Research confirms whole body vibration improves circulation

During whole body vibration exercises, the body is exposed to an increased acceleration (G-force) when the platform moves up and down, the rhythmic movement and the vibration sent through the organism allowing users to gain different physiological benefits in a condensed time frame.

The hypergravity environment created by the WBV machine makes the muscles work harder and burn more calories, so on the one hand, vibration training is excellent for strengthening the muscles, putting on lean mass, and achieving a healthy weight by reducing the body fat percentage and maximizing the consumption of calories during and post workout.

On the other hand, whole body vibration can also work as a therapy solution for issues like back pain, poor lymphatic drainage and excess fluid retention, joint stiffness, balance issues and weak bones. Vibration therapy uses lower or higher intensities and frequencies, depending on its purpose, and works as a wake up call for the entire body, as it impacts all organs and systems.

This means that you can see improvements in various health and fitness aspects even if you’re not using vibration training or therapy for that specific purposes. For example, let’s say you exercise daily on your vibrating platform with the purpose of reducing body fat and getting more toned. The effects of vibration are not limited to muscle strengthening and toning, or to body fat reduction; your blood circulation, oxygen flow, joint flexibility, bone strength, balance and energy levels will also improve, even if your main focus isn’t on these aspects.

However, you can use whole body vibration specifically for lymph drainage, fat burning, circulation enhancement, injury rehabilitation, bone strengthening and so on, and there are dozens of studies that support this affirmation. So in today’s article we’ll look at some research papers that highlight the beneficial effects of vibration training on circulation, and we’ll show you some exercises you can do on your Hypervibe oscillating vibration plate to stimulate circulation and blood flow.

Oscillating vibration machines enhance circulation and skin blood flow

Vibration training provides an immediate increase in blood circulation, enhancing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells and supporting their functioning. Studies show that the increase in circulation begins as soon as one starts using the vibration platform, and is supported by the muscle contractions that are triggered by the rhythmic movement of the plate and by the vibrations sent throughout the body.

Here’s a first study that shows the beneficial effects of WBV on circulation. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Athletic Training by American scientists investigated the effectiveness of vibration training in increasing muscle oxygenation and blood flow. Researchers analyzed 10 studies and found that movements done on a vibrating plate didn’t have a significant impact on muscle oxygenation overall, but did contribute to increased peripheral blood flow.

Another paper, this time published in the Medical science monitor journal, showed that vibrating plate movements can help in improving blood flow in the upper body. American scientists analyzed the effects of WBV in 18 participants who used two different vibration frequencies, 30 Hz and 50 Hz, and performed passive vibration exercises for 10 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of recovery. Results showed WBV training can enhance skin blood flow in the arms, both frequencies producing noticeable improvements in blood circulation within the first 4 minutes of vibration, with peak values obtained by the fifth minute.

Researchers from the Brigham Young University wanted to see whether vibrating plate training can be used by diabetic patients for improving blood flow in the lower body. As you may know, in diabetes sufferers the circulation of blood is often impaired due to the inefficient use of blood glucose, and people dealing with this condition are often affected by complications like leg ulcers.

This study published in the Journal of diabetes science and technology showed that low-frequency, low-amplitude whole body vibration exercises can be successfully and safely used by diabetic patients for improving blood flow in the lower body, while decreasing the risk of ulcers. Participants experienced no side effects after performing vibration exercises.

A trial conducted by Spanish scientists showed that WBV is an effective way to increase leg blood flow and to activate muscle mass in spinal cord injury patients, and could be considered to be incorporated in their rehabilitation programs.

The study involved 8 patients with SCI who received six sessions of WBV (3 min/session) at various frequencies and protocols (constant or fragmented). Results showed that the 10 Hz frequency did not alter blood flow, whereas the 20 Hz frequency increased peak blood velocity (PBV) after 2 and 3 minutes of whole body vibration. The 30 Hz frequency also resulted in increased circulatio after 1, 2 and 3 minutes of WBV.

In a 6-week trial conducted by US scientists from The Florida State University, this form of training has been found to reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness in overweight and obese women. Also, whole body vibration has been shown to attenuate the leg arterial stiffness and aortic systolic blood pressure post-exercise, in young men performing static squats with WBV, and to decrease the cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with hypertension.

Hypervibe vibration exercises for better blood circulation

Having adequate circulation of blood and drainage of lymph means feeling more energetic, recovering faster from injuries, being able to perform better at sports, dealing with fewer joint problems, getting rid of feet and ankle pain and swelling, and having a healthier looking and better nourished skin.

We all know that better circulation can be achieved through exercise, and that staying active is the simplest solution for preventing sluggish circulation and lymphatic drainage. But our lifestyles often prevent us from exercising daily, and involve a lot of sitting, poor diet and sometimes other conditions, such as heart problems for example, that favor poor circulation.

Vibration training is a unique form of exercise because it helps improve the circulation of blood and lymph by three means: increased gravity, rhythmic movement and muscle reflexes. As previously said, the body responds to gravity (G-force) by causing the muscles to work and as the contractions of muscles are activated, they pump blood through the body, increasing circulation without straining the heart.

The rapid up and down movement with a subsequent increase and decrease of G-force creates waves of movement through the soft tissues of your body, increasing the flow of fluids like blood and lymph, which rejuvenates muscles, bones and skin while removing excess fluid from the organism. Moreover, the movement of the vibrating plate causes repetitive bending and straightening of your joints. As the muscles attached to them quickly stretch it results in strong reflex muscle contractions, and these stimulate blood flow.

For your body, better circulation means not only better delivery of oxygen to cells but also a reduction in cellulite, an increase in metabolism, a more efficient use of oxygen to burn fat during exercise, increased energy levels, relief from swollen and painful feet and ankles, and a glowing and healthy-looking skin.

Here are some exercises you can do on your Hypervibe oscillating vibration plate to increase circulation.

Please note that vibration exercises are not recommended to people with blood clots, but can be a good solution for preventing this condition.

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