FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the frequently asked questions below to view our answers.

Is vibration training a new phenomenon in the fitness and rehabilitation world?

Vibration has been used as an exercise and therapeutic tool since the late 1800s. The research of this technology really began in the late 70’s with the development of a vibration system by one of Russia’s key sports scientists Dr. Vladimir Nazarov. He was an active sportsman, a member of the Soviet gymnastics team and occupied a chair for sports biomechanics at the State College in Minsk. He first introduced this technology to competitive sports, ballet and medicine in the former USSR. The Russian Space Program is currently using the technology with their astronauts suffering from considerable bone loss due to weightlessness. In addition, the European Space Agency and NASA are actively using vibration in ongoing studies for the maintenance of muscle strength, mass and bone density. Since then, and most recently, research into the benefits of segmental and whole body vibration (WBV) has proliferated. Since most whole body vibration systems were developed in Europe, most of the peer reviewed publications have come from Europe. At present there are nearly 100 articles dealing with the effects of and related benefits of whole body vibration.

How does whole body vibration affect the body?

Our platform vibrates in a “teeter-totter” fashion. This produces a corresponding teeter-totter motion at the pelvis resulting in two (2) key actions: one, it simulates the natural, locomotor crossover pattern so common in rehab, and second, it requires active patient participation in postural stabilization. The vibrations activate the involuntary muscle stretch reflex (IMSR). We know that when a doctor taps your patella tendon with a little hammer, there is around 20-25 ms afferent and 20-25 ms efferent response for a total reflex response time of some 40-50 ms. This 40-50 ms circuit corresponds to around 25-27 Hz as a frequency. When exercised at this frequency, the IMSR is activated to the tune of around 1,500 contract/relax cycles per minute. The effects on the circulatory system are enhanced due to the rapid 1,500 contract/relax cycles per minute induced by the IMSR. A strong muscle pumping action is responsible for moving a great deal of fresh oxygenated blood to the working muscles, while flushing out all lactic acid and metabolic waste products.

What is the vibration pattern of the VibraFlex®? Is it patented?

The VibraFlex® is the only internationally patented, vibration device that functions in the specific one-directional, oscillating pattern based on the concept of a center fulcrum and an alternating right/left, up and down motion. The motion is similar to a teeter-totter.

How does that pattern affect my workout or therapy?

The VibraFlex® is the only vibration device that provides for the application of the natural, locomoter, crossover pattern, which is the basis for all functional ambulatory activities, such as walking and running. The result is a more functional workout or therapy session.

What are the advantages to the VibraFlex® vibration pattern?

Simulates the natural locomotor, crossover pattern;
Provides for improved neuromuscular communication;
Provides for better stabilization of the head and spine, resulting in less vibration;
Provides for increased use of the postural muscles;
Properly re-wires the neural pathways;
Provides for larger amplitudes and forces resulting in greater work done, per unit of time

What is the amplitude through which the platform applies force?

The VibraFlex® provides the greatest acceleration and amplitude available for a vibration device. At either end of the platform, there is a displacement of 10.4mm, from lowest to highest point. As a result, the user can expect greater and quicker results from their sessions. (see specifications for displacement and amplitude of VibraFlex® models)

What is the acceleration of the platform as force is applied?

Acceleration is a function of frequency, therefore, the higher the frequency, the greater the acceleration. At the highest frequency of 30 Hz, the VibraFlex® platform can accelerate at 18 times gravity. Another way to state this is 18 times your body weight. Very effective gains, in strength and power, result from this training. (see specifications for VibraFlex® models)

What does 25 Hz really mean?

Hertz is a unit of frequency, equivalent to cycle per second. Depending on your frequency (i.e. VibraFlex®: 25Hz) the targeted muscles are given 25 impulses per second, causing these muscles to contract and relax by natural reflex, 25 times per second.

Can we provide published research done on our system?

The Galileo® vibration technology was used for the majority of the original research done in the field of whole body vibration training. The VibraFlex was designed using that same Galileo® vibration technology. A lengthy and substantive bibliography is available on our website. Others may point to the vibration literature, however, results from one system cannot be implied to another. Since the parameters of vibration can differ, the research must have been done on the system under evaluation.

Do we have appropriate Health Canada classification? Are our marketing claims consistent with that classification?

Health Canada and the appropriate agency have reviewed our information regarding its performance and have agreed that the VibraFlex® is a powered exercise equipment and does on constitute a medical device. We are diligent when making claims regarding the technology and communicate only those claims that are supported by science.

Can anyone use the VibraFlex®?

Before starting any exercise program, it is important that you consult your family physician. The VibraFlex® should not be operated on a person who is pregnant or has any of the following conditions:

Acute Inflammations in the pelvis and/or the lower extremities
Acute Thrombosis
Bone Tumors
Fresh Fracture
Fresh Implants
Gallstones
Kidney or Bladder Stones
Neoplastic disease of the spine (i.e., multiple myeloma and invasion of the spine, metastasis to the
spine, osteosarcoma of a long bone, etc...)
Pregnancy
Unsupervised children

What is the appropriate setting for first time users?

We provide various tools that provide the first time user with a smart and effective approach to whole body vibration. A basic start up protocol:

Foot Position 1 @ 10Hz for 30sec
Foot Position 1 @ 15Hz for 30sec
Step-off the VibraFlex and rest for 1 minute (how do you feel?)
Foot Position 1 @ 15Hz for 30sec
Foot Position 1 @ 20Hz for 30sec
Step-off the VibraFlex® and rest for 1 minute (how do you feel?)

What is the appropriate setting for beginner to advanced?

It is most important that the user be acclimated slowly. Beginners should stay at the lower frequencies, i.e. 5-15 Hz. Once comfortable with the VibraFlex®, the frequencies can be increased to the optimal 25-27 Hz frequency. At this time, the user can increase their duration, or time of the VibraFlex®. Advanced users, such as athletes, can increase the strength training effects by adding additional weight, in the form of a weight vest, or dumbbells.

How often should I use the VibraFlex®?

Training sessions of only 2-3 minutes, three times a week produce measurable results.

What is the optimal frequency range?

25-27 Hz

How can I increase the intensity of my workout?

To increase the intensity of your workout, adjust your amplitude and acceleration. The greater the acceleration and the larger the amplitude, the more work is done by the user. To vary the amplitude, simply widen your stance anywhere from foot position 0 to foot position 4. To vary the acceleration, simply increase your frequency range anywhere from 0-30Hz. This will increase the number of impulses per second, causing the muscles to contract and relax by natural reflex at a higher rate. Weight can be added to further increase the workout.

How can I further develop power for my patients or athletes?

Power is directly related to the ability of the individual to move their mass in response to their immediate need. For the elderly patient, it is the ability to react and move quickly to avoid a fall. For the elite athlete, it is to reach the finish line first by powering out of the blocks at the start. In either case, we must focus on the development of power.

Power is developed by the increased muscle fiber recruitment as a result of the vibration device evoking the involuntary muscle stretch reflex. Through neurological means, nearly all the muscle fibers in the body of the muscle are fired/contracted resulting in the development of new neuromuscular pathways to fibers not normally trained. The individual now has a greater number of muscle fibers to recruit when needed.

To further develop power, the user can use additional weights such as dumbbells and/or weight vest to alter his/her mass.

Can I change my frequency levels during my vibration training program?

Yes, you may program your vibration training session and change the level of frequency at any time during your exercise program.

Does the upper body undergo training while exercising on the VibraFlex® whole body
vibration system?

Yes, the whole body undergoes vibration training. Various positions from our VibraFlex® Challenge exercise poster target certain muscle groups. When performing a certain position, the vibrations are concentrated on the targeted muscle groups, but also vibrate in nearby muscles, joints and tendons. However, to achieve optimal benefits of vibration in the upper body (neck, shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand), we suggest training with the Mini-VibraFlex®. The Mini-VibraFlex® was tested with excellent results in sports and fitness centers, tennis and golf clubs, and physical therapy.

What are the major injuries trainers see in their practices/teams?

Most sports injuries typically are of the ankle, knee, and shoulder. This is hardly the full gamut as nearly every joint is susceptible to injury, either traumatic or from overuse.

Why use whole body vibration to treat the injury?

WBV is an invaluable tool in treating the injury as there are indications tied to protocols that can improve limitations in nearly every objective measurement. These include pain, swelling, ROM, stability, endurance, strength, power, and quality of movement pattern.

How does it help in speeding recovery and healing?

The primary effect of WBV that improves recovery time and healing is the increase in blood flow that is generated. As we gain hundreds of muscle contractions followed by relaxations using our protocols, we gain the squeezing and relaxation of the blood vessels that traverse all of the target musculature. This milking effect of the vasculature can be achieved through other modalities such as intermittent compression or retrograde massage, but not nearly as fast or reliably. This increase in blood flow to the sub-acute or chronic staged injuries will courier valuable nutrition to improve the remodeling phase of an injury as well as fuel muscle cell metabolism. There is also likely a yet-to-be-determined mechanism that WBV activates at the cellular level. Much like Shockwave (high-energy ultrasound) and Cold Laser therapies, there is a metabolic "jumpstart" that WBV seems to generate at the cellular level. These modalities have amazing literature that show efficacy, but the deeper mechanism has yet to be determined. WBV is suspected to be in the same boat, but there is no research to support this yet.

When and, most importantly, how do we use whole body vibration?

Perhaps the best way to answer when to use WBV is to answer when NOT to use it. We must respect WBV much like other thermal modalities and not use it in fresh acute injuries. 72 hours from onset is a fair timetable before even considering usage. The increase in blood flow can add to the fluid of Inflammatory Phase and prolong its time frame. Beyond this stage of an injury, we likely should also consider Weight Bearing status of our individual. We should always follow a physician's weight bearing orders, but we can still use WBV within these parameters. Beyond these or the medical conditions (see can anyone use the VibraFlex®), we can use WBV with expansive clinical indications. The "how" of WBV includes weight bearing positions of the arms and legs for the VibraFlex® only limited by your own creativity to the movement pattern you choose to challenge. The Mini-VibraFlex® allows you to challenge your open-chain upper extremity motions. How we manipulate the time and frequency allows us to treat as a warm-up, cool down, lactic acid flush, strengthening modality, power modality, bone density improvement modality, hormonal profile modality, remodeling or wound care modality, among others.

Sprain/'Strain of a peripheral joint

    1. Clear the 48-72 hours in the acute inflammatory phase

Don't make matters worse. Thermal modalities, for all of their value, can also be very powerful in negative ways if used poorly.

    2. Establish Weight Bearing Status

Research has shown quicker weight bearing to improve healing times. We must however bear weight with a great movement pattern, or we run the risk of creating imbalances that will cause problems later on. We can only use great clinical judgment and physician direction as to how aggressive we want our patient or client to weight bear. If they weight bear on the floor at any percentage, that same percentage is appropriate for WBV. ROM limitations in the open-chain using the Mini apply with the same discretion.

3.   Address the problem(s)

Choose what measurement/problem you want to use WBV for, and use the appropriate protocol.

4.   Supplement or improve training

Incorporate this chronological progression using the appropriate protocols (time, frequency) in accordance with or without a superimposed movement on top of the reflexive contraction WBV creates. Depending on the exercise, movement pattern, and of course the injury, any exercise where any part of the body is in contact with the floor or table is appropriate to be in contact with the platform of the VibraFlex®.

---Develop great movement pattern
---Train Stability
---Train Endurance
---Train Strength
---Train Power/Agility

What is the ChipCard package?

The programmable chip card reader comes with ten (10) cards and acts as your own virtual trainer. Simply program an exercise session specifically tailored to your client's needs onto a card. You set the parameters: time, frequency and amplitude. Your client simply follows the exercise program by inserting the card into the slot located on the control panel. Make the VibraFlex® work for your business by billing time using this brand new feature.

What is included with the ChipCard package?

1 CD containing the ChipCard Editor software and all necessary hardware drivers for the ChipCard Reader module.
1 ChipCard Reader hardware SCR 3311
1 ChipCard Editor User Manual
10 blank ChipCards

Can I purchase a VibraFlex® first and then add the ChipCard package?

Yes, the control panels can easily be swapped.

After exercising on the VibraFlex® my legs and calves feel itchy and have reddened. Is this normal?

Users commonly report itching erythema, due to enhanced blood flow, following the use of the VibraFlex® exercise system. This effect usually subsides in minutes, as blood flow returns to normal. This effect is a positive benefit of the VibraFlex® as circulation to the lower extremities is improved.

Can I use the VibraFlex® as a warm up and/or cool down?

Yes, by adjusting the amplitude and frequency, you can accommodate the level of vibration training to your needs. Whether training with the VibraFlex® or simply using it to warm up and/or cool down, the vibrations of the VibraFlex® warm up the muscles as they contract and relax due to natural reflex. There is an increase in blood circulation and oxygenation flushing out the metabolic waste products of ammonia & lactic acid. The VibraFlex® is your personal trainer. You program it according to your needs.

What are the benefits of training on the VibraFlex®?

The message is quite simple regarding the benefits of the VibraFlex® – four KEY benefits as follows:

Increase in Strength and Power During a VibraFlex® session, the muscle fibers are firing neurologically, not voluntarily as they do during a normal training or rehabilitation session. As a result, users develop neuromuscular pathways to muscle fibers not normally reached during traditional training. Regular use of the VibraFlex® will groove these pathways allowing for the recruitment of these additional muscle fibres when needed. In addition, the consistent and functional firing of the muscle fibers during a VibraFlex® session has been shown to improve both inter and intra neuromuscular communication. This improved communication between agonist and antagonist muscle groups allows for improved neuromuscular coordination enhancing performance and the potential for reduced injuries. Additional strength benefits can be achieved by wearing weight vests, holding dumbbells, etc. during the VibraFlex® session. With consistent use of the VibraFlex®, muscle strength and tone results.

Stronger muscles usually means stronger bones and helps fight osteoporosis through exercise.
Improves postural reflexes.
Improves balance and coordination.
Helps develop explosive power essential in sports such as baseball, basketball, football or hockey.
Exercises and/or redevelops the postural muscles, joints, and reflexes after injury or disease.
Exercises the perineal muscles of patients with incontinence.

Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility With the high muscle contraction rate of 1,500 contractions per minute with a VibraFlex® session, it becomes difficult for the connective tissue or fascia to retain its hold on the fibers. This “release of connective tissue” allows the fibers to elongate resulting in a greater range of motion and flexibility. This will result in enhanced performance, reduce the chance of injuries, or speed rehabilitation for the user.

Increases flexibility and range of motion essential in sports such as golf, tennis, baseball or hockey.
Improves mobility in an inactivity senior population enhancing their quality of life.
Reduces the pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis.
Allows patients with Parkinson’s disease to benefit from exercise that can slow the progress of the disease.

Enhanced Circulation The effects on the circulatory system are enhanced through a VibraFlex® session due to the rapid 1,500 contract/relax cycles per minute induced by the involuntary muscle stretch reflex. A strong “muscle pumping” action is responsible for moving a great deal of fresh oxygenated blood to the working muscles, while flushing out lactic acid and metabolic waste products. This “muscle pumping” action is a strong factor in the movement of fluids throughout the vascular and lymphatic systems enhancing circulation.
Improves blood flow warming/cooling the muscle before or after a game or rehabilitation.
Improves leg circulation for people with diabetes.
Brings in nutriented and oxygenated blood to injured areas to speed recovery by aiding in the healing process.

Improved Hormone Profile Due to accelerated muscle fiber activity, in 30-60 seconds on the VibraFlex® users are able kick up levels of testosterone and human growth hormone, and reduce levels of cortisol. Vibration training:

Raises testosterone levels (7%) which allows fast-twitch white muscle fibers to fully recover at a quicker rate.
Raises growth hormone level (361%) essential to repairing and regenerating tissue.
Lowers cortisol level (32%) which helps minimize the effects of stress.

What are the differences between the VibraFlex® and your competitors?

We have independent research which compares us to our competitors and shows that we are substantially superior. Please review our site for the comparative study, which substantiates our claims. One way to try to understand the differences in the Vibration Platforms is to compare them to an exercise rep scheme. For example, you will get a different effect on your body if you do 8-12 reps rather than doing 50 reps. Reps and weight choice is critical for your improvement and we all rely on performance research to inform us which reps, loads, and intensities are the most effective. The VibraFlex® frequency (reps) and displacement (weight) is the most effective exactly as 8-12 reps is superior than 50 reps for strength training. Our competitors use higher frequencies, assuming more is better but the research clearly shows us to be the most effective.

The VibraFlex® is based entirely on the physiology of the stretch reflex. Which is why the majority of strong research has been done on our platform series (Gallieo®). The research shows the EMG firing highest at about 20-27Hz. We use 0-30Hz. Our competitors use at high as 50Hz.

Who are some of the VibraFlex® users?

Some of our high profile users are The Miami Heat, The Chicago White Sox, Duke Basketball, West Virginia Football, and The Rusk Research Institute in NYC, Yale, and The St. Louis Blues; we have 32 total teams. .As well as leading Trainers, Gunnar Peterson, Juan Carlos Santana, Kathy Smith, Mike Boyle & Mark Jenkins. Please note that our users have purchased our unit. Some of our competitors have given away their unit to help add credibility to their technology. We are proud to say that our users have bought our equipment after serious research and thought on what is the best Vibration science. For a list of users, see our reference list.

Does the VibraFlex® have different models?

Yes, we have a large model for Sport Performance (VibraFlex® 600) and mid-size model (VibraFlex® 550), which are more economical, and both have programmable panels. Our non-commercial unit, VibraFlex® Home Edition, was recently released in November 2006 and utilizes the same patented technology. We also carry the Mini-VibraFlex® series for upper body vibration training (Mini-VibraFlex® & Mini-VibraFlex® plus). For the hospital and medical setting we have the Galileo® Tilt Table which provides a table with incline from 0 – 90 degrees for both adults and children. And finally, we have the Leonardo Ground Reaction Plate which can be used to measure power. See individual products for additional information.