Changes to your usual regime must be undertaken slowly over time.
Your body is always in a state of flux.
Your body depends on stimulus to maintain, and to develop itself.
Your body responds better when the stimulus is variable. If stimulus is applied in
a consistent, unvarying manner any benefits achieved will slow and / or stop and
may diminish over time.
Your body will always reach a plateau, and appear to be progressing no further; this
is not unusual. Alterations in the manner, type and speed of the stimulus will counter
this problem. From time to time it is advisable to take a break, as rest is just
as important.
Lifestyle - Needs to be evaluated and taken into account
Where a person lives - Geographical problems occur, distances to therapy centres
and prescribing hospitals can be a deterrent to a person unable to easily travel
far (there are many of them).
What are the typical foodstuffs available to them? - Because of a low income situation
some sufferers cannot afford quality foodstuffs.
Cultural differences - Dietary lifestyle and attitudes vary throughout the world.
Their financial situation - Not every person is in the financial position to purchase
supplements or pay for private consultations etc.
What facilities are available to them? – In many areas therapy centres for a specific
disease simply do not exist – this situation could be improved, if not resolved,
if the numerous charities that represent a host of diseases / disorders began to
work in closer together and shared their resources where applicable..
What support is available to them if required? – Social Services’ input is not always
sufficient.
Their personality – Every person is different and the degree of enthusiasm they have,
their willingness to become involved in a programme of wellness, varies from person
to person. (Some enjoy being ill)
History - WBVT was researched and developed to prevent and treat bone and lean muscle
loss in cosmonauts.
Russian scientists began in-depth studies of Whole Body Vibration, using the technology
to rehabilitate their cosmonauts who, after returning from space after long periods
of time, needed help to restore atrophied muscles and bone density compromised due
to the weightless environment of space.
Vibration therapy is not new, originally developed by a Swedish health professional,
Dr. Gustav Zander who build and tested over 70 different types of exercise machines
some of which were based on vibration exercise. Researchers have observed that it
not only stopped the loss, but also increased bone density and strengthened muscle
tissue.
When standing on the plate, the vibration and movement generates systematic involuntary
muscle contraction throughout the body, while improving blood and lymphatic circulation.
Research published in the American Journal of bone Mineral Research has shown that
vibration technology can lead to an increase in bone density similar to that achieved
by weight-bearing exercises normally prescribed for osteoporosis. In addition to
the increase in bone density the research also showed that the acceleration training
led to an improvement in postural control and balance.
Disuse atrophy - occurs from a lack of physical exercise. In most those, muscle atrophy
is caused by not using the muscles enough. Those with sedentary jobs, medical conditions
that limit their movement, or decreased activity levels can lose muscle tone and
develop atrophy. This type of atrophy can be reversed with vigorous exercise and
better nutrition.
Neurogenic Atrophy - The most severe type of muscle atrophy is neurogenic atrophy
(when there is an injury to, or disease of a nerve). This type of muscle atrophy
tends to occur more suddenly than disuse atrophy. Chronic neurogenic atrophy is a
very general, nonspecific term that refers to longstanding abnormal nerve input to
muscles resulting in wasting of that particular muscle. The term itself is not enough
to make any diagnosis, nor can it accurately describe any symptoms.
Note People who are bedridden can have significant muscle wasting, also with aging
some atrophy will naturally occur.
Always Ready
Muscle tone - (residual muscle tension or tonus) - the continuous and passive partial
contraction of the muscles. It helps maintain posture, and declines during REM sleep.
Muscle tone is not to be confused with the concept of toning in physical exercise.
Unconscious nerve impulses maintain the muscles in a partially contracted state.
If a sudden pull or stretch occurs, the body responds by automatically increasing
the muscle's tension, a reflex which helps guard against danger as well as helping
to maintain balance.
The presence of near-continuous innervation (stimulation) makes it clear that muscle
tone (residual muscle tension or tonus) describes a "default" or "steady state" condition.
There is, for the most part, no actual "rest state" insofar as activation is concerned.
In terms of skeletal muscle, both the extensor and flexor muscles, under normal enervation
(reduced energy) maintain a constant tone while "at rest" that maintains a normal
posture.
Vibration Technology (Power Plate)
Use of a power plate requires a measured approach; any change to existing body functioning
must always be slow and graduated. Posture / positioning and variance of speeds is
determined and applied against the existing symptoms / physical problems the person
is experiencing.
Circulation
Improved blood circulation will help deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to your
body’s cells. The lymphatic system, an essential part of the immune system depends
on body movement to create the pumping effect required for lymph fluid movement.
Both the blood and lymphatic systems carry waste (toxins), created by the bodies
metabolic actions, to various organs of the body for removal. (Lungs, liver, kidneys
etc).
Effects (benefits) of vibration therapy on circulatory system include:
Enhanced peripheral and systemic blood flow.
Enhanced peripheral lymphatic flow.
Increased venous drainage.
A study by the Dept of Physical Therapy Loma Linda University found that short duration
vibration sessions significantly increased skin blood flow - Bautmans I. et al; 2005.
Bone density is correlated with muscle strength. Decreases in muscle mass and strength
can affect bone density. Loss of muscle strength may increase risk of falls and fractures.
The supplementary benefit of WBVT on muscle performance compared to classic exercise
remains to be explored further.
Note
This is not the same as using the much advertised ‘Circulation Boosters’
