Teutonic Distribution, an Agoura Hills, CA. based provider of wellness solutions, announces the introduction of their complete line of vibrational wave products, including the V-Bell, The Zen total body unit, and the iShape total body therapy/stretching unit. Vibrational wave products, including those that provide Whole Body Vibration (WBV), have been scientifically proven to enhance fitness, circulation, oxygenation, and neural well being. In addition, all Teutonic products also offer the Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR), which is the vibratory activation of muscle spindles.
Vibration technology dates back to ancient Greece when warriors would cover a vibrating saw with a cloth and then stand atop it, using the vibrations to help rehabilitate injuries. In the early 20th century, handheld vibration units were marketed as a way to achieve total body wellness. The Soviet space program developed vibration technology approximately 40 years ago as a way to battle bone loss during space flights (NOTE – or did they use it to increase bone density prior to space flights??)
More recently, scientific studies (for example, New Trends in Training Science: The Use of Vibrations for Enhancing Performance by Carmelo Busco, Marco Cardinale, Olga Tsarpela, and Elio Locatelli) have shown that vibration can deliver significant neuromuscular performance, power output, and strength benefits for virtually all subjects, from world class athletes to laypeople. Since much of the research on vibration has been conducted in Europe, it is no surprise that by the 1990’s vibrational training had begun working it’s way into the mainstream fitness market.
A QUICK TUTORIAL
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) energizes the musculoskeletal system by stimulating muscle cells via the “Stretch Reflex”, and by increasing circulation.
WBV creates immediate resistance which results in a reflex. This reflex sends an electrical impulse throughout the body – similar to the way the body naturally reflexes during a doctor applied reflex test.
This reflex contracts muscle tissue instantly, improving flexibility throughout the entire body. In addition, the fast contraction and instant relaxation of muscles causes a “pump” to blood vessels and the lymphatic system, effectively enhancing circulation. This increased oxygen boosts active muscle capacity and, when used in conjunction with exercise, increases training efficiency. The aforementioned “New Trends in Training Science” (available upon request), and many other similar studies, show that subjects, when exposed to a simple protocol vibrational therapy, exhibited significant gains in multiple areas, depending on the test. These gains include vertical jump, mechanical output while performing a leg press, enhanced flexibility, increased blood flow and circulation, muscle activation, and more.
Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR) is a sustained contraction of a muscle subjected to vibration. This reflex is caused by vibratory activation of muscle spindles, which are muscle receptors sensitive to stretch. Activation of muscle spindles is virtually impossible through traditional training. But, with TVR, this activation ensures more complete muscle contraction, activation, and blood flow, and once the contraction is relaxed, makes the muscles more flexible.
WHY VIBRATION AND WHY NOW?
According to company founder Steve Lindenau, “living in Germany for over 12 years while being actively involved in the high end bicycle industry, I heard firsthand the many benefits of vibrational training. Logically, vibration technology is perfect for tens of millions of Americans. It is relatively low cost when compared to most high quality fitness products such as treadmills or elliptical trainers, so that makes it more accessible to more people. But, beyond that, it has so many benefits. It can be used passively, which makes it great for deconditioned or aged users, it can be integrated into a formal fitness program and, if done so, will enhance the results, and it delivers a wider range of health benefits than exercise alone”.
