{"id":929097,"date":"2026-10-15T13:36:52","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T13:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/929097\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T13:36:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T13:36:52","slug":"using-a-vibration-plate-what-it-can-and-cant-do-for-your-body","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/929097\/","title":{"rendered":"Using a vibration plate: What it can \u2014 and can’t \u2014 do for your body"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n \"The\n <\/p>\n

Watching someone step onto a vibration plate is mesmerizing: within seconds, their whole body begins to tremble, a subtle ripple running through muscles and skin.<\/p>\n

Social media is rife with such images, which are unquestionably entertaining. But they also spur questions: What is a vibration machine, and why is it trendy? More importantly, what health benefits does whole-body vibration claim to offer \u2014 and does it deliver?<\/p>\n

The answer is nuanced, but many of the purported advantages of using a vibration plate represent hype, not facts, says Dr. Elizabeth Matzkin, chief of Women\u2019s Sports Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n

What is a vibration plate, and how does it work?<\/p>\n

A vibration plate is a platform you stand, sit, or exercise on that briskly shakes beneath you. The vibrations cause your muscles to contract and relax many times each second, essentially adding a small extra challenge to standing or moving.<\/p>\n

Proponents say vibration plate benefits include improvements to bone and muscle strength, balance<\/a>, weight loss<\/a>, and circulation, among others. But Dr. Matzkin is skeptical. \u201cEven though there\u2019s some scientific evidence behind these vibration plates, I\u2019m not sure the data supports their use as a wellness tool,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Can vibration plates strengthen muscles and bones?<\/p>\n

Research on vibration plate benefits has yielded inconsistent findings. Some studies have suggested benefits, but the analyses used different vibration frequencies and intensities, making results difficult to generalize, Dr. Matzkin says.<\/p>\n

As for claims that whole-body vibration can benefit muscles and bones, Dr. Matzkin highlighted these points:<\/p>\n

Muscles. No scientific evidence suggests a vibration plate can make you stronger, but it could be useful for older adults or those unable to participate in conventional strength training<\/a>. \u201cFor those already doing strength training, a vibration plate can add a little extra to your workout,\u201d she says. \u201cBut it\u2019s definitely not a substitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bones. Evidence is spotty to reinforce the notion that using a vibration plate can stimulate bone cells \u2014 which are constantly replacing themselves \u2014 to build back stronger. \u201cSome studies have shown minimal improvements in bone density in the lower spine in postmenopausal women, but most data are not robust,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019d rather see people lifting weights, walking, running, or jumping rope to maintain their bone health for the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do vibration plates help with weight loss or lymphatic drainage?<\/p>\n

Similarly, here are Dr. Matzkin\u2019s impressions regarding two less intuitive claims for vibration plates\u2019 potential effects.<\/p>\n

Weight loss. Some vibration plate proponents suggest simply standing on one can burn significant calories. But no research backs this up. \u201cI\u2019ve seen claims that say 10 minutes on a vibration plate is like an hour at the gym,\u201d she says. \u201cThose claims are unfounded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lymphatic drainage. Vibration plates are promoted as a way to reduce puffiness in the face and body. \u201cI think vibration plates are seen as a way to ‘detox\u2019 your body \u2014 to get rid of the bad stuff,\u201d Dr. Matzkin says. \u201cBut the social media claims are ahead of the science.\u201d<\/p>\n

Can vibration plates improve circulation or balance?<\/p>\n

Lastly, Dr. Matzkin tackles claims of vibration plate benefits for circulation and balance.<\/p>\n

Circulation. You might think all that shaking would get your blood moving, and that\u2019s plausible. But the effect lasts only as long as the vibration plate is in motion. \u201cIt can improve blood flow just like walking can \u2014 but unlike walking, it has never been shown to have longer-term health benefits from a vascular or cardiovascular standpoint,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Balance. This may be the only benefit of whole-body vibration that\u2019s backed by research. Since vibration plates stimulate sensory systems \u2014 along with muscles in the lower legs, ankles, and feet \u2014 that maintain balance, they appear to bolster balance in some older adults. \u201cFor someone older or weak who can\u2019t walk far or go to the gym, maybe this is a good starting point,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Are vibration plates safe? Who should avoid them?<\/p>\n

Using a vibration plate is harmless for most people. But people with certain health problems should be cautious, says Dr. Elizabeth Matzkin, chief of Women\u2019s Sports Medicine at Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital. If you have balance problems, using the device might cause a fall. And she advises being wary about vibration machines if you have stress incontinence, which causes you to release urine unintentionally when coughing, sneezing, exercising, or \u2014 in this case \u2014 vibrating.<\/p>\n

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