From the Guidelines
Vibration plates may have a limited effect on increasing bone density, and their use should be considered with caution and as part of a comprehensive approach to bone health. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2021, which found that twice daily treatment with a vibrating plate had no significant effect on total body bone mineral density Z-score in cancer survivors, although there was significant improvement of tibial trabecular bone content among participants completing at least 70% of prescribed sessions 1. Other studies have shown that physical activity interventions, including those with higher doses and multiple exercise types, can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in older adults 1. However, the evidence for vibration plates specifically is limited and of low quality, and they should not be relied upon as the sole means of improving bone density. Instead, a comprehensive approach to bone health should include:
- Weight-bearing exercises, such as squats or lunges
- Resistance training
- Calcium and vitamin D intake
- Prescribed osteoporosis medications, if needed
- Consultation with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with acute inflammation, recent fractures, joint replacements, or severe osteoporosis. It is also important to note that the American College of Physicians recommends treating osteoporotic women with pharmacologic therapy for 5 years, and that current evidence does not show any benefit for bone density monitoring during treatment 1. Overall, while vibration plates may have some limited benefits for bone health, they should be used with caution and as part of a comprehensive approach to bone health, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before starting vibration therapy.
From the Research
Vibration Plate and Bone Density
- The use of vibration plates has been studied as a potential method to increase bone density, particularly in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2006 found that whole-body vibration (WBV) using a reciprocating platform at frequencies lower than 20 Hz increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck by 4.3% compared to a walking-based exercise program 2.
- Another study published in 2021 found that low-intensity vibration therapy increased tibial stiffness and reduced marrow adiposity in pre-osteoporotic postmenopausal women 3.
- A 2008 study found that vibration therapy increased lumbar BMD by 1.3% after 3 months and by 4.3% after 6 months in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 4.
- A systematic review published in 2016 found that whole-body vibration exercises improved BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis without medications in 7 out of 12 studies analyzed 5.
Mechanisms and Effects
- The mechanisms by which vibration plates increase bone density are not fully understood, but it is thought that the mechanical stimulation of bone cells may promote bone growth and reduce bone resorption 3, 5.
- Vibration therapy has also been shown to reduce chronic back pain and improve balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 2, 4.
- The use of vibration plates as a non-pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis may be a useful alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments such as bisphosphonates 6.