How Does Vibration Work?

Alexander A. Mikheev, Ph.D., Ph.D., Scientific Research Institute of Physical
Culture and Sport, Specialty in Vibration Biological Activity Stimulation,
Republic of Belarus
The body of knowledge regarding longitudinal vibration, originally studied and applied in
Russia over the past 20 years is growing at an explosive rate and is at a point where
specific frequencies, intensity levels and methods of application are well defined with
known benefits. Dosed Vibrational Training techniques are just now gaining recognition
in the USA as a means for improving sports specific training, general fitness,
rehabilitation, clinical, health and wellness programs.
Types of Mechanical Vibration
This type of T-vibration is commonly used for physiotherapy, personal relaxation, muscle
cramps, sports rehabilitation and chiropractic therapy. The benefits provided by Tvibration
therapy includes improved local blood circulation, improved muscle tone and
general relaxation. There are numerous types of T-Vibration apparatuses in use and
most operate by applying a rhythmic succession of mechanical strikes to the surface of
the skin.
These mechanical strikes diffuse into the tissue to a depth of one or two centimeters,
affecting nerve centers where the mechanical energy is converted to electrical impulses.
As the impulses are received at the brain core they have an immediate affect on
relaxation in the local contact area. Frequencies used in T-vibration therapy generally
ranges from 2Hz to 150Hz with amplitudes ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
athlete.
By Alexander Mikheev
Dosed Mechanical-L Vibration
The second method is Dosed Longitudinal
Vibration, DLV or L-Vibration. This is where the
muscle fibers under tension are forced to perform
an involuntary stretch-shorten cycle at the
frequency and amplitude of the induced vibration.
My research indicates there are two categories of vibration to which people are exposed.
First is unintentional, which often occurs in working environments on jack hammers,
impact hammers, drills, etc. and with extended use may be considered hazardous. The
second, that will be discussed below is intentional where the exposure is applied in
controlled frequencies and amplitudes, in metered doses, with known documented
beneficial results.
Dosed Mechanical T-Vibration
There are two basic methods of applying dosed
vibration, each with unique benefits. The first is
Dosed Transverse Vibration, DTV or T-Vibration
where the vibrational waves are applied transverse
or perpendicular to the muscle fibers.
L-Vibration Examples
The biceps is in an Isometric contraction at 90
degrees in the elbow joint. L1 is distance
between axis of elbow joint and tendon
attachment to forearm (5 cm). L2 is distance
between axis of elbow joint and loaded
handgrip (30cm). D1 is flexion distance of
bicep muscle. D2 is distance traveled at the
handgrip. It can be shown that D1=L1 x D2/L2.
Virtually all forms of exercise including isometrics can be performed with the benefit
of L-Vibration provided the appropriate equipment is used. The mechanical energy from
L-Vibration causes muscle fibers to be stressed further than any identical activity without
vibration, thereby inducing a hypertrophy response without additional effort on the part of
the athlete.
These non-traditional vibration-training methods are combined with traditional training for
the most advanced results. Unlike T-vibration, L-vibration affects the entire musculature
being activated along and through the muscular/skeletal system, resonating within the
Neuro-Transmitters like naturally occurring innate Electro-Chemical signals. L-vibration
also "pumps" individual cells resulting in accelerated increase in blood flow with more
nutrients and electrolytes in and a chemical flushing of waste products out. The same
neurological responses achieved with T-Vibration are realized in much larger measure
with L-Vibration. The most effective frequency range with this method is quite narrow,
from 20 Hz to 40 Hz with amplitudes ranging from 3 mm to 5 mm.
Example 1. Isometric without Vibration
During an Isometric contraction, D1 = 5 cm x 0.0/ 30cm. Therefore D1 flexion of bicep
muscle is zero.
Example 2. Isometric with Vibration
Placing a 30Hz 4mm amplitude vibration in the handgrip causes the hand to move 4mm
at 30 times per second. Now D1= 5cm x 4mm/30cm or D1= 50mm x 4mm/300mm. D1
muscle flexion is now 0.666mm. At 30Hz or 30 vibrations per second the total muscle
flexion is 30 x 0.666 or 20mm per second of exercise. The isometric contraction with
zero muscle fiber motion has become dynamic with 20mm muscle fiber stimulation every
second.
Example 3. Dynamic Concentric without and with vibration
Now consider a combination of a concentric exercise bicep curl from a straight
forearm position to a 90-degree curl. During a normal 90 degree curl the bicep
muscle shortens approximately 2 inches or 50mm. By superimposing a 30 Hz
4mm amplitude vibration on the movement at the handgrip the starting D1 is
0.0mm (when arm is straight) and the 90-degree D1 is 20.0mm. The average D1
induced by vibration over the 90-degrees motion is 10.0mm. Therefore the 50mm
muscle flexion without vibration is increased to 60.0mm with vibration. This
additional (20 percent) biological activity stimulation occurs within the normal
self-induced neuromuscular process with no extra effort on the part of the person
exercising. A slower two second repetition curl adds an additional 10mm muscle
fiber contraction.
Training Plateau
It is known that highly trained athletes reach a training plateau in agility, speed, strength,
endurance and so on. It has been established that at some point the human organism no
longer positively responds to repeated stimuli such as more reps, less reps, more sets,
less sets, more rest, less rest, fast sets, slow sets and any combinations produce little or
no improvement. Appropriately dosed vibration training, on proper equipment,
enables athletes to break through the Training Plateau with a combination of
mechanical biological vibration stimulation supplemented with traditional training
methods.
Benefits of L-vibration Include
► No additional effort
► Active neuromuscular conditioning
► Stretch farther and faster
► Increased blood pumping with lactic acid flushing
► Safe Plyometric exercise effect
► Stimulation of bone growth
► Increased levels of HGH
► Increased metabolic rate
► Improved cardiovascular health
In general L-Vibration dosage follows the principles of sports training. Vibration training
should be appropriately dosed to enhance and be combined with traditional training
methods for the specific athletes needs.
Edited by Richard Charnitski. Pres. Heart Rate Inc., VersaClimber, Manufacturer of Exervibe, a
line of Vibration Exercise Equipment including a Climber, Stepper, Barbell, Dumbell and Cable
In-Line Stimulator.
3190-E Airport Loop, Costa Mesa, CA | Heart Rate Inc. Copyright 2005
1.800.237.2271 | email@heartrateinc.com | WWW.VERSACLIMBER.COM