Has anyone used the Marodyne device to stimulate bone growth?

Posted by maryeve @maryeve, Aug 21, 2023

You stand on it twice a day for 10 minutes. It gently vibrates and also helps with improving balance. The Marodyne is made in Germany and costs about $3,000. It has not been FDA approved but there are studies in progress.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@awfultruth

It's hard to get good clear info on their study. It does not look like they have published the results of their "Spry Belt Study". You can see the study design here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03986203?tab=table. It looks like they presented data from the study at a couple of conferences. "BHT presented data from their clinical trial at ASBMR 2023 and ENDO 2023".
In a blog post on their website they say this "The primary goal of the study was to provide quantifiable measurement in the change in vertebral strength using Biomechanical Computed Tomography and finite element analysis. The participants in the Active Treatment group who used the device a minimum of 3 times per week throughout the year experienced an average bone strength loss of 0.48%. In contrast, those in the Sham group lost 2.84% on average, indicating a relative difference of 2.36% (P=0.014). This represents an impressive 82% reduction in the rate of bone strength loss among the Active Treatment group."
So much less bone strength loss but not a gain. I couldn't find DXA score data.

As to osteopenia vs osteoporosis, I suspect this was a financial - marketing - FDA approval type of decision to shoot for the osteopenia market. Probably not a scientific one where there is some reason it works for osteopenia and not osteoporosis. That's just my guess. I'm not sure what to think of this device at this point.

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Or, could it be too much for osteoporotic bones?

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@rola

@tetris Hi! I just watched the video today, worth a watch. My understanding, the results on the LIV, in a study done by Dr Beck was disappointing. She saw no change. If you listen to the audio version below of the interview, Dr Beck's comments on Vibration therapy are approx at 27:26.
https://morebonehealth.byhealthmeans.com/expert/belinda-beck/
I will continue to use my vib b/c it has helped me with my balance.

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@rola Thats great that your vibration platform helps you with your balance!

Yes, too bad the VIBMOR trial did not show the Marodyne LIV improved bone density in post menopausal women; however, per Dr. Beck in her interview with Margie Bissinger, there were a couple of issues with trial so who knows. Regardless, I still have no plans to purchase a Marodyne LIV. It’s expensive, plus there’s not enough evidence yet for me indicating it helps with bone density.

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@tetris

@rola Thats great that your vibration platform helps you with your balance!

Yes, too bad the VIBMOR trial did not show the Marodyne LIV improved bone density in post menopausal women; however, per Dr. Beck in her interview with Margie Bissinger, there were a couple of issues with trial so who knows. Regardless, I still have no plans to purchase a Marodyne LIV. It’s expensive, plus there’s not enough evidence yet for me indicating it helps with bone density.

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Exactly!

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I purchased one a couple of months ago, and I got tinnitus and intermittent pain in my ears within the first days of using it. I’ve been to my doctor and do not have a wax buildup or an infection, so I don’t think it is a coincidence that the ear issues started around the same time as I started using the Marodyne. If you do decide to try one, you may want to start with 2-3 minutes a day instead of diving into it with two 10 minutes sessions daily like I did:)

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I’m sorry you didn’t see benefits from Low Vibration. Not everything works for everyone. The Merodyne plate is used in Europe for the treatment of osteoporosis and has shown bone changes in some studies as with other quality low vibration plates. The technology and research is based on helping to prevent bone loss in astronauts.

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@tetris

FYI: Dr. Belinda Beck will touch on the results of the VIBMOR trial in her interview with Margie Bissinger on day 6 (1/20/2024) of the "More Natural Approaches to Osteoporosis & Bone Health" 7-day summit (https://morebonehealth.byhealthmeans.com/). Dr. Beck, Clint Rubin, et al conducted the recent randomized clinical trial to look at the effect of vibration on postmenopausal bone. The study compared groups using Marodyne vibration plate, high intensity resistance/impact exercise, and a combo of the two.

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shoot I missed it! Could you please tell us what the results were for the Vibmor trial? Thanks!

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@bb1123

I’m sorry you didn’t see benefits from Low Vibration. Not everything works for everyone. The Merodyne plate is used in Europe for the treatment of osteoporosis and has shown bone changes in some studies as with other quality low vibration plates. The technology and research is based on helping to prevent bone loss in astronauts.

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No although NASA helped fund the development of the Marodyne LIV NASA never used it for its astronauts. Instead, NASA uses a machine that involves lifting heavy for its astronauts.

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@vgkime

shoot I missed it! Could you please tell us what the results were for the Vibmor trial? Thanks!

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Well in reading comments it looks like the Marodyne did not improve BMD in the Vibmor trials.
Too bad.

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Hi there, was curious how you are doing with the Marodyne machine at this point? I'm considering buying one and am just doing my due diligence.... thanks...

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@vgkime

Well in reading comments it looks like the Marodyne did not improve BMD in the Vibmor trials.
Too bad.

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Appreciate your keeping us posted. Would be interested in seeing those comments if there's a link ...thanks.

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