There are many possible ways that a vibration machine operates, and there are a number of ways in which the platform actually moves. Different motion styles have very different characteristics such as amplitude, speed, the direction of motion and these varying motion styles also have very different benefits. It’s important to understand that not all vibration machines are the same. In fact, many machines found in the marketplace today were actually designed 20 or more years ago. Though the style of movement of these older machines may still be useful for some concerns, many machines still use older mechanical systems. A great number of the newer machines, however, are taking advantage of the many great strides made in the manufacturing process of new machines in the past 5 years. Some of the newer vibration machines were designed to generate all new motion styles, which are far more effective than the basic oscillating motion. The term whole body vibration machine encompasses all vibration machines. There were only 2 types of machine motion twenty years ago. Now we have 8 different motion styles that are being used in various vibration machines. Each of these motions has characteristics and benefits that are unique. Each of these motion types can provide benefits that are better for certain purposes and cannot be matched by any other motion system. Many people think of vibration machines as a relatively new form of exercise and that may be true, however, many of the machines you find on the internet today were first designed more than 20 years ago. Some manufacturers have been expanding their machine line up based on new science and new research which has come to light in the past 5 years. This new breed of machines can offer much better performance, durability and creature comforts than their predecessors, and are much safer to use as well. Vibration machines first appeared more than 20 years ago. The same technology and the same motion systems employed 20 years ago are still in use on most machines. However, certain manufacturers have been steadily expanding their lineup of machines and have created all new motion systems based on recent scientific research. No longer is it believed that all vibrations are beneficial for all purposes. In fact, it has been proven that certain types of vibration motions are far superior to other vibration motions for treating specific concerns. Case in point would be oscillation motion. This the most common type of motion, where the plate slowly moves like a see-saw, but with a relatively high range of amplitude. This type of machine was marketed as the “end all, be all” of machines. With claims that it was useful for just about everything. We now know that these machines are really only beneficial for specific concerns such as weight loss and improved lymphatic drainage. Through independent studies, we have learned that the body responds to specific types of motion in different ways. Certain motion types will help the body better and faster than other motion types, and so matching your requirements to the correct motion types is paramount if you want quick, safe and effective results from your vibration machine.
Oscillation Motion
Oscillation motion is the most primitive and basic machine motion. This particular motion type has been around for a very long time. Most inexpensive vibration machines utilize this specific motion type. Often referred to as level 1 machines, these units have a platform that moves similar to a see-saw. One side of the platform tips upwards, while the other side tips downwards. This is considered a simple or isolated movement since there is only a basic direction of motion involved. This movement is typical with a high degree of amplitude, meaning that the platform moves about 11 mm with each stroke, and they move relatively slowly. This particular motion is effective for weight loss and improving lymphatic drainage.
Spiral Rotational
Spiral Rotational motion is a relatively new motion style that has only been found on some higher-end vibration machines for the last several years. Considered one of the complex motion systems, since there are multiple directions of motion involved. Unlike oscillation motion, spiral rotational moves very rapidly, but with very little amplitude (only moves about 2 mm per cycle). The platform moves in a circular pattern, with no actual rotation) forward, then to the right, then back, then to the left and then the same pattern continues. This particular motion is very effective for increasing circulation, muscle strength, and rehabilitation. This is also a very safe type of motion for people with concerns about their knee joints or other soft tissue.
Cross Lateral
Cross Lateral motion is another example of an isolated motion style since there is only a basic direction of movement involved. Having an even higher range of amplitude (16 mm) than oscillation, this particular movement also uses a low-speed motion, such as oscillation. The platform slides left and then right and back again, continuously. The movement has gradual changes in direction when it reaches near the end of each cycle with no sudden or abrupt changes, so this is very safe to use when there are concerns about joint or soft tissue. There is no vertical displacement with this motion type. This unique motion style is extremely effective for concerns such as improving balance and spinal re-alignment.
Triplanar
Triplanar is another very old motion style that was popular in gyms and with athletes, but in the past few years have all but disappeared. Their decline is mainly due to the numerous research papers that have surfaced in the past several years indicating that the vertical component of this motion can be damaging to knee joints and other soft tissue. This Triplanar motion moves the platform up/down, left right/left and front/back at very high speeds and with very little amplitude (2-4 mm). This high-speed motion was good for increasing muscle strength (especially explosive strength) and increasing circulation.
Soft Triplanar
The Soft Triplanar motion was designed to replace regular Triplanar motion. It provides the same benefits as Triplanar motion, but is safe to use and will not harm knee joints or soft tissue. Soft Triplanar has all the same characteristics as regular Triplanar, but the vertical motion has been modified. This vertical, high-speed low amplitude movement is what was causes the joint damage, as found on regular Triplanar machines. There is a vertical motion to this system, which is added by use of a different motor and separate drive system. The vertical motion is derived from an oscillation motion, which a safe high amplitude low-speed movement. Soft Triplanar, has only a left/right and front/back motion with 2 mm of amplitude and moving at high speed. Then oscillation motion is added at low speed and high amplitude to generate the vertical movement. Since the oscillation motion is operated by an independent motor the user can adjust the left/right speed separately from the vertical motion. It is considered a complex movement since the body must oppose the movements in different planes to one another. This Soft Triplanar motion is effective for multiple purposes since there are several various motions occurring at the same time, with their own different characteristics. Traditionally used for strength gain while also losing weight at the same time, though this motion can also help with bone density concerns.
Dynamic Wave
Dynamic Wave motion is a relatively new motion style that was created to help individuals with their flexibility and pain relief concerns. This particular motion can also help with weight loss goals and spinal re-alignment. Considered a complex motion, with different planes of motion, this movement most resembles a bowl motion, with a high amplitude shift left to right while also generating a high amplitude movement up and down at the ends of the platform, similar to oscillation motion, with a central fulcrum or pivot point. All these motions are occurring at relatively low speeds. This motion type requires a minimum of 2 different motor drive units and is considered very safe for people with joint concerns. With its combined amplitude reaching 33 mm, this movement is the highest amplitude motion of any movement, making it ideal for lymphatic concerns. This is a trademarked and patented movement which can only be found on machines manufactured by Vibra Pro.
Mobius Drive
Mobius Drive motion is one of the newest drive systems to come into existence. This complex movement system applies motion in multiple directions at the same time and combines high speed with low speed movements, performed with high amplitude and low amplitude simultaneously.
This unique movement is found on the Vibra Pro Slim M7. We specifically created the new motion system to help users with endurance and stamina concerns. Being a multiple movement motion, it is also beneficial for muscle strength, circulation, balance and spinal alignment concerns.
This particular movement, like other complex movements requires at least 2 separate motor and drive systems, working together in unison, but with opposing forces.
Multi Axis
Multi Axis drive is the newest motion system introduced by Vibra Pro and is found on the Vibra Pro Slim M7. This unique motion requires a minimum of 3 separate motors and drive systems to function. Considered a complex motion, this movement has motion in multiple planes, multiple amplitudes and multiple speeds occurring at the same time. These independent motions work in unison to create movements that force muscles to respond, but the motions are designed in such a way that the muscles do not have an opportunity to complete their reflex response. This ‘interrupted’ muscle reflex encourages an entirely new method of exercising the brains neuro muscular reflex system. The neuron pathways are stress loaded with unpredictable waves and can promote a rebuilding of neuron regenerative tissues. This enhances a person’s reflex mechanisms and has been known to act as a pain reliever of sorts for people suffering from heightened nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia.
