Planet Fitness Whole Body Enhancement machine

[wasenior]

I've recently read about Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness. It's a 12 minute routine with red light therapy and a vibration plate. Supposed to help with osteoporosis. Wondering if anyone has used this machine?

[yogalibrarian]

I can't find any actual clinical trials on red light therapy in humans. All the research I found was done using rats or rabbits and is old (7-14 year old publications).

There has been a lot of research (in humans) on the benefits of proper exercise, not just for osteoporosis, but for many of the contributing factors for osteoporosis.

Work with people trained in "osteoporosis-safe" exercise. (I don't know anything about the Planet Fitness program.)

Don't pin your hopes on untested gimmicks. If red light therapy moves from rat/rabbit studies to clinical trials, then it's worth considering as an adjunct treatment.

[wasenior in reply to yogalibrarian]

What about the vibration that's part of the 12 minute session

[yogalibrarian in reply to wasenior]

I haven't researched them in a while. The last time I looked the research results were mixed. Results may also vary depends on the type of vibration generated. (There is more than one type.)

I just did a quick search. NCCIH, IOF, BHOF, Osteoporosis Canada, and Healthy Bones Australia were silent on the topic.

Only the Royal Osteoporosis Society discusses it. "Some research has found whole body vibration therapy may help improve bone density. But other studies have found no benefit at all. Research also isn't clear if vibration therapy can reduce the risk of broken bones. Most research has looked into the use of vibration therapy in people without osteoporosis. So we can't be certain if vibration therapy can help improve bone density or reduce the risk of broken bones if you have osteoporosis. "

So my quick analysis is that red light and vibration devices probably won't harm you -- and may be an interesting adjunct to tested medical treatments -- but are not a substitute for the normal "standard of care."

And even if they do not carry significant benefit or risk , they do carry a financial cost.

[wasenior in reply to yogalibrarian]

thank you - minimal cost and I'm seeing benefits from the red light which my dermatologist suggested for a skin issue. The vibration feels good and most medicare programs include a reduced cost or free for Planet Fitness. Wikipedia suggested it.

[HealthELiving]

I am unfamilair with a PF vibration machine, but, if it is the same or similar to the O2 Power Plate, please be very careful. IF you choose to use it, do not exceed the lowest setting and always bend your knees. Injuries to the eyes and ears have resulted. It is unproven whether that will help. The one that is marketed from the UK is approved in the UK but oddly enough the only information presented is from the manufacturer and not objective studies and trials.

[wasenior]

Thank you. I'll keep this in mind

[SoAllyMcBeal]

I have to look into this. This is interesting

[wasenior in reply to SoAllyMcBeal]

I do see positive changes to a spider bite that caused a skin issue I've been dealing with for over 3 years. I'll need to wait for my next dexa to see if the vibration has a positive effect - it feels like it's stimulating my bones.