Low-intensity Vibration Therapy Research

Delve into the wealth of knowledge supporting Low-intensity Vibration therapy with our curated selection of key research papers.
graphic of shoulder of skeleton on blue background
older couple doing yoga

Combat osteoporosis and osteopenia

Pagnotti G et al., (2019) Combating osteoporosis and obesity with exercise: leveraging cell mechanosensitivity, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 15, 339–355

This study from 2019 explored the effect of mechanical signals on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, and how this could lead to new strategies for treating chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells are mechanosensitive, such that mechanical signals, such as those produced during exercise, stimulate differentiation into bone and muscle cells, and inhibit differentiation into fat cells, leading to bone and muscle growth.

These mechanical signals can be replicated in Low-intensity Vibration therapy, and have been shown in this study to influence bone, muscle and fat even at low magnitudes and short burst durations.

Read more.

older couple doing yoga

Combat osteoporosis and osteopenia

Pagnotti G et al., (2019) Combating osteoporosis and obesity with exercise: leveraging cell mechanosensitivity, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 15, 339–355

This study from 2019 explored the effect of mechanical signals on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, and how this could lead to new strategies for treating chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells are mechanosensitive, such that mechanical signals, such as those produced during exercise, stimulate differentiation into bone and muscle cells, and inhibit differentiation into fat cells, leading to bone and muscle growth.

These mechanical signals can be replicated in Low-intensity Vibration therapy, and have been shown in this study to influence bone, muscle and fat even at low magnitudes and short burst durations.

Read more.

Increase bone mineral density

Rubin C., et al. (2004). Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss by a Low‐Magnitude, High‐Frequency Mechanical Stimuli: A Clinical Trial Assessing Compliance, Efficacy, and Safety, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 19(3), 343–351

A one-year trial of 70 postmenopausal women demonstrated that brief periods of Low-intensity Vibration therapy can effectively inhibit bone loss in the spine and femur, with efficacy increasing significantly with greater compliance, particularly in those subjects with lower body mass.

Read more.

Gilsanz V, Wren T, Sanchez M, Dorey F, Judex S & Rubin C (2006). Low‐Level, High‐Frequency Mechanical Signals Enhance Musculoskeletal Development of Young Women With Low BMD, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 21(9), 1464–1474

This year-long study of 50 young women with low bone density sought out to demonstrate that Low-intensity Vibration therapy could generate increased bone and muscle mass. In situations of high compliance (use of vibration plate every day for 10 minutes), gains of up to 7.2% were seen in muscle mass and improvements of up to 3.9% were reported in bone tissue of the spine. 

Read more.

cross section of bone

Increase bone mineral density

Rubin C., et al. (2004). Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss by a Low‐Magnitude, High‐Frequency Mechanical Stimuli: A Clinical Trial Assessing Compliance, Efficacy, and Safety, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 19(3), 343–351

A one-year trial of 70 postmenopausal women demonstrated that brief periods of Low-intensity Vibration therapy can effectively inhibit bone loss in the spine and femur, with efficacy increasing significantly with greater compliance, particularly in those subjects with lower body mass.

Read more.

Gilsanz V, Wren T, Sanchez M, Dorey F, Judex S & Rubin C (2006). Low‐Level, High‐Frequency Mechanical Signals Enhance Musculoskeletal Development of Young Women With Low BMD, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 21(9), 1464–1474

This year-long study of 50 young women with low bone density sought out to demonstrate that Low-intensity Vibration therapy could generate increased bone and muscle mass. In situations of high compliance (use of vibration plate every day for 10 minutes), gains of up to 7.2% were seen in muscle mass and improvements of up to 3.9% were reported in bone tissue of the spine. 

Read more.

cross section of bone
older couple walking through forest

Build muscle strength and mass

Beck B & Norling T (2010. The Effect of 8 Mos of Twice-Weekly Low- or Higher Intensity Whole Body Vibration on Risk Factors for Postmenopausal Hip Fracture. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 89(12), 997-1009.

In this trial published in 2010, researchers found that whole body vibration prevented bone loss at both the hip and spine, and improved muscle performance of the lower limbs. These results translate to improved balance and a decreased risk of falls and hip fracture. 

Read more.

older couple walking through forest

Build muscle strength and mass

Beck B & Norling T (2010. The Effect of 8 Mos of Twice-Weekly Low- or Higher Intensity Whole Body Vibration on Risk Factors for Postmenopausal Hip Fracture. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 89(12), 997-1009.

In this trial published in 2010, researchers found that whole body vibration prevented bone loss at both the hip and spine, and improved muscle performance of the lower limbs. These results translate to improved balance and a decreased risk of falls and hip fracture. 

Read more.

Stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow

Stewart, Julian M et al. (2005). Plantar vibration improves leg fluid flow in perimenopausal women., American Journal of Physiology, 288(3), 623-629

This study of women aged between 45 and 63 demonstrated the influence of Low-intensity Vibration on circulation and lymphatic flow.

The results suggest that vibration serves to significantly enhance peripheral and systemic blood flow, lymphatic flow and venous drainage. This may account in part for the ability of Low-intensity Vibration therapy to influence bone mass, since good blood flow and a healthy blood supply are vital for bone growth and remodelling. 

Read more.

red blood cells graphic

Stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow

Stewart, Julian M et al. (2005). Plantar vibration improves leg fluid flow in perimenopausal women., American Journal of Physiology, 288(3), 623-629

This study of women aged between 45 and 63 demonstrated the influence of Low-intensity Vibration on circulation and lymphatic flow.

The results suggest that vibration serves to significantly enhance peripheral and systemic blood flow, lymphatic flow and venous drainage. This may account in part for the ability of Low-intensity Vibration therapy to influence bone mass, since good blood flow and a healthy blood supply are vital for bone growth and remodelling. 

Read more.

red blood cells graphic
woman performing pilates

Improve balance and coordination to reduce falls

Leung, K.S., Li, C.Y., Tse, Y.K. et al. (2014). Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly—a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Osteoporos Int, 25, 1785–1795.

In this trial involving 710 elderly subjects into the long term effects of Low-intensity Vibration therapy, the researchers found that LiV was effective in fall prevention with improved muscle strength and balancing ability. 

Read more.

woman performing pilates

Improve balance and coordination to reduce falls

Leung, K.S., Li, C.Y., Tse, Y.K. et al. (2014). Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly—a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Osteoporos Int, 25, 1785–1795.

In this trial involving 710 elderly subjects into the long term effects of Low-intensity Vibration therapy, the researchers found that LiV was effective in fall prevention with improved muscle strength and balancing ability. 

Read more.