WHY POWER PLATE ?

The unique vibration of the Power Plate machine destabilises the body and causes a rapid reflex contraction, making more muscles do more actions more often. 

The frequency of these reflexes is one of the keys to success and relates to how fast the plate is moving up and down. Most people get maximum muscle activation at about 33-35Hz (times per second). Power Plate models range between 25Hz and 50Hz allowing variability for different applications and user preferences.

The direction and type of movement is also important. Power Plate does not rock or see-saw. The movement of the Power Plate is gentle – between 1mm and 2mm – so no jerking, no jarring, no discomfort. The whole plate moves in the same direction at the same time, mostly in a vertical direction (that is, up and down).

A superior feature of Power Plate, is that it also moves subtly backwards and forwards, and side-to-side. This three-dimensional “tri-planar” movement is key to enhanced proprioceptive stimulus and simulates the “authentic” environment of real life ground reaction forces, stimulating the body’s natural responses.

The final thing we’ll talk about from a physics point of view is the harmonics. This is to do with the smoothness of the vibration, which, with Power Plate, is very consistent – even with people of different weights on the platform. The importance of smooth harmonic motion is that the body learns best when stimuli are repetitive and precise, so the neuromuscular system gets the most optimal stimulus.

Power Plate my7™

Power Plate MOVE™

WHY POWER PLATE ?

The unique vibration of the Power Plate machine destabilises the body and causes a rapid reflex contraction, making more muscles do more actions more often. 

The frequency of these reflexes is one of the keys to success and relates to how fast the plate is moving up and down. Most people get maximum muscle activation at about 33-35Hz (times per second). Power Plate models range between 25Hz and 50Hz allowing variability for different applications and user preferences.

The direction and type of movement is also important. Power Plate does not rock or see-saw. The movement of the Power Plate is gentle – between 1mm and 2mm – so no jerking, no jarring, no discomfort. The whole plate moves in the same direction at the same time, mostly in a vertical direction (that is, up and down).

A superior feature of Power Plate, is that it also moves subtly backwards and forwards, and side-to-side. This three-dimensional “tri-planar” movement is key to enhanced proprioceptive stimulus and simulates the “authentic” environment of real life ground reaction forces, stimulating the body’s natural responses.

The final thing we’ll talk about from a physics point of view is the harmonics. This is to do with the smoothness of the vibration, which, with Power Plate, is very consistent – even with people of different weights on the platform. The importance of smooth harmonic motion is that the body learns best when stimuli are repetitive and precise, so the neuromuscular system gets the most optimal stimulus.

Power Plate my7™

Power Plate MOVE™

POWER PLATE BENEFITS

CARDIOVASCULAR AND CIRCULATION

Training on Power Plate is good for your cardiovascular health and circulation. Arterial stiffness is reduced; blood flows more easily; high blood pressure can be reduced; and more blood flows to the skin and periphery.

Using Power Plate for a circulation boost before sport will also warm the muscles and improve hydration of the tissue by helping fluid to spread between the cells, and loosening adhesions.

Increased heart rate during Power Plate exercise improves general cardiovascular fitness as efficienlty as using a stationary bike. This means Power Plate training could be excellent for your health especially if you are diabetic, hypertensive, unfit and deconditioned, or suffer from poor circulation.

BONE HEALTH

Using Power Plate for as little as 10 minutes two to three times a week can lead to increased bone mineral density as well as fracture healing. A number of mechanisms are thought to contribute: hormone release, fluid dynamics within the bone from the harmonic wave action, changes in hydrostatic pressures in the bone, and tiny bending and distortion of the bone by activated muscles can promote bone-building activity.

Adults and children who are unable to not (or will not) engage in high-impact exercises for whatever reason can benefit from using Power Plate to stimulate bone growth and bone healing. 

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

STRENGTH AND BALANCE

The reflexive contractions lead to Increased muscle activation, better co-ordination, and better motor learning. Srength, power and endurance can all be trained.  The neuromuscular activation is especially beneficial for those with neuromuscular degenerative impairments or conditions. The position and mechanoreceptors in the body (proprioceptors) are stimulated by the vibration and three-dimensional movement, leading to greater co-ordination and control, better balance, and reduced number of falls in those who are deconditioned or balance-compromised. We have seen truly remarkable outcomes among the elderly, stroke survivors, cerebral palsy sufferers, MS, amongst others.

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY and PAIN

Whole body vibration has been shown to increase the range of motion (or flexibilty) both immediately after use as well as after long term use. Pain is inhibited, whic also helps for stretching, but has been observed in those suffering from osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia as well. With increased fascia mobility, users are able to move better, bend better, and function better.

METABOLISM and WEIGHTLOSS

Body composition changes from using Power Plate whole body vibration can be much more long lasting than from simply dieting, or even other forms of exercise. Power Plate whole body vibration has been shown to decrease visceral adipose tissue. Fatty liver disease has also shown to be affected positively by WBV. With increases in metabolism and improvements in body composition, this easy to do form of exercise is a great tool for tackling obesity, diabetes, and reaching other body composition related goals.

 

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

COGNITIVE and WELLBEING

Whole body vibration has been shown to benefit the mind as well as the body. It has been shown to improve concentration in healthy individuals as well as those sufferng from ADHD. It can help get the body into a relaxed recovery state, resulting in a drop in the stress hormine, cortisol.  

More About Power Plate

 

The most storied brand in the whole body vibration category

Whole body vibration machines were first used as exercise machines in the late 19th century, designed for physical conditioning and therapy. In the late 1900’s they made a reappearance, being used in Eastern Europe and Soviet Union for athletic and cosmonaut programmes. 

Power Plate was designed in late 1990s and quickly became the gold standard in terms of quality, safety and efficacy, proving legendary performance for professional sports teams, medical facilities, health clubs, studios and individuals around the globe.

People of all ages and physical abilities use Power Plate to optimise their physical performance, health and wellness. A wide range of health and wellness benefits are proven, from strength, balance, flexibility and weight loss to improved circulation, pain reduction, detoxification, stress alleviation, and even reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Decades of research have shown that whole body vibration can be used safely to effectively for people with various pathologies usch as Parkinsons’ Disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy to diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and locomotive syndromes brought about by aging.

 

Power Plate in New Zealand

Power Plate was first introduced to New Zealand in 2004, and has developed an avid following of home-users, fitness and health professionals who cannot imagine life without it.

Pharmabiz was appointed as the New Zealand distributor in 2017 and, with a long history in the health and wellness industry, is committed to supporting the NZ market for the benefit of all users.