Good Vibrations
Have you ever noticed the gigantic red Power Plate in Centurion’s gym and wondered what it was? Hopefully this article will help you understand what it is, how it works, and the benefits it provides.
The Power Plate gives off short, multi-directional vibrations through the platform, also called “whole body vibration”. The multi-directional vibration has been shown to stimulate muscle contractions, providing the muscles with increased oxygenation, increasing circulation on a cellular level. The Power Plate provides 50 multi directional vibrations per second but the intensity of the vibration is adjustable.
Whether on your upper or lower extremities, the vibrations that the Power Plate transmits causes the muscles to contract and relax very quickly. This rapid muscle contraction causes an increase in muscle fiber recruitment which in turn, increases muscle activation response time.
Multiple scientific studies have revealed increased physiological benefits from Power Plate vibration include:
- Increased strength in upper body, lower body, and core(1)
- Increased balance/proprioception(2)
- Increased circulation which has been shown to decrease symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy(3,4)
- Decreased pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy(3)
- Potentially increased bone density though research is still underway(5)
Patients can benefit from using the Power Plate as part of their strengthening routine. Athletes of all kinds can use it to boost overall strengthening and kinesthetic awareness.
Interested in trying it out? Ask your PT if adding the Power Plate to your exercise program is a good fit for you!
By Aubin Sullivan