Constipation and whole body vibration

Condition

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. However, a person with a healthy colon averages two or more well-formed bowel movements a day.

Exercise and Treatment

Constipation can be caused by inadequate exercise or immobility. “Quick-fix” medications are often used to clear out the bowels quickly. However, the better method may be strengthening the smooth muscles of the bowels for a more effective, long-term solution to constipation. Whole body vibration strengthens smooth muscles through oscillation, which causes muscles to rapidly contract and relax. This has been shown to significantly improve the condition of those with chronic functional constipation (Wu et al., 2012)

When the digestive and excretory systems are working properly, they rid the body of accumulating waste in the colon, which prevents toxins from being absorbed from the colon into the bloodstream. Whole body vibration can aid in minimizing the build up of toxins because the vibrations increase blood flow. Whole body vibration also improves gut microbiota that aid in digestion. Although the mechanism is still unproven, improvement in gut microbiota may be due to increased intestinal permeability (Song et al., 2019). 

Lifetime Vibe Exercises

LifetimeVibe’s patented design isolates the vibration in the base, not the handles–reducing harsh and violent movement. Unlike competitor machines, LifetimeVibe also accelerates gradually to the chosen speed, making the experience much more comfortable for those with pain.

Suggested Positions

Stand on LIfetimeVibe with your feet 12 inches apart. Move your feet farther apart as tolerated. Read through the exercises and massage positions on the reverse side of the flip chart. Choose the positions most suitable for your condition. (See Page 13 in the LifetimeVibe program booklet)

Speeds and Programs

Set speed range between 25 and 60. Begin with Pre-set programs 1, 2, and 3. Increase the intensity, duration, and number of exercises, as tolerated. When your body is ready, experiment with the rest of the Pre-set programs and exercises.

References

1. Song, N.; Liu, X.; Feng, Q.; Xu, M.; Lan, X.; Li, M.; Liu, R.; Li, C.; Dong, T.; Wang, D.; Liu, S. Whole Body Vibration Triggers a Change in the Mutual Shaping State of Intestinal Microbiota and Body’s Immunity. Front.  Bioeng.  Biotechnol. 2019, 7.

1. Wu, T. ‐; Wei, T. ‐; Chou, Y. ‐; Yang, C. ‐; Wu, C. ‐; Chen, Y. ‐; Liu, S. ‐ Whole‐body vibration for functional constipation: a single‐centre, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Colorectal disease 2012, 14, e779-e785.