Stress deeply affects physical health, influencing anxiety levels and mood regulation, and can also contribute to the development and progression of chronic diseases. Prolonged stress affects hormone regulation, weakens immunity, and may even raise the risk for depression, along with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
The relaxation experience, potential immune benefits, and stress alleviation reported in WBV therapy studies may stem from multiple physiological and psychological mechanisms. One key link between body and mind is how physical relief influences emotional well-being and vice versa.
Promoting health and wellness with Vibration
Whole-body vibration can trigger, to a certain extent, downstream benefits that would otherwise occur with light to moderate physical exercise. In some cases, WBV can amplify the positive effects of physical exercise when paired.
The range of positive effects of physical exercise on health is extensive, and there are many to consider in addition to strength gains and cardiovascular fitness, such as improvements in:
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Anxiety, stress, depression
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Blood flow and microcirculation
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Inflammation
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Muscle and bone mass
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Immune responses
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Psychological function and executive control
Given the far-reaching effects of physical exercise on health, whole-body vibration therapy may be a convenient or adjunctive approach to improving mental health and reducing stress symptoms at home or in the workplace.
Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a measurement used to describe the time differences between heartbeats. Researchers demonstrated that a reduction in HRV is a sign of psychological stress. Said differently, the time between the heartbeats and beat-to-beat intervals appears to vary less during stress.
An extensive review of research showed that HRV, a physiological stress marker, typically responds positively to vibrational stimuli. One recent study found that a single short session of WBV increased measures of HRV in older individuals and another improved HRV measures in relatively overweight women. Generally speaking, WBV influences HRV in healthy individuals too, but the frequency of the vibration preferentially activates the sympathetic or parasympathic nervous system.
HRV reflects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the human nervous system. Enhancing parasympathetic tone with WBV or restoring balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic branches may cause individuals to experience whole-body relaxation. Overall, several cardiovascular benefits may be gained from WBV therapy.
Reduced Cortisol Levels
Whole body vibration therapy itself is not considered a stressful stimulus. Research shows cortisol levels do not rise in otherwise healthy individuals during WBV. Instead, research supports that cortisol levels decrease.
One potential mechanism of action is that WBV changes hormonal release patterns and reduces raised cortisol levels in stress-related conditions. Cortisol is released rapidly during acute stressful situations, and release patterns are altered in chronic conditions. Generally, increased cortisol levels typically indicate stress reactions in the body. As the intensity of the stress increases, so too does the secretion of cortisol.
In response to WBV therapy, individuals with severe disabilities showed lower levels of anxiety but also significant reductions in cortisol levels. In women with fibromyalgia, WBV appears to help regulate cortisol secretion patterns.
Reduced Pain
Psychological stress and persistent pain are inextricably linked, and by addressing one, WBV therapy may mitigate the other. In a rigorous systematic review of randomized controlled trials, researchers identified 16 valid studies. In an analysis of 16 studies, which included results from individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP), osteoarthritis (OA), and fibromyalgia, the authors concluded that WBV can alleviate symptoms of pain.
Reduced Perceived Levels of Stress
WBV shows potential as a supplementary therapy for stress management. Research findings demonstrate that WBV therapy effectively lowers perceived stress levels across various groups. Exposure to mechanical vibrations leads to muscle relaxation and reduced muscular tension, which may help reduce stress symptoms.
Like high-performance workplace environments, college students experience heavy workloads and poor sleep patterns. A recent 4-week study showed that college students reported lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores than those following a prescribed exercise regimen. The study results underscore that whole body therapy can improve overall quality of life (QoL) in individuals, like college students, working in environments with many stressful factors:
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Academic and performance pressure
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Social media pressure
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Sexual tensions
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Pressure to win
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Rivalry with peers
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Paucity of leisure time
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Long hours in front of electronic screens
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Poor sleep quality and duration
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Decreased time spent with families
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Anxiety about higher studies
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Uncertain employment prospects
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Financial constraints
The adaptability of WBV to home, school, and work environments may contribute to stress management, as it requires minimal effort, remains time-efficient, and is cost-effective, fitting various schedules. Still, there are more benefits to consider. The buildup of stress and anxiety throughout the workday frequently leads to sleep problems like waking up during the night and struggling to fall back asleep. Research supports that WBV can also help with sleep too.