Whole Body Vibration (WBV):

Marcus Nikos
May 4, 2025
3 min read

Whole Body Vibration (WBV):

WBV, like Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, comes from aerospace research. Keeping astronauts healthy in a zero-gravity situation is a challenge. Extensive research has been done on WBV regarding how to prevent the loss of bone and muscle by increasing gravity force.

The reason WBV can do so much while you do so little is due to the amount of energy the machine generates and the way your body interacts with that energy. As the platform under your feet vibrates, your body is accelerated up and down. Similar to the feeling you get when standing in an elevator that moves quickly upwards, WBV makes it feel like you just became heavier. If the acceleration is strong enough your body responds in numerous ways to activate your nerves and muscles to cope with the extra load.

Because the machine is adding this acceleration to your body at up to 35 times a second, the amount of muscle activation can quickly become significant. In fact, ten minutes of vibration training can be more work than you would do in a normal gym workout, yet the machine is doing the work for you. It feels great, it’s safe and most of the time is spent motionless in a number of different body positions.

While most vibration machines offer very little acceleration, Hypervibe has exclusive high acceleration capabilities thanks to proprietary technology engineered in Australia; it is one of very few vibration machines backed by research.

A Pivotal Platform:

Other units on the market which boast equivalent results are sometimes designed with lineal platforms - the distinction here is the way in which the platform moves to deliver the vibration. A lineal platform primarily moves in an up/down fashion whereas Hypervibe’s pivotal platform includes a rotation component. This feature follows the normal movement of the pelvis and hips, thereby producing superior results in terms of muscle activation throughout the body. In addition, it reduces the amount of vibration that passes upward through the body into the head, which creates a more comfortable experience for the user. As WBV is a new sensory experience for most individuals, it is important to note that the use of a pivotal platform reduces or eliminates the possibility of unpleasant sensations such as nausea and dizziness that occur more frequently with use of a lineal platform.

G Force:

Pivotal and lineal machines both affect their output by altering vibration frequency (how fast a plate goes up/down) and/or displacement (how far a plate goes up/down). Together, frequency and displacement control the level of G-force, or load generated. The influence of gravitational load on muscular performance is of paramount importance. Users who want to stimulate their muscles, circulation and bone density would benefit from knowing which machines offer the most G-force. Research indicates that low G-force vibration may not create any additional stimulus versus exercise on the floor; also, increasing levels of G force increases the level of muscle activation.

Frequently however, manufacturers do not declare the maximum G-force of their machines, or worse, declare incorrect values, making it difficult for consumers to make an educated decision. Numerous engineering tests on Whole Body Vibration machines have shown that Hypervibe machines offer the most G-force for per dollar versus any other brand in the world.

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Frequency:

By changing the frequency different effects on the body can occur. Less than 5Hz is basically a massage. From 5-6Hz (cycles per second) balance and proprioception are stimulated; 10-15Hz is used for mobilisation via the stretch reflex activation which improves muscle relaxation and stretching of the muscles and tendons; 18Hz and up is used for training by increasing muscle power and tone.

Benefits:

Increases the following: blood and lymph circulation, neurological stimulation, balance, and coordination, bone strength, muscle mass, flexibility, and relaxation, fat metabolism, and testosterone, growth hormone production while reducing cortisol levels.

Conditions helped include back pain, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, neuropathies, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, COPD, heart disease, stroke rehabilitation, muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and immune deficiency syndrome, long term bedrest and chemotherapeutic wasting patients, incontinence, osteoporosis treatment and prevention, decreases osteoarthritis pain

Contra Indications:

pregnancy, epilepsy, recent fractures, wounds, and surgeries, acute thrombosis or inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, gallstone or urinary tract stones, acute discopathy, implants in the locomotor system.

References:

www.hypervibe.com

The following goes on the product page:

Prices and pictures, G10, 14, 17 Pro, and G25

Specifications

Prices, warranty and return policies are subject to change. Please refer to manufacturer’s website for up-to-date information.

General Disclaimer

Specifications for Hypervibe G17 Pro:

Vibration frequency: 5-35Hz (adjustable in 1Hz increments)

Vibration acceleration: 17g maximum

Platform movement: Pivotal

Platform size (in): 21.1(w) x 13.2(d)