Vibration Plate Benefits for Elderly Adults

Vibration plates are one of the new fitness fads that emerged with the home fitness crazes of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. But what are the benefits of vibration plates, and can they work for seniors? Let’s dive in and take a look. 

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What Are Vibration Plates?

Vibration plates are essentially exactly what they sound like. They are plates you stand on – sometimes with the aid of a balance bar – and the plates vibrate. They produce high-frequency vibrations that stimulate the muscles to contract and stabilize all over the body, similar to the way the muscles might function when exercising. 

Benefits of Vibration Plates

Research is mixed on whether there are benefits of using a vibration plate. Some smaller-sized studies in both animals and humans have shown positive results for those who use vibration plates when compared to those who don’t. Before the use of vibration plates can become a fully scientifically back medical treatment, more research is needed. But early research does suggest there are potential vibration plate benefits for elderly adults. 

Some of the possible benefits of the vibration plate can include:

• Lower risk of falls. The balance aspect of standing on the vibration plates while the muscles “work” has been shown to reduce the risk of falls both anecdotally and in studies. The vibration plates do engage the core, a key component of total body stability. 
• Weight loss. A review published in 2019 suggested that vibration plates, when used consistently for around 5 months, can contribute to weight loss. While it does not always lead to fat loss, it can lead to increased muscle mass, similar to the results one might see from taking moderately brisk walks consistently for the same time period. 
• Treatment for osteoporosis. Studies in sheep who use vibration plate therapy 20-minutes per day for a year did show an increase in bone density. Studies in humans have been exciting, showing little to no change as compared to those who just walked or had no treatment at all. 
• Lower blood pressure. Small studies have shown that consistent vibration plate training over at least six weeks reduced artery stiffness and lowered blood pressure in overweight women and women with obesity. 

A quick note to make readers aware that not all vibration plates are created equally. Some plates have dangerous levels of vibration that can actually do more harm than good. As always, you should chat with your doctor or a physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine. 
Years of research and hundreds of studies have shown that physical activity, especially strength training, are hugely beneficial as we age. It not only impacts our ability to stay independent, but also improves cognition and mental health. While the benefits of vibration plates themselves are still up for some debate, early research is positive that it can be beneficial to seniors, especially those with limited mobility.

Any type of physical activity, including a type that uses vibration plates, is better than no physical activity. So while the user should still be careful and put safety first, if vibration plates are what gets you off the couch and moving, then vibrate on!