How Does Power Plate (Vibration Machines) Work?

Technology : What is Power Plate?

Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes: such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased cellulite, increased bone mineral density, reduced pain and soreness and faster recovery.  Our three-dimensional vibration technology continues to lead the industry, and its benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific medical research.

Technology : How Does It Work? Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate machines creates instability in the human body, as with each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, 25 to 50 times per second. Furthermore, these contractions must work in multiple dimensions as the Power Plate® machines actually oscillate in all three planes, exactly as the human body is designed to do. The net result is an incredible improvement in force production, or strength and power.

The principle by which Power Plate® machines work lies in the law of motion, stated by Sir Isaac Newton: that the force of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by acceleration, or f = m x a. What this means is that one can improve functional force (stability, strength or power) by either applying more mass or more acceleration to the body. Many forms of training and conditioning use mass – as seen in methods with weight machines, free weights, etc. Power Plate® machines, instead, use the second half of this equation, by applying acceleration to the body, while keeping mass, i.e. your body weight, the same.

This is a real breakthrough in training and conditioning as we can now optimally “load” the human frame while minimizing high impact, high load, and high stress factors.  Gravity is the force that adds load to the human body every second of every day for every movement we perform. Through Acceleration Training™ exercise, Power Plate® machines make the body feel as though it “weighs” more every time acceleration forces increase.

The result is that you work against a far greater influence or “load” of gravity in every movement you perform. This is the essence of all strength and conditioning programs and Power Plate® machines simply use a different part of the same equation to achieve this! In fact, the amazing outcomes seen with Acceleration Training™ exercise respect the same biological and physiological laws of the body as witnessed in other forms of training. The difference is merely the nature of the stimulus applied (i.e. acceleration), and not the human response.

Technology : Be Sure The Power Plate Method Is For YouPlease remember as we are primarily concerned for your safety, we advise you to review the following list of contraindications and contact your physician or specialist should you have any questions before training with Power Plate® machines.

Contraindications for training with Power Plate® machines:

DVT / Thrombosis

Recent wounds from an operation or surgical intervention

Acute hernia / discopathy / spondylolysis

Epilepsy

Severe migraines

Carrying recently fitted IUDs, coils, metal pins, bolts or plates

Retinal problems/dysfunction

Note: Should one of the contraindications listed above apply to you, you are not necessarily excluded from using Power Plate® machines. Extensive research is being performed on the effects of Acceleration Training™ exercise on specific medical conditions and, as a result, this list may soon be revised. However, to be safe, we would advise against usage until you have consulted your physician to determine whether this is a relative, or absolute, contraindication.

Technology : Scientific SupportA growing body of scientific research demonstrates how the technology behind the Power Plate® machines provides widespread therapeutic applications and health benefits. Listed below are just a few of the numerous studies detailing positive results from using Power Plate® machines as part of your exercise regime.

Human Performance
Strength Increase after Whole-Body Vibration Compared with Resistance Training
Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Activity, Strength, and Power
Whole Body Vibration Induced Increase in Leg Muscle Activity During Different Squat Exercises
Neuromuscular Effects of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration
Effect of Knee Flexion Angle on Neuromuscular Responses to Whole Body Vibration
Neuromuscular Responses to Two Whole Body Vibration Modalities During Dynamic Squats
Comparing the Effects of Different Whole Body Vibration Intensities on Vertical Jump Performance
The Effects of 4 Different Acute Whole Body Vibration Exposures upon Indicies of Counter Movement Vertical Jump Performance
EMG Response to WBV of Different Frequencies with Progressive External Loads
Power Plate Whole Body Vibration Metabolic Study
Rehabilitation / Bone Density
Power Plate Stimulates Recovery After ACL Rupture
Use of Vibration Assisted Exercise in Fibromyalgia Patients
Effect of 6 Month Whole Body Vibration on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women
The Feasibility of Whole Body Vibration in Institutionalized Elderly
Other Research
The Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Reflex Induced Standing in persons with Chronic and Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Comparing the Performance Enhancing Effects of Squats on a Vibration Platform With Conventional Squats in Recreationally Resistance Trained Men
Acute and Residual Effects of Vibratory Stimulation on Explosive Strength in Elite and Amateur Athletes
Effect of Four Month Vertical Whole Body Vibration on Performance and Balance
Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Muscular Performance, Balance, and Bone
Electromyography Activity of Vastus Lateralis Muscle During Whole Body Vibrations of Different Frequencies
The Effects of Vibration on Human Performance and Hormonal Profile
“Strength training on vibrating plates: markers of muscle damage”
Whole Body Vibration and Blood Muscle Volume
Will Whole Body Vibration Training Help increase the Range of Motion of the Hamstrings?