Victoria Physiotherapy Group is one of only five centres in WA to offer Whole Body Vibration (WBV) therapy using the Galileo. The Galileo is a revolutionary training device, providing an enormous range of health and fitness benefits, including muscle strengthening, bone strengthening and improvements in flexibility.

HISTORY

Whole Body Vibration was initially developed by the Russians in the 1970’s to restore bone and muscle strength in astronauts following prolonged periods of time in zero gravity. The accelerated strength gains prompted Russian athletic trainers to utilise the technology to gain a significant advantage in sporting pursuits. Today, the Galileo is being used world wide by elite sporting teams (Chelsea Soccer Club, Collingwood and Fremantle Football Clubs), Olympic athletes, hospitals and physiotherapy centres.

HOW IT WORKS

The Galileo works via a rapidly oscillating plate, producing a tilting action around a central axis. The force produced by the oscillating plate creates a hyper gravity effect and the body then has to work against this extra gravitational force. The tilting plate action simulates the normal walking pattern, whilst stimulating the muscle, bone and tendons that absorb the vibrationary forces. The patented “tilting” action of the Galileo plate, provides far superior benefits when compared to “vertical” vibration platform devices.

The associated muscle contractions produced in the body by the tilting plate stimulates 97% of muscle fibres at a rate of 1500 contractions per minute. This enables a full training regime to be performed in only 10 minutes. The frequency and amplitude of the tilt can be varied in accordance with the desired training effect. Low frequencies are used for balance control, whilst higher frequencies are for bone and muscle strengthening.

One 10 minute session of WBV equates to 150 leg presses using 3 times body weight twice a week for 5 weeks

BENEFITS

Extensive research on Galileo WBV has revealed significant health and fitness benefits, including;

MUSCLES

Increased muscle strength and power
Increased flexibility
Improved muscle tone

BACK PAIN

Reduced back pain via relaxation and improved coordination
Stimulates lower back stabilising muscles

ATHLETES

Increased explosive power and strength
Improvements in vertical leap in athletes (up to 14%
Improved balance/proprioception
Improved muscle contraction time

OSTEOPOROSIS

Improved bone density and strength

DIABETES AND PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE

Improved blood flow
Improved dilation and tone in the blood vessels
Decreased blood pressure (diastolic)

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Reduced tremor and improved coordination

ELDERLEY

Fall prevention
Improved balance
Improved circulation
Improved mobility and “get up and go” time

MUSCLE SPASTICITY (HEAD INJURY/ STROKE/ MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS)

Reduced spasticity
Improved coordination and movement speed

STRESS INCONTINENCE

Improved muscle tone
Improved bladder control
Improved coordination of pelvic floor all leading to improvements in stress incontinence

Following an initial assessment, our Physiotherapy staff can provide you with a specific whole body vibration program that suits your needs. Physiological benefits can be achieved after just one minute, with a full training program lasting only 10 minutes. Most people are able to perform their programs independently after 2 to 3 supervised sessions.

For further information and research articles see: