The Scientific Reasoning Behind Whole Body Vibration

Whole body vibration is not just the latest lose weight quickly scheme sweeping the nation. It was first intended to overcome a practical problem for space explorers rather than a weight loss technique. Soviet Union came up with the idea during the space race of the 1060’s. Both were looking for scientific and technological superiority. A big problem was the loss of muscle strength which they always experienced after period in space.

The effect of long term space exposure was one of the main focuses of the Russian cosmonauts. The human bone and muscle structure has been evolving since the dawn of time and it has evolved to cope with the gravity pressure on Earth. They were focusing on strengthening the cosmonauts’ muscles to with stand longer periods in space and anti gravity conditions. The main physical effects were the cosmonauts’ bones become more brittle and their muscles had become weaker. The scientists decided they needed to find a way to prepare and strengthen the cosmonaut’s muscles before they left. Whole body vibrations using a vibrating plate exposed the muscles to up to 60 vibrations per second. This caused the muscles to involuntary contract at each vibration. Up to 60 muscle vibrations every second started to not only strengthen the muscles but also the bones too. After using a vibration trainer they also noticed other positive effects too like better circulation and more energy.

As a result the Russian cosmonauts’ were able to spend longer periods in space and experience fewer problems acclimatising to Earths natural gravity pressure when they returned. Over the last half century vibration training has been improved upon and adapted. Vibration training is not just limited to the space industry, it’s most commonly used for weight loss and repairing damaged muscles today.