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.
@sueinmn thank you so much for these details. Along with the monopoly that Power Plate feeds those that show interest, getting hard science is difficult to come by on vibration plates. Chances are, if you use one, you are also doing many other things to combat osteoporosis. So, my question when someone says that they experienced results is, what else are you doing?
I conclude that the plates may be helpful for other issues, may help increase or enhance certain exercises but the jury is out when it comes to how it effects bone density. With that said, everything points to weight bearing exercises and movement. No shortcut there and there is documented studies that indicate how beneficial exercise is for our condition as well as quality of life in general.
Thanks again.
Pat