The Power Plate
What is a Power Plate
The Power Plate utilizes whole-body-vibration (WBV) to induce the body’s reflex response to enhance muscle strength and performance.
This apparatus was developed in Holland and is very successful in Europe in rehabilitative and fitness settings.
Many professional sport teams and celebrities are using this technology.
The concept of using vibration therapy was originally developed by Russian scientists to help prevent deterioration in bone density in their astronauts caused by the weightless atmosphere of space. Scientists discovered that standing on a vibrating platform stimulated muscle and bone development. Since then, trials have shown regular use of vibration training methods increases muscle strength by 20 to 30 per cent more than ordinary weightlifting - and in 85 per cent less time.
More recent studies have shown an improvement in bone density in the hips of postmenopausal women. NASA are also using this device in an effort to reduce the effects living in a weightless environment has on astronauts. Recently a Russian Cosmonaut was “shaken” back to health following an extended stay in space.
The Power Plate platform produces a vibration at different frequencies, which is transferred to the body. This stimulus produces stretch reflexes, which depending on the selected frequency, results in rapid and intense muscle contractions. The intense, repetitive contractions this elicits will fatigue the muscles and in recovery the muscles will re-build stronger to withstand the increased effort. This is how increases in physical performance are achieved.
Whole body vibration has a number of distinct advantages over conventional training. The time needed to train is much shorter, which means less muscle damage is caused and hormonal production is increased. There is also a greater effect of the training. One 12-minute workout on the platform burns more fat and creates more muscle than 1½ hours conventional training. Additionally, this is achieved with minimal stress on the joints, tendon and ligaments.
Research has shown that whole body vibration training offers a host of benefits such as considerably improving muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, bone density and stimulating blood circulation.
Further studies have proven its ability to reduce muscle pain and soreness, and expedite the recovery of damaged muscles and tendons.
Trials have shown regular use of vibration training methods increases muscle strength by 20 to 30 per cent more than ordinary weightlifting - and in 85 per cent less time.
One 12-minute workout on the platform burns more fat and creates more muscle than 1½ hours conventional training.
More recent studies have shown an improvement in bone density in the hips of postmenopausal women and in improved function for those multiple sclerosis is (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
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