The science and history behind whole body vibration proves it is not just another quick weight loss craze. It originally started off as a way to help the body internally rather than focusing on the external results. Soviet Union came up with the idea during the space race of the 1060’s. Both the American and the Soviet Union were desperate for any scientific or technological breakthrough. One of the biggest challenges they faced was the limited time their astronauts could spend in anti gravity conditions.
The Russian scientists were looking for ways to strengthen their muscles to stay in space longer. It has taken millions of years of evolution for the human skeleton to evolve and it’s adapted to 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. These vibrations made the muscle automatically contract. 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.
When the cosmonauts returned they realised their muscles were stronger and they no longer experienced the same level of muscle loss as they did before the vibration training. Over the last half century vibration training has been improved upon and adapted. Today, vibration training is very common across a whole host of different occupations from weight loss to physiotherapy.
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