AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
The claim. Soloflex's Whole Body Vibration (WBV) platform has an electric motor that spins an off-center weight, creating vibration you adjust with a dial. At press time, ads claimed that you can "stand still ... and get a good workout"; do "all kinds of complementary exercises" while vibrating; and it "actually feels good."
The check. Six people stood on the device for 5 minutes, at medium and high vibration, while a metabolic gas analyzer gauged the calories they burned (our measure of "a good workout"). Six other people performed three Pilates sessions on the board, two with vibration and one without. And we had three experts in the science of human movement assess the studies Soloflex cites to support its claims.
CR's take. Take a pass. There was no significant increase in calories burned when standing on the vibrating board. Most users who did more than stand said the WBV didn't enhance their workout. Some panelists said the board was too small--a few actually fell off. Some also complained of headaches, blurry vision, or back pain. Directions warn against use by ...