whole body vibration can help you prevent this silent killer. So what is deep vein thrombosis? DVT is a blood clot that, for various reasons, builds up in the veins.

DVT - A Potential Kink in Your Good Health

Your veins act like a network of hoses in your body; delivering vital nutrients and removing waste. Healthy veins behave like a brand, new hose that is supple and kink free. It is easily able to bend and flex, allowing the water to move throughout the system freely and without obstruction. Problems can occur when, over time, the hose begins to harden; causing it to kink. These kinks can reduce the free flow of water, even to the point of stopping the flow all together. To restore the flow you have to find the kink and straighten it out.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of DVT

Our veins face a similar set of challenges as we age. The term "hardening of the arteries", also called atherosclerosis, occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. Over time, these plaques can lead to narrower arteries and cause blockages that can partially or completely block blood flow back to the heart and cause damage to the one-way valves in the veins. These clots can also break free and travel through your blood to major organs, such as your lungs -- which can be fatal. To avoid theses pitfalls it is important to make vein health a part of your overall wellness plan.

Whole Body Vibration & Circulation

Whole body vibration can play an important role in improving vein and cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and circulation. When you step on the vibration plate of your VibraWav and turn on the machine, multiple, small contractions begin deep within your leg muscles. These rapid muscle contractions not only stimulate your muscles, they push your blood through your veins; encouraging circulation and increasing your heart rate. The fast contraction and instant relaxation of muscles creates a pump to the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Blood circulation allows for oxygen to flow into these inactive areas. Increased oxygen flow boosts active muscle capacity, increasing training efficiency.(1)

What does this mean for you?

It means that every minute spent on your personal VibraWav machine, in the comfort of your own home, is a minute spent improving your health and safeguarding your life. It means you are giving yourself every possible chance to stay healthy and live the life of your dreams. If whole body vibration isn't already a part of your life, why wait? Give yourself the gift of healthy veins and add a VibraWav Pro II to your home today. Click here to find out more information about WBV and how you can and take the first step to a healthier, happier you.

Effects of whole body vibration training on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in older individuals (A 1-year randomized controlled trial) AN C. G. BOGAERTS1, CHRISTOPHE DELECLUSE2, ALBRECHT L. CLAESSENS2, THIERRY TROOSTERS3, STEVEN BOONEN4, SABINE M. P. VERSCHUEREN1

Show Your Heart a Whole Lot of Love

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

With all the focus on love this month, we thought we should stop and consider how we treat our hearts all year long. Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body and its health can significantly impact your health. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a great way to take care of your heart that is within reach of everyone; young and old, fit and not-so-fit. By adding whole body vibration to your wellness plan you can show your heart a whole lot of love and get on the fast track to feeling, and looking, great.

Whole Body Vibration = Aerobic Training

When you step on the plate of your VibraWav Pro Series for the first session you will get an increase in heart rate that can provide benefits to your entire cardiovascular system (1). And while studies have shown that whole body vibration alone can increase heart rate there are a few simple changes to HOW you use your VibraWav machine you can dramatically increase the benefit to your heart.

Mix It Up

To get more out of your vibration session consider mixing it up a little. Do an upper body exercise followed immediately by a lower body exercise. Repeat this cycle a few times and you will notice a strong and steady increase in your heart rate versus simply standing on the machine. The idea here is to work your upper body while you rest your lower body (and vice versa). This simple technique allows you to “stack” the exercises to get more out of each vibration session. For examples of the kinds of upper and lower body exercises you can do on your VibraWav machine, click here.

Increase Your Vibration Time

The principle here is simple: more vibration equals more benefits for your heart. The key is to start slowly to build up your strength and tolerances. As always, you will want to check with your physician before making any changes to your workout. A good relationship with your health care provider is an important part of managing your health. They will work with you to design a vibration program that meets your health and fitness level.

What Does This Mean For Your Heart?

The benefits of adding whole body vibration to your lifestyle go beyond heart health to affect every part of your life. It is an investment you make in yourself and the quality of your life. Click here to find out how you can give yourself the gift of a healthy heart by adding a VibraWav Pro II to your home today.