The effect of multidirectional mechanical vibration on peripheral circulation of humans

Abstract

The physiological response of humans to vibration has intrigued researchers for some time, and recently in relation to its potential as a non-pharmacological means to improve peripheral blood flow. A new vibration device [Arapal Technologies Ltd (ATL), Christchurch, New Zealand] for pain relief that purportedly delivers multidirectional vibration waveforms, has been developed. The aim of the study was to quantify the effect of 30 min of mechanical vibration (60 Hz) using two ATL massage devices concurrently upon local peripheral blood flow in healthy humans. On the basis of past work it was expected that acute exposure of the body to the vibratory stimulus would increase local peripheral blood flow. In a randomized cross-over design, mean blood flow (MBF) to the calf was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography before, during 3 min and after 30 min exposure to the vibratory devices or placebo (non-vibratory) devices. Statistical analysis revealed no consistent differences between conditions and considerable individual variability. The MBF increase tended to be higher in the vibration condition than the placebo condition (P=0.16, 95% likely range=-14.4% to 82.2%), the mean increase from resting blood flow at the post-test was 26+/-49% in the vibration condition and 12+/-39% in the placebo condition. It took approximately 22 min of exposure to the vibratory stimulus to elicit peak blood flow (18 min with the placebo). Improvements in local blood flow may be beneficial in the therapeutic alleviation of pain or other symptoms resulting from acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Glycemic Indices and Peripheral Blood Flow in Type II Diabetic Patients

“…In diabetic patients, and in contrast to Lythgo et al (12) findings on healthy subjects, Johnson et al (15) showed low frequency (26 Hz) and low amplitude (2 mm) vibration increased blood flow (to the skin area in the feet). Similarly, Sañudo et al (16) revealed significant improvement of femoral artery blood flow after 12 weeks of WBV training in diabetic patients (12)(13)(14)(15)(16) Hz, 4 mm, 3 days a week). Whether WBV can have a positive effect on local blood flow of diabetic patients remains controversial and requires further investigation.…”

“…Lythgo et al (12) suggested the increased leg blood flow accompanying WBV in healthy volunteers was related to high frequency and high amplitude of vibration. However, using high frequency, Button et al (13) and Hazell et al (14) reported no significant difference in local blood flow in healthy participants between vibration and control groups. In diabetic patients, and in contrast to Lythgo et al (12) findings on healthy subjects, Johnson et al (15) showed low frequency (26 Hz) and low amplitude (2 mm) vibration increased blood flow (to the skin area in the feet).…”

“…Baum et al (2) revealed FBS and HbA1c levels in type II diabetics were reduced by approximately 6.3% and 0.3% respectively after 12 weeks of WBV using a horizontal swinging platform (30-35 Hz, 2 mm amplitude, 8 bouts of 30 seconds, 3 days a week). More recently, del Pozo-Cruz et al (9) reported 12 weeks of WBV training (12)(13)(14)(15)(16) Hz, 4 mm, 3 days a week) significantly improved levels of FBS and HbA1c. However, in contrast to the beneficial effects reported by Baum et al (2) and del Pozo-Cruz et al (9), Behboudi et al (8) found that FBS and HbA1c levels were not significantly improved after 8 weeks of WBV training (30 Hz, 2 mm, 3 days a week).…”

Vibratory massage for complementing training in sports and physiotherapy

“…Drogą odruchową zachodzą zmiany w układzie nerwowym. Usprawnienie krążenia obwodowego wpływa na usuwanie obrzęku tkanek [6]. Warto zwrócić uwagę na to, że masaż wibracyjny zapewnia rozluźnienie mięśni, zaś jego działanie ogólne może także polegać na relaksacji -obniżeniu napięcia emocjonalnego.…”

“…Through this refl ex way changes in the nervous system occur. Improving of the peripheral circulation facilitates reduction of oedema of tissues [6]. It should be emphasised that vibratory massage provides muscle relaxation and general effects may also include decreasing of emotional tension.…”