WHOLE body vibration machines have been around for a while now.
Its history can be traced back to one Dr Gustav Zander, a Swedish physician and mechanical engineer, who introduced it in the 1850s for therapeutic purposes.
Vibration therapy was first fully embraced by Russia in the 1970s and further refined by scientist Vladimir Nazarov to give their Olympic team a competitive advantage by helping athletes speed up their recovery.
Nazarov and his colleague Spivak were the first to make the connection that vibration contributed to muscular capacity increase, and could stimulate bone regeneration.
All you need to do is stand for 15 minutes on the Smart Fitness device, as demonstrated by personal trainer Samuel Hernandez Tong, to get some effects.
This knowledge and therapy was then applied to Russian astronauts who experienced a reduction in bone density.
It helped them recover their strength following space travel.
Observing this, other countries started using vibration therapy.
The devices have since evolved and today, they are being used in hospitals, gyms and homes.
You can stand, sit or place different body parts on the vibrating platform.
As the machine vibrates, it transmits energy to your body, forcing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times each second so you feel that you’re getting a workout.
Many clinical trials show that vibration therapy can help in losing weight, increasing bone density, improving muscle strength, enhancing mobility, improving lymphatic function and circulatory system health, and aiding in balance training.
At a recent launch event in Kuala Lumpur, consumer marketing group Cosway showcased their Smart Fitness vibration device for home use, which apparently emulates passive rope skipping exercise.
Taking inspiration from ancient practices such as qi gong, the rhythmic vibrations claim to stimulate the body’s detoxification process while the user remains stationary.
Unlike conventional vibration platforms that move side to side or in all directions, this device only moves vertically and mimics the natural motion of jumping while placing minimal stress on the joints.
It’s gentle on the knees and pelvic floor, making it especially suitable for individuals with limited mobility or joint concerns, such as the elderly.
The key feature: it can deliver the equivalent of 10,000 steps in just 15 minutes.
There is also a newer version called the Smart Fitness X, which comes with an integrated acupressure point sole patting (massage) function, designed to relieve pain from muscle soreness and joint problems.
Actually, both devices have the benefits of massage but one comes without the acupressure “foot mat”.
I put both to the test for over a month, using the devices for 15-30 minutes on most days of the week.
The recommended time for new users is to stand on it for 15 minutes once a day as the vibration may cause sensations that may be uncomfortable, such as itchiness or numbness.
The verdict on Smart Fitness
The first thing I did was strap on my fitness tracker, warm up a little and stand on the device to see if it really delivers 10,000 steps as claimed.
Alas, after 15 minutes on Speed 5 (there are seven speeds), it only picked up slightly over 1,000 steps!
For the massage function or for the elderly to improve blood circulation, sit on a chair with your back comfortably straight and feet positioned as shown. You can do this with or without shoes.
The technical team later informed me that the 10,000 steps is based on Speed 3, which is based on a mathematical calculation for distance.
For pedometers or fitness watches to pick each vibration up, it would need to be fairly sensitive.
Obviously, my watch wasn’t sensitive enough because at Speed 3, it only picked up 227 steps in 15 minutes.
However, the vibrations jiggled every part of my body and I actually had sore abdominal muscles the next day, along with diarrhoea – it must have also shaken up my intestines!
I didn’t break into a sweat but it did provide a light workout, enough to elevate my heart rate slightly.
There is a booklet that comes with suggested exercises, which seem basic but don’t be fooled.
After a minute of being in the high plank position, I was surprised that my shoulder and chest muscles were achy the following day.
Over time, my fitness improved but I didn’t lose weight or gain muscles though I did find my booty getting tighter and ankles stronger from doing the balancing exercises.
The verdict on Smart Fitness X
This device operates with dual frequencies: one in the sole patting bar and the other on the vibrating platform to effectively stimulate all parts of the foot soles.
I found the vibration speeds here slower than the original device, so I was able to hold my balance for a longer duration.
For the seasoned exerciser, your thighs will be screaming when you do lunges.
One drawback: the recommended foot stance on this device is too narrow as I’m pretty tall (you have to stand on the foot position drawn on the mat).
For plus-size individuals, this would have been a problem, as their thighs would rub against each other, causing discomfort.
However, I enjoyed the facial sculpting component where you sit on a chair, place your feet on the device and cradle your hands on the face – it clears headaches and gives both your face and feet a nice massage.
The verdict is still out there on whether vibration therapy is better than regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
Still, any workout is better than none, so if you’re rushing for time, 15 minutes of standing on this device daily is enough to get your body somewhat tuned.
Revathi Murugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.