On Instagram and TikTok, videos are multiplying. They promise to lose weight, tone the body and obtain a flat stomach in a few minutes a day thanks to a vibrating machine.
The concept is attractive: almost no effort, but visible results. However, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Rochester Medicine urge caution. Studies remain limited and remind us that no device replaces regular physical activity. So, is the vibrating platform really effective?
Work the muscles yes, but with modest results
This machine, also called vibrating platform or
whole-body vibration, works by vibrating the whole body.
Leah Verebes, physical therapist and assistant professor at
Touro University’s School of Health Sciencesexplains that “The purpose of vibrating platforms is to generate rapid vibrations that cause the muscles in your body to contract and relax several times per second.”. She adds that at a much higher frequency, “this resembles the spontaneous contractions that occur during exercise“.
The principle is therefore to work the muscles without significant movements. But the results remain modest.
Weight loss: what the studies really show
Vibrating platforms produce between 25 and 50 vibrations per second. They use several muscle groups at the same time. According to Leah Verebes, they could improve tone, strength, blood circulation, bone density, flexibility and balance.
To lose fat, the discourse is more nuanced. The specialist points out that these devices only give results with a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity. University of Rochester Medicine and Mayo Clinic say the same thing. The vibrating platform can complement a fitness program, but it does not make you lose weight alone.
The figures point in this direction. A systematic review published in 2019, which analyzed seven trials involving 280 participants, observed an average loss of only 0.76 kg of body fat after several weeks of use. The effect exists, but it remains limited.
Experts summarize the situation: “A vibration plate can help with weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.”. They also recall that ““Standing on a vibration platform without exercising will not help you lose weight.”
Vibrating platforms can help strengthen muscles
The results are more encouraging on muscular strength and balance. Several studies carried out since 2007 in elderly people show that the whole-body vibration can slow age-related loss of muscle mass. It could also improve balance, an important point in limiting the risk of falling.
These benefits mainly concern very sedentary people or seniors. In healthy adults who already engage in physical activity, the effects appear much weaker.
Who can use a vibrating platform and what precautions should be taken?
To start, Leah Verebes advises doing short, low-intensity sessions. The goal is to let the body gradually get used to the vibrations.
Michael Betts, sports coach and director at TrainFitness, also recalls that “Vibrating platforms are not a miracle solution or a substitute for traditional exercise.. He recommends not exceeding 30 minutes per session.
Some people should avoid this type of device. Mayo Clinic does not recommend it in cases of deep vein thrombosis, wearing a pacemaker, pregnancy or after recent surgery. Before starting, medical advice is preferable in the event of a health problem.