Whole body vibration (WBV) is a mechanical stimulus characterized by oscillatory motion that is delivered to the entire body.

It was originally based on research undertaken within the Soviet Union to counter the problems of bone and muscle wasting encountered by cosmonauts living in conditions of zero gravity. The technology was refined and was used by soviet athletes to gain a competitive strength advantage over the Eastern block. Today Galileo is produced in Germany and is used widely throughout Europe and North America.

How does it work?

When standing on the rapidly vibrating platform the legs are alternatively rapidly vertically displaced, in a manner comparable to walking. The muscles of the leg as in walking, then automatically dampen this vibration.

WBV has been shown to elicit a response known as the tonic vibration reflex (TVR), the vibration induced TVR involves activation of the muscle spindles far greater than that seen when compared to a conscious muscle contraction.

By varying the frequencies a variety of different whole body benefits can be achieved. Lower frequencies promote balance and control, medium frequencies aid muscle relaxation and at higher frequencies excite muscles.

The Recorded BENEFITS OF WBV include:

• Increased muscle strength
• Increased bone strength
• Increased tendon strength
• Increased explosive power
• Increase in growth hormone production
• Increase in peripheral blood flow
• Increase balance control in elderly and post surgical patients
• Increased jump height ability
• Decrease in cortisol levels
• Decreased low back pain
• Decreased blood pressure
• Treatment of stress incontinence
• Muscle lengthening
• Neurological conditions

Who Can Benefit?

The Galileo is a user friendly, time efficient closed chain exercise technique. A wide variety of people can benefit from the unique stimulation provided by the Galileo. It can be used from anyone from the elite athlete to the elderly.

It is currently used at the Sydney, Collingwood Port Adelaide and Fremantle Dockers Football Club. The NSW institute of sport and some of the leading health bodies in Australia including St Vincent’s hospital. Worldwide, Lance Armstrong Tour de France champion cyclist and AC Milan Soccer club are also using this equipment to aid their training regimes to name a few.