A body vibration exercise machine is more than a fitness tool, as the health effects of this
form of training are not limited to strengthening the muscles or improving
one’s body composition. According to researchers, working out on a vibrating
machine exerts positive effects on one’s cognitive function, boosting mood and
promoting the release of endorphins in the brain.
Study shows link between vibration training and cognitive performance
Researchers at the University of
Groningen, The Netherlands, have recently published a study on the effects of
whole body vibration training on one’s cognitive performance, showing that exercising on a
vibrating machine has similar effects to practicing conventional strength
workouts. The research was conducted on 112 healthy adults, who performed
passive training on a body vibration exercise machine for 2 minutes, at a
frequency of 30Hz.
Results of this study showed that
simply standing on a vibrating machine for such a short period of time can
positively impact one’s attention and mood. According to the scientists who
conducted this study, WBV training could be an alternative to conventional
cognition-enhancing therapy in people who aren’t able to practice classical
workouts.
Although both cardio and strength
exercises can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are associated with
feelings of well-being, it’s generally easier to experience the mood-boosting
effects of exercise after a cardio workout, as the euphoric feelings appear
faster. With strength exercises, it can take around 1 hour to experience the
same effects, so if whole body vibration training can improve one’s mood in a
significantly shorter time, it’s surely worth taking advantage of this form of
workout.
Exercises on a vibrating machine, beneficial in ADHD sufferers
The effects of WBV training on one’s
cognition and attention were investigated in several studies, researchers at
the University of Groningen showing that working out on a whole body vibration
exercise machine has a small but positive effect in people with attention
deficit disorders.
These findings are encouraging, if we
consider the fact that the subjects performed only 2 minutes of whole body
vibration training. Moreover, according
to the same study, patients with ADHD
experienced similar effects to healthy participants, so it’s worth
investigating vibration training as a potential alternative to the available
medication-based ADHD treatments.