Whole Body Vibration Platform
The whole body vibration platform is the latest high-tech addition to the gym. Athletes stand on a platform that vibrates at high frequencies, which trigger thousands of stretch reflexes that result in small-muscle contractions.
Performing squats or bench presses on a vibrating platform combine the stresses of the exercises with the added load imposed by the vibration. Swedish scientists evaluated the research on vibration and strength training and found that most studies showed it doesn’t work.
Weight training induces increases in anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and IGF-1, that promote muscle hypertrophy and strength gains. Researchers from the United Kingdom were unable to demonstrate any changes in anabolic hormones following vibration training.
Based on published studies, whole-body vibration training does not enhance strength gains more than weight training alone. [sources: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine in Science & Sports, Fitness RX]
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