Whole body vibration may do muscles, bones good

[Celebration]

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTON27609020080612

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Standing on a vibrating platform may sound like an odd way to pass the time, but a new research review suggests it may do the muscles and bones some good -- particularly in older or sedentary adults.

Writing in the journal Current Sports Medicine Reports, researchers detail the evidence for and against so-called whole body vibration training. WBV involves standing on a platform that sends mild vibratory impulses through the feet and into the rest of the body.

These vibrations activate muscle fibers more efficiently, it is claimed, than conscious contraction of muscles during regular exercise. WBV is often touted as a way to improve muscle power, jump higher or sprint faster.

The tactic is also being studied for its therapeutic potential, such as increasing older women's bone mass.

And there is some evidence to back it up................

[tridim]

1. I've always wanted an excuse to buy one of those antique vibrating belts from the 30's. nt

[LisaM]

3. GMTA!

Now I want one too.

[LisaM]

2. You mean like those old movies from the 1930s with women at spas

Where they were held in place by a belt that shook them up? That's funny. Medicine balls were big in the 30s, and they're back now, too. I guess that everything old is new again!

[On the Road]

4. Take the Subway for Your Health!

Seems like every car I get onto is a 'vibrating platform.'

[izquierdista]

5. Feh!

I prefer to do my WBV in the horizontal position with a partner. :bounce:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

6. The Chinese did some research in the 90's into vibration treatment of fractures.

Fractures healed much faster when exposed to low frequency vibration.

David

[conscious evolution]

7. Does not surprise me

Vedic Chants and TCM healing sounds have been around for centuries.

[lightningandsnow]

8. *snicker*

Sorry, there are just so many crude jokes you could make with this.