Functional Whole Body Vibration is based on research undertaken by the Soviet Union in the1970’s. Initially Whole Body Vibration (WBV) technology was developed to counter the problems of bone and muscle wasting in the cosmonauts as a result of living in zero gravity conditions.

The cosmonauts strength was regained at such a speed, that Soviet athletics trainers refined the technology to enhance the performance of their athletes.

Today WBV is used by elite sports clubs, world class athletes, hospitals, gyms and physiotherapy centres.

The Galileo Whole Body Vibration was the first machine to be produced for training, rehabilitation,and injury prevention.

When standing on the rapidly vibrating platform, the legs are alternately rapidly vertically displaced, comparable to walking, and the muscles dampen this vibration. The vibrations are too fast for a person to voluntarily react to, however they stimulate the muscles, bones, and tendons which receive the vibration. This reflex action results in many more muscle fibres being activated than with conscious muscle contraction.

By varying the frequency of the vibration, a variety of different whole body benefits can be achieved:

• LOWER FREQUENCIES - PROMOTES BALANCE AND CONTROL,
• MEDIUM FREQUENCIES - HELPS MUSCLE RELAXATION AND RECOVERY,
• HIGHER FREQUENCIES -EXCITE MUSCLES.

WBV can help with the increase in:

• Muscle Strength,
• Bone Density,
• Tendon Strength,
• Explosive Power,
• Jump Height Ability,
• Growth Hormone Production,
• Testosterone Production,
• Peripheral Circulation.

WBV helps to improve balance in the elderly and balance and control after ACL repair.

WBV helps to decrease:-

• Incontinence
  
• Low back pain
• Diastolic blood pressure
  
• Muscle spasm in neurological conditions such as Parkinsons.

Training is time efficient with proven physiological benefits after 1 minute and a full training routine lasting no more than ten minutes. Ten minutes of WBV equates to 150 leg presses using three times the body weight twice a week. Therefore if you are time poor this is a solution for you.

The WBV can either enhance, complement and work in conjunction with other training modalities, or as a stand alone treatment.

For athletes and dancers extra speed, strength, metabolic benefits, power, and endurance are achieved by combining WBV training with conventional training. It can be used as a stand alone program instead of circuit or weight training. Used by Lance Armstrong, AC Milan, Boston RedSocks, Arsenal, Chicago Bulls, Sydney Swans and the Sydney Roosters.