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Involuntary Muscle Contraction

Whole Body Vibration works very similar to the myotatic stretch reflex, whereby mechanical vibrations induce non-voluntary muscle contractions. Research has shown that each muscle in our body has a similar stretch reflex that responds to a certain frequency of vibration stimulus. This is commonly known as the ‘Tonic Vibration Reflex’ (‘TVR’). The vertical movement of the vibration plate with a small amplitude of 2 to 4 mm stimulates this stretch reflex. At a frequency of 20 to 50 times a second, the WAVE can produce up to 1500 contractions in 30 seconds.

 
 

3000 muscle contractions per minute
The WAVE vibration platform drops 2 or 4 mm, depending on the frequency established. During the drop, the muscle is stretched, whereby a stretch reflex is elicited, leading to a muscle contraction. With a frequency of 20 to 50 times per second, this translated into a maximum of 3000 muscle contractions in 1 minute.

 
Nearly 100% muscle recruitment
Due to the non-voluntary muscle contraction, vibration training is capable of recruiting a larger number of muscle fibers. This translates into the ability to recruit motor units that otherwise would not be recruited through conventional training. In fact, only 40% of muscle fibers are being recruited during conventional training, while that number can reach between 95 and 97% through vibration training. Recruitment of a greater number of muscle fibers leads to an enhanced neurological effect and accelerating strength gains.

 

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