Rashid Hospital patients to benefit from advanced vibration technology

Research has shown that advanced vibration technology (also known as whole body vibration), used by professionals and sports enthusiasts around the world, has numerous and considerable medical benefits. Several studies conducted across the US and Europe have demonstrated that the technology can be used in the treatment of life-altering debilitating conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Brachial Palsy, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis as well as Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Osteoarthritis.

"Advanced Vibration Technology is breaking new grounds in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation fields. After having examined the numerous studies that have been conducted, we are looking forward to conducting our own studies," said Dr. Suad Trebinjac, Head of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Rashid Hospital. "The machine will be used to treat patients who suffer from chronic neck and back pain, stroke and spinal cord injury, among others," he added.

Power-Plate has already been in use at various welfare organisations, such as the Red Crescent, and the Association of the Disabled in Iran, where patients have demonstrated positive results. "We have been treating approximately fifty patients, with a wide range of conditions," explained Mehrdad Khalili, Occupational Therapist, Iranian Association of the Disabled, Tehran. "An average of 2-3 short sessions a week, depending on age, has proven remarkably beneficial. Patients have experienced a reduction in pain, a considerable improvement in sleeping patterns, voluntary movement and flexibility, as well as a general increase in strength and concentration."

Vibration technology works by transferring the energy from the vibrating platform to the body, which then triggers rapid muscle contractions. Simple or advanced exercises, such as squats, are performed in a static or dynamic way on the platform with varying intensity, depending on the patient's level.

"Nowadays, advanced vibration technology is being employed by physicians and physiotherapists as well as athletes and famous celebrities," explained Nelke Van Espert, CEO, Power-Plate Middle East.

"In 2005, Power-Plate® started developing the Power-Plate® "medical". The revolutionary technology meant patients with musculoskeletal diseases could experience rehabilitating muscle contractions, without risking fracture or placing any additional strain on the locomotive system," she explained.
As with any emerging training or therapeutic modality in the health, medical and fitness realms, unbiased scientific support is critical to both validating and reinforcing claims, and to providing credibility within the professional community and general public. While there is much research yet to be done in the area, consistent findings from recent studies offer a sufficient indication as to the variety of potential applications and astounding impact of this revolutionary method of treatment."