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Whole Body Vibration for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Sep 8 12:23pm | Replies (199)

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Profile picture for mrspancakes @mrspancakes

New to the group. . . HI
I have been researching a lot on the vibration platforms and I am wondering if anyone has used them or know of anybody that has. They sound promising and would like to give them a try, but pretty spending. If they work and are a good source of building bone, would my insurance be willing to help pay for it????
I would be interested to hear any thoughts on this.
Thank you

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Replies to "New to the group. . . HI I have been researching a lot on the vibration..."

This questions arises frequently - it has been the subject of many studies over the past 10-15 years. This article sifted through hundreds of those studies, and found 15 which they reviewed.
https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-024-03290-x
Here is what they reported as the conclusion BY THE STUDY RESEARCHERS:
"The statistical results showed that the authors of nine SRs believed that WBV may be effective in improving bone density in postmenopausal women. Still, the current evidence is insufficient, and further research is needed for confirmation. Additionally, four conclusions maintained a neutral stance, stating that the current quality of evidence is poor, making it difficult to provide a definitive answer. Two conclusions considered WBV to be ineffective."

Other recent studies seem to be reaching similar conclusions. To find this information (and not the ads and promoters) I searched in scholar.google.com using the phrase "whole body vibration therapy for osteoporosis" and limited studies to those from 2021 forward.

So, in answer to your questions, the platforms MAY be helpful, and given the limited evidence, your insurance company most likely will not pay for it. It seems for most of us there is no substitute for frequent weight bearing exercise - walking, running. weights. On the plus side - vigorous daily work - lifting, raking pulling, pushing - such as gardening, mowing, toting kids, groceries and laundry, are all weight bearing exercises.

I’ve been using the Marodyne for about 4 years and my DEXA scores improved significantly after two years of daily use. My hip score went from osteoporotic to osteopenic. My lumbar improved by 6%. Since that initial improvement, the scores were stable the following DEXA. I take no meds. I do supplement with calcium and turkey tail mushrooms, genestein , boron and MK7. I walk a lot and wear a 10 lb. weighted vest. I can’t say for sure if the LiV is the main reason but it certainly may be a factor. Best of luck!