i figured id do a pubmed search.
here’s a study showing inefficiency of whole-body vibration training…
'Int J Sports Med. 2005 Oct;26(8):662-8. Related Articles, Links
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Effects of whole body vibration training on muscle strength and sprint performance in sprint-trained athletes.
Delecluse C, Roelants M, Diels R, Koninckx E, Verschueren S.
Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Despite the expanding use of Whole Body Vibration training among athletes, it is not known whether adding Whole Body Vibration training to the conventional training of sprint-trained athletes will improve speed-strength performance. Twenty experienced sprint-trained athletes (13 male symbol, 7 female symbol, 17 - 30 years old) were randomly assigned to a Whole Body Vibration group (n = 10: 6 male symbol and 4 female symbol) or a Control group (n = 10: 7 male symbol, 3 female symbol). During a 5-week experimental period all subjects continued their conventional training program, but the subjects of the Whole Body Vibration group additionally performed three times weekly a Whole Body Vibration training prior to their conventional training program. The Whole Body Vibration program consisted of unloaded static and dynamic leg exercises on a vibration platform (35 - 40 Hz, 1.7 - 2.5 mm, Power Plate(R)). Pre and post isometric and dynamic (100 degrees /s) knee-extensor and -flexor strength and knee-extension velocity at fixed resistances were measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer (Rev 9000, Technogym(R)). Vertical jump performance was measured by means of a contact mat. Force-time characteristics of the start action were assessed using a load cell mounted on each starting block. Sprint running velocity was recorded by means of a laser system. Isometric and dynamic knee-extensor and knee-flexor strength were unaffected (p > 0.05) in the Whole Body Vibration group and the Control group. As well, knee-extension velocity remained unchanged (p > 0.05). The duration of the start action, the resulting start velocity, start acceleration, and sprint running velocity did not change (> 0.05) in either group. In conclusion, this specific Whole Body Vibration protocol of 5 weeks had no surplus value upon the conventional training program to improve speed-strength performance in sprint-trained athletes.'
here’re two overviews that claim whole-body vibration training can be beneficial for athletes or whatnot, but little is understood and there are negative effects as well.
'J Strength Cond Res. 2005 May;19(2):459-66. Related Articles, Links
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Vibration training: an overview of the area, training consequences, and future considerations.
Jordan MJ, Norris SR, Smith DJ, Herzog W.
Canadian Sport Centre-Calgary, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. mjordan@ucalgary.ca
The effects of vibration on the human body have been documented for many years. Recently, the use of vibration for improving the training regimes of athletes has been investigated. Vibration has been used during strength-training movements such as elbow flexion, and vibration has also been applied to the entire body by having subjects stand on vibration platforms. Exposure to whole-body vibration has also resulted in a significant improvement in power output in the postvibratory period and has been demonstrated to induce significant changes in the resting hormonal profiles of men. In addition to the potential training effects of vibration, the improvement in power output that is observed in the postvibratory period may also lead to better warm-up protocols for athletes competing in sporting events that require high amounts of power output. These observations provide the possibility of new and improved methods of augmenting the training and performance of athletes through the use vibration training. Despite the potential benefits of vibration training, there is substantial evidence regarding the negative effects of vibration on the human body. In conclusion, the potential of vibration treatment to enhance the training regimes of athletes appears quite promising. It is essential though that a thorough understanding of the implications of this type of treatment be acquired prior to its use in athletic situations. Future research should be done with the aim of understanding the biological effects of vibration on muscle performance and also the effects of different vibration protocols on muscle performance.'
'J Biomech. 2005 Apr 30; [Epub ahead of print] Related Articles, Links
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Vibration training: benefits and risks.
Mester J, Kleinoder H, Yue Z.
Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.
The main results of our recent several studies, i.e. the measurements of vibration training results for single case and group studies as well as the cardiovascular parameter measurements during vibrations and the corresponding hydrodynamic analysis, are summarized. Our studies and previous work all confirm that vibration training is an effective training method in order to improve maximal strength and flexibility as well as various other factors if the training is properly designed. Some recommendations regarding the proper ranges of frequencies, amplitudes and exposure duration of vibration training are made based on the existing vibration training practice and mechanism analysis, although much work remains to be carried out in order to set up clear rules for various groups of people so that maximal training results could be expected and in the meantime potential dangerous effects could be avoided. Cardiovascular parameter measurements confirm that total peripheral resistance (TPR) to the blood flow is increased during body vibration. Hydrodynamic analysis offers the mechanism for the increase of TPR through the deformation of vessels. As a reaction of compensation, more capillaries are probably opened in order to keep a necessary level of cardiac output needed for the body, resulting in more efficient gas and material metabolism between the blood and muscle fibres. This might be one of the reasons for the various potential beneficial effects of vibration training.'
despite the fact that it’s possible for vibration training to aid athletic progress it wont be any better than emphatic, wise conventional approaches because it wont do anything different; and it can cause negatives, so…
for the purposes of health and wisdom and spending 9K, it’s crap.