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Soloflex revolutioned the home fitness industry with the introduction of the Soloflex Muscle Machine in 1978.
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Posts Tagged ‘strength’
Whole-Body Vibration Induced Adaptation in Knee Extensors
The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research:ORIGINAL RESEARCH: PDF Only
Whole-Body Vibration Induced Adaptation in Knee Extensors; Consequences of Initial Strength, Vibration Frequency, and Joint Angle
SAVELBERG, HANS H.C.M.; KEIZER, HANS A.; MEIJER, KENNETH
Abstract
It was hypothesized that both vibration frequency and muscle length modulate the strengthening of muscles that is assumed to result from whole-body vibration (WBV). Length of knee extensor muscles during vibration is affected by the knee joint angle; the lengths of the knee extensors increase with more flexed knee joint angles. In an intervention study 28 volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups. Each group received 4 weeks of WBV at 1 of 3 different frequencies (20, 27, or 34 Hz) or 1 of 2 different lengths of knee extensors. Voluntary, isometric knee extension moment-angle relationship was determined. Initially, stronger subjects reacted differently to WBV than weaker participants. In stronger subjects knee extension moment did not improve; in the weaker subjects considerable improvements were observed ranging from 10 to 50%. Neither vibration frequency nor muscle length during the intervention affected the improvements. In addition to strength, the knee joint angle at which the maximal joint moment was generated (optimal joint angle) was affected. When trained at short muscle lengths, optimal angle shifted to more extend joint position. WBV training at long muscle lengths tended to induce an opposite shift. The amount of this shift tended to be influenced by vibration frequency; the lower the vibration frequency the larger the shift. Shifts of optimal lengths occurred in both weaker and stronger subjects. This study shows that muscle length during training affects the angle of knee joint at which the maximal extension moment was generated. Moreover, in weaker subjects WBV resulted in higher maximal knee joint extension moments. Vibration frequency and muscle length during vibration did not affect this joint moment gain.
(C) 2007 National Strength and Conditioning Association
Whole Body Vibration Machines To Strenthen Your Muscle
Mechanical equipment for body building has been around for quite some time now. A recent entrant in this field is the Whole Body Vibration Machine (WBV). These machines employ low magnitude and low speed vibrations which are gentle in nature. The principle of the WBV is that the body consists of billions of cells. These cells need individual bundles of energy steadily and on a continuous basis so that they can perform the tasks assigned to them. Normally it is not possible to ensure an equitable distribution of energy to each independent cell. There could be numerous reasons for this. Briefly expressed – our lifestyle prevents us from energizing our body and its individual cells constantly. This results in obesity. A well designed whole body vibration machine, on the other hand, ensures even distribution of energy throughout the body. The WBV therefore, is especially useful for people who are on the go. Research on WBVResearch has been carried out on post menopausal women who naturally tend to develop osteoporosis. Research findings have confirmed that regular use of vibration platforms results in improved hip bone mass density besides muscle strength, both dynamic and isometric. The findings have therefore recommended the use of WBV for prevention of fractures and falls in respect of older women. Advantages of WBV- Brings about a strengthening of muscles, as much as 50% over 3 weeks. – Combats osteoporosis and improves bone density. – An improvement in coordination and the sense of balance. – Reduction of pains in joints and back. – Increases metabolic rate and reduces fat. – Improvement in blood circulation and oxygen absorption. – Reduction in cellulite. – Reduction in blood pressure. – A mood elevator. Creates a feeling of well being. – Raises testosterone levels. The CostThe cost of a portable model WBV can very based on the features and the design complexity. Contraindications- Pregnant women. – Those with medical restrictions. – Those who have had surgery recently or implants in joint, foot, hip or knee.