Multiple Sclerosis and Vibration Plates

Multiple Sclerosis and Vibration Plates

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), you know how difficult it can be to find a workout that’s effective, while being gentle enough to not cause any unwanted pain or stress. 

While resistance training has a profound effect on muscular strength and function, conventional strength training exercises can be too stressful for MS patients, so a lighter approach is needed.

Medical professionals and trainers are discovering that whole-body vibration (WBV) training using vibration plates may be the key alternative MS patients have been looking for. With the potential to offer all the benefits of traditional strength training workouts, without pain, WBV workouts appear to be the perfect solution.

What is WBV Therapy?

If you’re unfamiliar with vibration plates and whole-body vibration therapy, here’s a quick rundown: The idea behind WBV therapy is that you position yourself on a vibration plate, or platform, which rapidly vibrates. These vibrations cause your muscles to contract, or flex, over and over again as you try to stabilize your body.

WBV therapy may not sound like much on paper, but give it a try for 10 or 20 minutes, and you’ll be surprised at how tired you get. WBV training allows you to get a great workout, without putting any undue stress on your body, or putting yourself at risk of injury, all while gaining the benefits of traditional strength training.

Vibration Plates and Multiple Sclerosis

Several studies have been done on vibration therapy which looked into how it may benefit multiple sclerosis patients. While most of the studies were on the smaller side, they all produced favorable results suggesting that vibration plates can really benefit multiple sclerosis patients.

For example, one study found that vibration plates offered similar benefits to conventional rehab exercises in low disability status multiple sclerosis patients. Patients in this study gained noticeable improvements in walking endurance.

Another study found that following 8 weeks of resistance and vibration plate exercises, MS patients gained notable improvements in strength and functional capacity. In this study, as few as 6 vibration plate exercises were completed per workout.

A study out of Belgium found that in just 3 weeks, vibration plate workouts resulted in significant improvements in strength in MS patients.

And lastly, during one of the few long-term studies on vibration plate training and MS, researchers found that WBV offered similar improvements to that of standard exercises. Study participants noted improvements in sleep, fewer muscle spasms during the night, better sensation in their feet, and could even climb stairs better!

Wrapping Up

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis and are looking for a way to stay in shape without having to deal with the pain and injuries that sometimes come as a result of regular weight training, whole-body vibration training is a great option!

 Whether you’re new to working out, or are a fitness fanatic, there’s a vibration plate available that’s sure to provide you with amazing results! And if you like a little structure to your workouts, consider checking out one of our at-home vibration plate workouts.