# Anyone have experience with Whole Body Vibration (WBV)?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [May 1, 2012, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581 "2012-05-01T23:55:36Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/21 "2012-12-11T01:50:26Z")
So, prior to starting with this system, had you tried doing 3 12-minute cardio sessions a day, with handweights? If so, what results did you see from that workout, and how do those results differ from your current workout, which is done whilst vibrating?
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### Author:  [@LadyLee157](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LadyLee157)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/22 "2012-12-11T02:11:39Z")
> [@matok83](#):
>
> SCAM ALERT: ZAAZ WHOLE BODY VIBRATION Markets their vibrating machine as FDA approved and Nasa technology. Well, it’s not FDA approved. I spoke to FDA today and also received an e-mail from them. The product is an exercise machine not a medical device. It’s made in China not Canada. On their website [http://zaazstudios.com/faq/](http://zaazstudios.com/faq/) they claim the following:
>
> “ZAAZ machines are FDA approved at registration #3007722048 and are also approvedby Health Canada as an exercise machine and a medical device. Recent additions to our lineup may still be in the FDA approval process.”
>
> Please look at this link from FDA regarding registration #3007722048 :
>
> [Untitled](http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRL/LDetails.cfm?LID=183474)
>
> Registration number 3007722048 is for a powered nasal irrigation devise.
>
> I notified FDA and received a letter back confirming that ZAAZ Machines are not FDA approved and misbranded.
>
> The Letter Reads:
>
> _ **BEGINNING OF LETTER** _
>
> "Thank you for contacting the Food & Drug Administration’s Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance (DSMICA). We appreciate your diligence in alerting us to the issues raised in your email. I have included detailed discussions on “cleared vs. approved,” determining a medical device’s clearance or approval status, determining prescription/restricted/over the counter use, sales of prescription/restricted use devices, and online sales. It is advisable that you pay particular attention to the discussion regarding References to FDA in Labeling and Marketing.
>
> I conducted a brief search in the FDA Registration & Listing Database, and “3007722048” appears to be the Registration Number matching a company named "T-Zone Vibration Technology:
>
> This appears to be an entry for a Canadian company listed as a Specification Developer and Foreign Exporter to the United States of a Class I (low risk), Product Code BXB, 510(k) exempt, GMP non-exempt medical device. **Note that a low risk medical device is not “FDA Approved” …**
>
> References to the FDA in Labeling and Marketing:
>
> Since 510(k) Clearances are for lower to moderate risk devices, the labeling of such devices as “FDA approved” (reserved for high risk devices) is misleading and constitutes misbranding (FD&C Act, Sec 502). Per the actual text in the US Food Drug & Cosmetic Act, Sec. 502 (21 U.S.C., Chapter V, Section 352):
>
> A drug or device shall be deemed to be misbranded–
>
> (a) False or misleading label. If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular.
>
> **Thus, a claim that a device requiring a 510(k) (low to moderate risk) is “FDA Approved” (high risk) is misleading and prohibited."**
>
> \*\*\* END OF LETTER\*\*\*
> These vibration machines are an updated version of the CRAZYFIT branded Vibrating machines sold for $200. These machines cost less than $100 from the manufactures in China. Don’t get SCAMMED for over $2000 for these machines. THE SELLING POINT is that they are FDA approved, AND THEY ARE NOT!!! FDA is looking into the matter right now.
>
> If you have already purchased this machine, you should call FDA and notify them of the false advertising.
>
> Owner of the company lives in Canada.
>
> My issue is: you can sell it for whatever price you wish to sell it for, but don’t claim it’s FDA approved to help you make the sale. There are other vibrating machines out there you can purchase between $200-$800.
>
> Don’t believe me? Do your own homework before purchasing this machine, CALL FDA and verify for yourself or write them an e-mail.
Wow. You sound like one angry beaver. And you are not speaking truthfully here.
One can go to the Zaaz website and see that they NEVER claim FDA Approval. They say it is FDA-LISTED. BIG DIFFERENCE. And the link below is on their FAQ page where the question posed is about whether it is FDA APPROVED.
[http://zaazstudios.com/equipment-faq/](http://zaazstudios.com/equipment-faq/)
if you intend to smear a company, at least have your facts right. Otherwise you appear like you just might be a disgruntled employee.
I love my ZAAZ. I’ve had excellent results in the month I’ve been using it.
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2012, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/23 "2012-12-11T02:52:38Z")
> [@LadyLee157](#):
>
> I love my ZAAZ. I’ve had excellent results in the month I’ve been using it.
However, there remains no data to show that it works in any way shape or form. It’s a scam until shown otherwise, and anonymous tributes on a message board aren’t data.
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### Author:  [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2012, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/24 "2012-12-11T03:10:36Z")
They probably changed their website - it certainly appears they used to claim this:
> **[The Best from the West](http://billwiley.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-from-west.html)**
>
> Being the kind of person who likes to eclipse everyone’s ability to obtain the latest technology (e.g., getting my first web-disabled,...
[http://fremontchiropracticcare.com/whole-body-vibration/](http://fremontchiropracticcare.com/whole-body-vibration/)
(second link appears to be a former copy of their FAQ section)
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### Author:  [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2012, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/25 "2012-12-11T03:25:45Z")
Still has language saying they are “FDA approved”
[http://zaazstudios.com/faq/i-have-seen-other-wbv-machines-that-are-cheaper-whats-the-difference/](http://zaazstudios.com/faq/i-have-seen-other-wbv-machines-that-are-cheaper-whats-the-difference/)
> [@](#):
>
> Our machines are the highest quality of WBV machine for the price that exists on the market. The only comparable technology to ours is over twice the price and is not FDA approved nor do they carry the same warranty as ours. ZAAZ machines are perfectly engineered to deliver a high concentration of movement and offer a wide range of benefits. Other machines that are cheaper do not have the same strength of motor, do not have as many speeds and as powerful intensity, are not as well designed and poorly engineered machines can actually move you in ways that can be bad for you rather than beneficial. The warranty of our machines is superior and ours are among the very few that are FDA approved as Class 1 medical devices.
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### Author:  [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)
#### Post date: [December 12, 2012, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/26 "2012-12-12T12:04:16Z")
> [@Telemark](#):
>
> However, there remains no data to show that it works in any way shape or form. It’s a scam until shown otherwise, and anonymous tributes on a message board aren’t data.
anonymous tributes from someone who has just registered
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### Author:  [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)
#### Post date: [December 12, 2012, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/27 "2012-12-12T12:41:12Z")
> [@LadyLee157](#):
>
> I use it to tone up, work my core, .
Work your core, huh?:dubious:
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### Author:  [@Medvibe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Medvibe)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2012, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/28 "2012-12-18T23:33:15Z")
Ten minutes = 1 hr in the gym. That’s a really vague statement if you think about it. Gillian Michale’s 1 hour in the gym is probably a lot of cardio and functional training. Where as a football linebacker’s 1 hour is probably power lifting. So who’s hour are we talking about here? Neither. **Vibration training is its own classification**. It doesn’t get your heart rate up enough to be considered true cardio and it doesn’t generate enough muscle growing force to pack on size like powerlifting.
Having sold machines to anyone from stroke sufferers to Pro-Athlete and everyone in between, I can tell you that the effects of vibration training are different for everyone. The fact is for some they can really help offer a gym style work out. NOTICE: I did not state that its an hour in the gym rather that it can offer up a gym style workout. What I mean by this is that you are expected to perform various exercises on these machines such as dips, push-ups, lunges, squats, planks, shoulder press etc. All of those exercise are intensified by the machine and intended to mimmick the muscle activations caused by gym exercises.
For athletes this is a compliment and another tool used for training, bloodflow and flexibility. For the unconditioned general user, it can replace some forms of exercise… but not all.
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### Author:  [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2012, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/29 "2012-12-18T23:44:31Z")
Anyone else completely disregard any testimonials from people with Join Date: Dec 2012?
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [December 19, 2012, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/30 "2012-12-19T02:12:40Z")
> [@Medvibe](#):
>
> Having sold machines to anyone from stroke sufferers to Pro-Athlete and everyone in between, I can tell you that the effects of vibration training are different for everyone.
Translation - There’s no evidence that it does anything, and there’s no proposed mechanism for how it works, but as far as we can tell the only documented effect is that your wallet gets noticeably lighter.
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### Author:  [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)
#### Post date: [December 19, 2012, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/31 "2012-12-19T02:39:04Z")
Info here
> **[Whole-body vibration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_body_vibration)**
>
> Whole body vibration is a generic term used when vibrations (mechanical oscillations) of any frequency are transferred to the human body. Humans are exposed to vibration through a contact surface that is in a mechanical vibrating state. Humans are generally exposed to many different forms of vibration in their daily lives. This could be through a driver's seat, a moving train platform, a power tool, a training platform, or any one of countless other devices. It is a potential form of occupati Wh...
and here
> **[Effects of adding whole body vibration to squat training on isometric...](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19924007/)**
>
> Resistance training interventions aimed at increasing lower-body power and rates of force development have produced varying results. Recent studies have suggested that whole-body low-frequency vibration (WBLFV) may elicit an acute postactivation...
There appears to potentially be some benefits if exercise is performed while WBV is applied.
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### Author:  [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)
#### Post date: [December 19, 2012, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/32 "2012-12-19T22:50:06Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Anyone have experience with Whole Body Vibration (WBV)?
Am I the only one who’s first thought was that this thread would be about some grand, new orgasm technique?
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### Author:  [@Medvibe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Medvibe)
#### Post date: [December 19, 2012, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/33 "2012-12-19T22:52:41Z")
> [@Telemark](#):
>
> Translation - There’s no evidence that it does anything, and there’s no proposed mechanism for how it works, but as far as we can tell the only documented effect is that your wallet gets noticeably lighter.
[http://www.wholebodyvibration.net/PDFs/THE\_EFFECT\_OF\_WARMUP\_WITH\_WHOLE\_BODY\_VIBRATION\_VERSUS\_CYCLE\_ERGOMETRY.pdf](http://www.wholebodyvibration.net/PDFs/THE_EFFECT_OF_WARMUP_WITH_WHOLE_BODY_VIBRATION_VERSUS_CYCLE_ERGOMETRY.pdf)
The study effectively shows that 5 minutes of 3 simple standing exercises on a vibration machines was muscularly equivalent to about 5 minutes on a stationary bike pedaling at about 65-85% max heart rate. There is research out there that can show some efficacy of vibration training. I am not saying that its a magic pill, I am just saying that it has benefit and is a tool like any other in a gym to assist in human performance and rehabilititaion.
IF you are a stubborn gym rat and refusing to try it. You are missing out. At the very least you would find it to really warm up your muscles and prepare you for an explosive work out. Have you tried it? iI so what machine, describe your work out? Is it possible that you may have needed better instruction on how to use it? Please let me know.
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### Author:  [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)
#### Post date: [December 20, 2012, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/34 "2012-12-20T00:00:52Z")
That is not in any way, shape, or form what the study says. The study was comparing the two as warm ups for a knee extension exercise. There was no control group showing what someone who did no warm up would do. Finding there was no statistical difference (which is not the same as saying they were the same) of a cardio warm up - to standing on a magic box - on strength training is not surprising at all.
There is no evidence whatsoever that these devices do what people care about - which is losing weight or getting fit.
Trying to find stuff that makes it seem scientific doesn’t make it scientific. Ketchup kills HIV in a test tube - that doesn’t mean it’s going to cure someone of AIDS.
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [December 20, 2012, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/35 "2012-12-20T04:02:33Z")
> [@Medvibe](#):
>
> Have you tried it?
I have no need to, my warmup routine works just fine. I’m not looking for a fix to a problem that doesn’t exist.
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### Author:  [@Medvibe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Medvibe)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2012, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/36 "2012-12-27T18:01:52Z")
My suggestion is that you try something before you develop pure conviction that it doesn’t work. There is a reason that nearly every pro sports team in the country uses this technology( Not Zaaz but higher end machines) as part of their training regimens. The problem with the industry is that a lot of companies selling to consumers claim that its “the only exercise machine that you need”. I don’t support such a global statement rather I am saying that its a part of a whole exercise routine.
Try the machine for a warm up to to stretch you out and get blood moving. You may find it to be a faster way to get ready for an explosive work out. Afterwards try using it for a few massage positions. You may then find that it helps reduce soreness from your workouts.
I have sold machines to top end personal trainers, professional athlete training facilities and Olympic sports teams. They called me not the other way around. I use it, they use it and I get nothing but positive feedback.
Back to the origional argument: Don’t let companies like Zazz fast talk you in the mall to convince you that this is the cure for all of your health problems. Do know that it does have specific benifits if used properly. And know that users will come in all shapes and sizes. Gym rats probably won’t use this the same way an obese person or a untrained person is going to use it. Diet and exercise are the best ways to lose weight. Using WBV as part of your exercise regimen will help but its not the only tool you need. Be realistic about your weightloss goals and know that there is no magic pill. You are only as good as your commitment to push yourself to use the machines, change up your work outs regularly and stick to a healthy work out.
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### Author:  [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2012, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/37 "2012-12-27T18:39:40Z")
> [@Medvibe](#):
>
> You may find it to be a faster way to get ready for an explosive work out.
Other than in bed, when would one desire one’s workout to be “explosive”?:dubious:
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### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2012, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/38 "2012-12-27T20:09:12Z")
> [@Medvibe](#):
>
> My suggestion is that you try something before you develop pure conviction that it doesn’t work. There is a reason that nearly every pro sports team in the country uses this technology( Not Zaaz but higher end machines) as part of their training regimens.
A conviction that there is no evidence that something works is not the same as a conviction that it doesn’t work, and professional sports personnel are remarkably bad at statistical analysis.
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### Author:  [@Medvibe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Medvibe)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/39 "2012-12-27T20:19:40Z")
Kayaker- Be an adult about this. For athletes from nearly any background being “explosive” reffers to rapid response times to get the jump on your competitors. For Football players its exploding from your stance at the snap. For swimers and track runners its exploding off the blocks, for basketball players its exploding of the ground for a jumpball. For baseball players its an explosive swing to hit a fastball…etc etc etc. For gymgoers and explosive workout is one where they are pumped and ready to train hard. Effective workouts are all about intensity. From high intensity training like HITT to, powerlifting or even cardio training, your pre-work out warm-ups and streches are crucial to your output.
Hence the reason why its used througout sports. [http://newsroom.powerplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EB27934-nfl\_mezz\_1280\_1024.jpg](http://newsroom.powerplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EB27934-nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg)
If this technology was useless why would they have so many machines in between each power rack and why would they have thier high salaried athletes incororate it into their facility?
Do you know something that the four atheltic trainers, and four doctors that sit on the Broncos Athletic staff don’t?
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### Author:  [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)
#### Post date: [December 27, 2012, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-whole-body-vibration-wbv/620581/40 "2012-12-27T22:42:59Z")
Open a thread about some woo with an easily searchable name, and it becomes the gift that keeps on giving.
I think we’ve heard enough from the shills, and I have had the information that I requested. so I’m going to ask the mods to close this thread.
Roddy
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