WBV & Vertical Technology Differences


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Types of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Machines
&
Comparison Between Vertical WBV Technologies

This page describes the different types of whole body vibration machines in terms of the motion of the plate. The motion of the plate is the main distinguishing characteristic among vibration machines and determines the main uses of such a device. Note that quality of design and manufacturer plays a major role too. There are vibration machines that appear to operate the same way, ranging in price from $200 to $12,000. The difference is how they feel and their reliability.
Type of Vibration Equipment Technologies

Vertical
Oscillating
Elliptical

Type of Plate Motion
This describes the pattern of motion of the vibrating plate. The vibration resulting from the differences in the motion of the plate give rise to a wide variety of therapeutic applications.

Vertical means the plate only moves straight up and down with minimal horizontal movement. This is regarded to be safer and more comfortable because the plate acts in the direction of gravity and does not stress the body with unnatural forces. Vertical vibration plates are discussed in more detail below.

Oscillating means One side of the plate tilts up, while the other side tilts down, alternating like a "teeter-totter". This is not true "whole body vibration" because very little vibration occurs in the upper half of the body, the up and down motion canceling out at the hips. This is one of the cheapest vibrating plate from a manufacturing perspective is therefore most common among the low-end models.

Elliptical plates move similarly to vertical units but with more horizontal and less vertical movement. Sold as a "feature" this is in reality an engineering shortcut, a means of avoiding the expense of additional hardware necessary to eliminate the undesirable horizontal motion. Also popular among the lower cost models

Frequency Range
Different parts of the body respond to different frequency of vibration, so a wide frequency range means more therapeutic uses and therefore a wider range of benefits. For example frequencies in the 3..6Hz range create more joint movement and therefore improves range of motion and balance. Frequencies above 25Hz are better for building bone density

2Hz to 100Hz, although this varies widely depending on the technology used.

30 - 40 Hz

20-50 Hz

Force Control
This is the force that one experiences while standing on the vibrating plate of the machine. Many of the benefits increase with more powerful vibration. However, the wide range of age and physical disposition of people who can benefit from therapeutic whole body vibration (TWBV) therapy necessitates the ability to control the force of the vibration For therapeutic devices it is essential that the vibration force is adjustable. The ideal range is from a level low enough to be barely perceptible to a maximum that results in an equivalent of gravitational force.

Varies depending on technology. Only one variety of vertical vibration technology allows fine control of the force. Others are fixed, or depend on frequency (i.e. force cannot be adjusted, but changes as the frequency is changed).

No control of force through the device, although a wider or narrower stance on the plate will effectively decrease or increase the force of vibration.

Generally not adjustable, although it does change when adjusting frequency. Some variations engage a second motor to provide a Low/High control.

Range of Posture
To be called "whole body vibration", the vibration must be is experienced by the whole body, from head to toe. Surprisingly however, only a small handful of machines allow the user to stand comfortably in the upright position or sit on the plate, which are the ideal positions to experience whole body vibration.

All machines allow the user to adopt a position other than upright, although these position are used primarily for strengthening.
Only Theravibe facilitates therapeutic whole body vibration. Others of this type are generally too powerful to stand erect and it is necessary to bend the knees (when standing). Under certain conditions it is possible to stand erect. However, since the complementary motion of one leg moving up while the other moves down cancels out at the hips, very little vibration passes through to the upper body. Requires that knees are bent (when standing) due to the force of the vibration.

Example Brands · TheraVibe™
· The Wave
· Turbosonic
· Fitvibe
· Pineapple · Noblerex K-1
· Proellixe
· Crazy Fit Massage
· VibraTrim · Power Plate
· Soloflex
· BodyVibe



COMPARISON BETWEEN VERTICAL WBV TECHNOLOGIES

LINEAR MOTOR

COMPLEMENTARY
ECCENTRIC WEIGHT
CRANK

Drive System

Sonic. A linear motor (or voice coil actuator), usually located directly beneath the plate. This type of motion control system is used in industry and aviation to precisely control the position of lenses, control surfaces and other mechanics that require fast and accurate positioning.

Mechanical. The vibration producing mechanism is a pair of complementary rotary motors. Each has an eccentric weight attached to the end of its shaft that causes it to vibrate when it spins. The motors spin in opposite directions and are synchronized so that sideways forces cancel out, resulting in a "mostly" vertical movement.

Mechanical. Rotary motor with crankshaft connected to the plate that drives the plate up and down as it rotates.

Construction The vibrating plate is directly coupled to the shaft of the linear motor that slides in and out to move the plate in an oscillating motion. Springs are usually used to support the plate so that the motor only contributes the vibrating motion. Sometimes more than one linear motor is used. The motors are attached directly to the underside of the plate. The plate rests on springs or rubber supports The motor and crank mechanism is usually located under the plate. Unlike other vertical types, no springs are needed to support the plate.

Best Feature

Gentle Springy Feel.
Reliable and Compact Compact

Biggest Weakness

Intrinsically Expensive to Manufacture
Inability to Control Force of Vibration

No "give" resulting in very harsh ride and high risk of injury

Frequency Range

2-100 Hz
20Hz to 50Hz, although the frequency affects the force, so the useful range is narrower. 5Hz to 50Hz, although since the amplitude is fixed, the usable range is usually limited to 25..35Hz. (Below 20Hz is ineffectual and above 40Hz is unbearable.)

Control of Vibration Force Continuously adjustable from 0 to 100% in 1% (or smaller) increments, independent of frequency

The force cannot be adjusted. The force does however change as a result of changing the frequency (the speed of the motor). This is because the motors produce more force the faster that they spin.
The force cannot be adjusted, although force does change with frequency, as with the complementary motor design.

Primary Use

Therapeutic & Exercize
Exercize Exercize

Range of Exercize

User can stand erect and therefore vibration is transferred to all tissue, from head to toe. True whole body vibration. User can also sit comfortably on the vibrating plate or place hands or feet individually on the plate for spot exercize.

With almost all machines of this type it is necessary to bend the knees in order to shield the upper body from the intense vibrations. Therefore this cannot be considered whole body vibration, but rather half-body vibration. Vibration in the upper body will only occur by adopting a floor position with hands on the plate (and elbows bent). Even with this adaptation, there is little vibration carried to the internal organs.
The user can stand upright or sit as long as the frequency is set such that the vibration is comfortable. While this could be regarded as true whole body vibration, it is only possible to stand upright (without significant discomfort) for a very narrow range of frequency (a few Hz). This narrow frequency range means a limited range of professional applications.

Quality of User Experience Smooth and gentle. A linear motor does not have the inertia of a rotary motor (used on all other types of vibration platform). The plate has a "springy" feel, and gives when offered resistance Very Low Injury Potential Feels rough and jarring. This is partly due to the inability to control the vibration force, and also due to the momentum of the spinning motor under the plate. Medium Potential for Injury to Brain, Neck and Back

Vibration is smooth, but not gentle. The crank mechanism ensures that the plate will move in a prescribed motion, no matter what resistance it is offered. If you fight it, it will win. This results in a subjective experience that is comfortable at lower frequencies, but becomes harsh at higher frequency. Med-High Potential for Injury.

Motor Noise Low Noise Due To Simplicity of Mechanism (few mechanical parts) Medium Noise. Mechanical parts.

Medium to high. Excessive noise can result from the linkage mechanism, especially at higher frequencies.

Mechanical Reliability

Very reliable due to the simplicity of the mechanism and few moving parts. Direct coupling between the linear motor and the plate results in a mechanism that is free of rattle or other side-effects that can reduce reliability.
High reliability due to few moving parts, assuming that the motors are selected to support use in this manner. Generally less reliable because of the number of moving parts and bearings that are exposed to alternating forces.

Sample Brands

· TheraVibe™
· TurboSonic
· Fitvibe
· Wave · Pineapple
· Bodygreen


IMPORTANT FACTS TO CONSIDER:

**Type of Vibration Equipment Technologies**
	Vertical	Oscillating	Elliptical

Type of Plate Motion This describes the pattern of motion of the vibrating plate. The vibration resulting from the differences in the motion of the plate give rise to a wide variety of therapeutic applications.	Vertical means the plate only moves straight up and down with minimal horizontal movement. This is regarded to be safer and more comfortable because the plate acts in the direction of gravity and does not stress the body with unnatural forces. Vertical vibration plates are discussed in more detail below.	Oscillating means One side of the plate tilts up, while the other side tilts down, alternating like a "teeter-totter". This is not true "whole body vibration" because very little vibration occurs in the upper half of the body, the up and down motion canceling out at the hips. This is one of the cheapest vibrating plate from a manufacturing perspective is therefore most common among the low-end models.	Elliptical plates move similarly to vertical units but with more horizontal and less vertical movement. Sold as a "feature" this is in reality an engineering shortcut, a means of avoiding the expense of additional hardware necessary to eliminate the undesirable horizontal motion. Also popular among the lower cost models
Frequency Range Different parts of the body respond to different frequency of vibration, so a wide frequency range means more therapeutic uses and therefore a wider range of benefits. For example frequencies in the 3..6Hz range create more joint movement and therefore improves range of motion and balance. Frequencies above 25Hz are better for building bone density	2Hz to 100Hz, although this varies widely depending on the technology used.	30 - 40 Hz	20-50 Hz
Force Control This is the force that one experiences while standing on the vibrating plate of the machine. Many of the benefits increase with more powerful vibration. However, the wide range of age and physical disposition of people who can benefit from therapeutic whole body vibration (TWBV) therapy necessitates the ability to control the force of the vibration For therapeutic devices it is essential that the vibration force is adjustable. The ideal range is from a level low enough to be barely perceptible to a maximum that results in an equivalent of gravitational force.	Varies depending on technology. Only one variety of vertical vibration technology allows fine control of the force. Others are fixed, or depend on frequency (i.e. force cannot be adjusted, but changes as the frequency is changed).	No control of force through the device, although a wider or narrower stance on the plate will effectively decrease or increase the force of vibration.	Generally not adjustable, although it does change when adjusting frequency. Some variations engage a second motor to provide a Low/High control.
Range of Posture To be called "whole body vibration", the vibration must be is experienced by the whole body, from head to toe. Surprisingly however, only a small handful of machines allow the user to stand comfortably in the upright position or sit on the plate, which are the ideal positions to experience whole body vibration. All machines allow the user to adopt a position other than upright, although these position are used primarily for strengthening.	Only Theravibe facilitates therapeutic whole body vibration. Others of this type are generally too powerful to stand erect and it is necessary to bend the knees (when standing).	Under certain conditions it is possible to stand erect. However, since the complementary motion of one leg moving up while the other moves down cancels out at the hips, very little vibration passes through to the upper body.	Requires that knees are bent (when standing) due to the force of the vibration.
Example Brands	· TheraVibe™ · The Wave · Turbosonic · Fitvibe · Pineapple	· Noblerex K-1 · Proellixe · Crazy Fit Massage · VibraTrim	· Power Plate · Soloflex · BodyVibe

Frequency: A wide frequency range means more therapeutic uses and a wider range of benefits. For example, improving range of motion and mobility is more effective in the 3..6Hz range. Similarly, frequencies above 70Hz show promise in weight management.

Control of vibration force: This is the vibration force experience while standing on the vibration plate. Often referred to in relation to the "gravitational force". For therapeutic devices it is essential that the vibration force is adjustable. The ideal range is from a level low enough to be barely perceptible to a maximum that results in an equivalent of gravitational force.

Range of exercise: This determines the range of extent of benefits and is therefore just as important (if not more so) than the ability to independently control frequency and amplitude.

Quality of vibration as experienced by the user: We believe that in addition to outcomes of better health the experience of whole body vibration should be enjoyable. We also believe that the body has sufficient intelligence to know what is beneficial and hence we consider the subjective quality of the vibration to be an important component of the value of a vibration machine.

Motor Noise: Low noise is desirable for most commercial settings. This is especially true in many day-spa settings where the environment is soothing, peaceful and calm.

Mechanical Reliability: This is critical for any professional environment where the machine is generating revenues and where people are booking the use of the machine. (This section describes the potential reliability, since reliability also depends on the quality of manufacture.)


Theravibe wholebody sonic vibration exercise & therapy device

** Mandatory FDA Disclaimer: The statements & products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Statements are not intended to constitute professional advice for treatment of any disease but are for educational purposes. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. **


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E-mail: cbormann@dslextreme.com *ARROWHEADHEALTHWORKS.COM

	LINEAR MOTOR	COMPLEMENTARY ECCENTRIC WEIGHT	CRANK

Drive System	Sonic. A linear motor (or voice coil actuator), usually located directly beneath the plate. This type of motion control system is used in industry and aviation to precisely control the position of lenses, control surfaces and other mechanics that require fast and accurate positioning.	Mechanical. The vibration producing mechanism is a pair of complementary rotary motors. Each has an eccentric weight attached to the end of its shaft that causes it to vibrate when it spins. The motors spin in opposite directions and are synchronized so that sideways forces cancel out, resulting in a "mostly" vertical movement.	Mechanical. Rotary motor with crankshaft connected to the plate that drives the plate up and down as it rotates.
Construction	The vibrating plate is directly coupled to the shaft of the linear motor that slides in and out to move the plate in an oscillating motion. Springs are usually used to support the plate so that the motor only contributes the vibrating motion. Sometimes more than one linear motor is used.	The motors are attached directly to the underside of the plate. The plate rests on springs or rubber supports	The motor and crank mechanism is usually located under the plate. Unlike other vertical types, no springs are needed to support the plate.
Best Feature	Gentle Springy Feel.	Reliable and Compact	Compact
Biggest Weakness	Intrinsically Expensive to Manufacture	Inability to Control Force of Vibration	No "give" resulting in very harsh ride and high risk of injury
Frequency Range	2-100 Hz	20Hz to 50Hz, although the frequency affects the force, so the useful range is narrower.	5Hz to 50Hz, although since the amplitude is fixed, the usable range is usually limited to 25..35Hz. (Below 20Hz is ineffectual and above 40Hz is unbearable.)
Control of Vibration Force	Continuously adjustable from 0 to 100% in 1% (or smaller) increments, independent of frequency	The force cannot be adjusted. The force does however change as a result of changing the frequency (the speed of the motor). This is because the motors produce more force the faster that they spin.	The force cannot be adjusted, although force does change with frequency, as with the complementary motor design.
Primary Use	Therapeutic & Exercize	Exercize	Exercize
Range of Exercize	User can stand erect and therefore vibration is transferred to all tissue, from head to toe. True whole body vibration. User can also sit comfortably on the vibrating plate or place hands or feet individually on the plate for spot exercize.	With almost all machines of this type it is necessary to bend the knees in order to shield the upper body from the intense vibrations. Therefore this cannot be considered whole body vibration, but rather half-body vibration. Vibration in the upper body will only occur by adopting a floor position with hands on the plate (and elbows bent). Even with this adaptation, there is little vibration carried to the internal organs.	The user can stand upright or sit as long as the frequency is set such that the vibration is comfortable. While this could be regarded as true whole body vibration, it is only possible to stand upright (without significant discomfort) for a very narrow range of frequency (a few Hz). This narrow frequency range means a limited range of professional applications.
Quality of User Experience	Smooth and gentle. A linear motor does not have the inertia of a rotary motor (used on all other types of vibration platform). The plate has a "springy" feel, and gives when offered resistance Very Low Injury Potential	Feels rough and jarring. This is partly due to the inability to control the vibration force, and also due to the momentum of the spinning motor under the plate. Medium Potential for Injury to Brain, Neck and Back	Vibration is smooth, but not gentle. The crank mechanism ensures that the plate will move in a prescribed motion, no matter what resistance it is offered. If you fight it, it will win. This results in a subjective experience that is comfortable at lower frequencies, but becomes harsh at higher frequency. Med-High Potential for Injury.
Motor Noise	Low Noise Due To Simplicity of Mechanism (few mechanical parts)	Medium Noise. Mechanical parts.	Medium to high. Excessive noise can result from the linkage mechanism, especially at higher frequencies.
Mechanical Reliability	Very reliable due to the simplicity of the mechanism and few moving parts. Direct coupling between the linear motor and the plate results in a mechanism that is free of rattle or other side-effects that can reduce reliability.	High reliability due to few moving parts, assuming that the motors are selected to support use in this manner.	Generally less reliable because of the number of moving parts and bearings that are exposed to alternating forces.
Sample Brands	· TheraVibe™ · TurboSonic	· Fitvibe · Wave	· Pineapple · Bodygreen