WHAT IS LOCALIZED VIBRATION TRAINING (LVT)
Localized Vibration Training is an evolution of Whole Body Vibration Training, whereby instead of applying a vibration to the whole body through a vibrating platform, instead the vibrations are targeted on individual muscles using small devices such as the Pulse device.
These devices create vibrations that elicit a physiological and mechanical response in the muscle, which has been shown through wide-ranging scientific research to provide a range of useful benefits to the user.
This article examines the effects that Localized Vibration Training has been shown to have on the body, and the ways that it can improve your performance in and out of the gym.
LOCALIZED VIBRATION TRAINING (LVT) DEVICES INCREASE MUSCLE ACTIVATIONS AND CONTRACTIONS
The vibrations exerted by LVT devices increase the activation of mechanoreceptors involved in proprioception, causing an increased neural activation of a muscle when initiating a movement, which results in increased muscle activations and increased maximal voluntary contractions (MVC).
LVT simultaneously causes the muscles opposing a given movement to experience a reduced neural activation, ‘turning them off’ for longer as a result of reduced excitability, further enhancing the positive effect of LVT on movement.
LVT IMPROVES STRENGTH, POWER & FLEXIBILITY, WHICH IN TURN INCREASES EXPLOSIVENESS
The increased muscle activity as a result of LVT has been shown to increase isometric and dynamic force production, dramatically increasing maximal strength and power.
LVT has also been shown to improve flexibility through increasing joint range of motion.
These improvements to force production, strength and power in combination with improved flexibility have been shown to result in improved performance through an increased jump height.
LVT INCREASES MUSCLE STRESS AT LOWER EFFORT MAKING IT A GREAT TOOL FOR AT-RISK GROUPS
LVT is particularly effective during submaximal contractions (below maximum effort) with reducing effectiveness as force levels increases towards maximum.
Ultimately this allows lifters to achieve the same level of muscle activation whilst lifting lower weights, therefore increasing muscular stress whilst reducing the mechanical load on the muscle and therefore reducing the risk of injury during lifting.
This makes LVT devices a great tool for patients recovering from injury and or surgery, that medical professionals do not want to stress with high effort or heavy weights.
These are just some of the many benefits that localized vibration training has on your performance. LVT has also been proven to have substantial benefits for recovery, so stay tuned for the Pulse Device's new rehab settings!
