Learn the Science:
Parkinson’s Disease and whole body vibration
Health Condition
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. Abnormal brain activity is triggered by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Deterioration of these cells cause tremors, stiffness, loss of balance, poor coordination, speech difficulty, and trouble when walking. It is believed that for the most part Parkinson’s disease is not hereditary, but that genetic mutations caused by external stimuli seem to be the culprit.
Whole Body Vibration and Parkinson’s Disease
Whole body vibration has been shown to significantly reduce tremors and rigidity in persons with Parkinson’s Disease. Whole body vibration can be
Medical Professionals Explain Parkinson’s and Whole Body Vibration
used in conjunction with other treatments to maximize improvement. (Haas et al., 2006) Significant improvements have been seen in movement velocity, postural alignment, and other stability factors. (Gomez, 2018) When compared to control groups using physical therapy, the outcomes of those who used whole body vibration are similar. However, improvements to posture are significant in those who used whole body vibration. (Ebersbach et al., 2008)
LifetimeVibe Exercises
LifetimeVibe’s patented design is especially helpful for people with Parkinson’s Disease because it 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 joint pain and stiffness.
Suggested Positions
Read through the exercises, massage positions, seat positions, chair positions, and wheelchair positions on the reverse side of this flip chart. Choose the positions most suitable for your condition. View page 43 of the LifetimeVibe Program booklet for further instructions.
Speeds and Programs
Set speed below 25, this will elicit a muscle response; You can set speed above 25 for massage. Read through the Pre-set Programs to determine which would be best for your condition. Begin with 1-3 minutes several times a day. Increase time and experiment with the Pre-set Programs, as tolerated.
References
- Haas, C. T.; Turbanski, S.; Kessler, K.; Schmidtbleicher, D. The effects of random whole-body-vibration on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. NeuroRehabilitation (Reading, Mass.) 2006, 21, 29-36. Full Text Here.
- Gomez, S. The Effect of Whole Body Vibration vs Agility Training on Postural Instability in Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2018.
- Ebersbach, G.; Edler, D.; Kaufhold, O.; Wissel, J. Whole Body Vibration Versus Conventional Physiotherapy to Improve Balance and Gait in Parkinson’s Disease. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008, 89, 399-403.
Watch The Real Stories:
Parkinson’s Relief with Whole Body Vibration
Customers with Parkinson’s who use Lifetimevibe report that their symptoms are reduced. As the platform oscillates, the body must react and adjust many times a second. This includes signals to the brain and muscles to keep in balance.
Also, many people with Parkinson’s have difficulty walking or getting other kinds of exercise. Standing on the vibration plate can provide this muscle and bone strengthening exercise without risk of fall or losing balance.
Medical Professionals
“The physical therapist was amazed”
“He can do fun things.”