Pivotal Vibration Technology
.jpg)
There are currently two major types of vibration training platform systems on the market today. The first system, referred to as lineal, linear, or vertical, moves in a straight up and down motion that makes you feel like you are standing on an electric sander. The second type of system referred to as a “pivotal”, or “alternating” system, moves in a teeter-totter direction and engages muscles similar to those engaged in everyday activities like walking or running. While both have significant value, when considering the reciprocal nature of human locomotion and the need for training specificity, pivotal vibration training provides the greatest potential to maximize an individual’s functional capabilities under training conditions and in rehabilitation settings.
When performed correctly, pivotal vibration training allows for the body to undergo thousands of reciprocal muscular contractions in minutes. The number of contractions is calculated by multiplying the frequency of the platform by the time of exposure. These contractions are easily tolerated by most people. As a result of the motion of this platform, the body is safely “thrown” side-to-side at very high speeds over small distances. This movement can occur at a distance of anywhere from 2-10 mm (amplitude) depending on the foot position one assumes on the platform. It takes place anywhere from 8-30 times per second (frequency).
As a result of this forced movement, the body unconsciously utilizes its natural stretch reflex to contract the muscles that are required to counter this movement. These involuntary contractions are achieved primarily through the fast twitch fibers and occur in up to 90% of the involved muscle’s fibers. This is a dramatic difference from the 40-50% percent thought to be used for most voluntary strengthening exercises. These involuntary contractions occurring simultaneously with the larger movements being actively performed on the platform serve to enhance the demand on the muscles involved. Most vibration training research has indicated that the user achieves increased blood flow, increased muscle power, increased bone density and improved balance With its endless applications vibration training becomes the clear leader in the impending evolution of exercise science. Time will soon prove that there is no better means to jump start a patient’s rehabilitation process than vibration training.