a New Rehabilitation Tool in Medical Fields

28th March 2005, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Power-Plate has long been recognised for its medical benefits. These machines are installed in certain hospitals throughout Europe and the USA to help recovery from an accident or illness. For example, individuals with Spina Bifida or people who have had strokes who would not be able to voluntarily exercise can use the machine to strengthen their muscles.

Boasts a track record for helping those who normally wouldn't exercise much — people with various mobility impairments, people with Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Parkinson's disease, stroke survivors, Asthmatics and others — get some of the benefits of exercise. It's also touted for people with Osteoporosis or as a prevention for it.

Based on the theory that by disrupting stability in a minor way, both large and small muscles get a workout so overall muscle strength and performance is improved. Increase flexibility and range of motion, reduce pain especially in the lower back, fat burning, improve blood circulation and reduce joint and ligament pain. Further Whole-body vibration increases bone mass and growth hormone levels according to studies posted on the company's website.

On a basic, neural level, all the muscles –small and big- work to counter the vibration. It's reducing swelling and overall water retention. It exercises muscles to maximum capacity without putting any strain on joints, making it ideal for those with specific medical conditions.

“Like a normal, vigorous workout, it leaves persons both energized and physically tired. People sleep better. Have less pain and feel more relaxed’. Some of these people can even stand for a very short time and some of them hope that it will help achieve their big goal” says Ms. Nelke van Aspert, Managing Director,
Power-Plate Middle East.

How it works?
“By placing feet on the platform, immediately, a vibration runs through your feet, up into your legs, your hips, clear to the top of your head. After exercising you will feel stronger than before. Power Plate produces a 3 Dimensional vibration through which energy is transferred to the whole body. This mechanical stimulus produces a stretch reflex which can vary from 30 to 50 times per second, resulting in muscles constantly contracting very vigorously. Exercise makes the body fatigue, rest allows it to recover. By repeating this process, the body adjusts to the effort, resulting in an increase in physical performance."

The theory behind whole-body vibration came out of Russia in the 1970s. Trainers chasing Olympic gold said it worked, which led to research by the Russian space program. Now NASA is reportedly doing its own research with the Power-Plate because space travel and its zero-gravity conditions seems to degenerate bone and muscle mass, which both rely on weight-bearing activity to maintain them.

Further Power-Plate claims that "100 percent of the muscle fibers contract," leading to a host of benefits. It's currently extremely popular in Europe, USA, Australia and Japan and is quick picking up steam in the Middle East, India and Africa.