Are Whole Body Vibration Machines A Scam?

Remember those 2 AM infomercials on QVC that promised you could “shake up your entire body to a slim, firm, and sexy new you” with a body vibration machine? (Their words, not mine.)

Well, whole body vibration (WBV) machines are back. The internet is now flooded with people wobbling on these metallic surfboards, swearing everything from weight loss to stronger bones, and I see them at my gym too (though I’ve never actually seen anyone use them.)

But do they actually work? Or are you just paying to be a human maraca? 🪇

Hang On. What’s The Methodology Here?

WBV platforms vibrate 20-50 times per second, sending tiny tremors up your feet and legs. In response, your muscles contract reflexively to “stabilize” you (a response called tonic vibration reflex).

In other words, your body panics thinking you're about to fall, so your muscles contract to catch you. That involuntary activation is said to mimic the effects of resistance training.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence?

Bone Health

• A 2022 review suggested that WBV does improve bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and trochanter (hip) regions in postmenopausal women.
• But a 2024 review didn’t agree. After evaluating 15 systematic reviews, researchers thought most evidence was too low-quality to recommend WBV for improving bone mineral density (though it might help maintain it).

Translation: WBV isn’t a substitute for resistance training.

Chronic Pain and Balance

WBV looks more helpful for people with specific conditions:

• Chronic Low Back Pain: WBV may help alleviate lower back pain by triggering muscle contractions that improve core stability and pain modulation.
• Stroke Symptoms: Adding WBV to rehab programs may reduce muscle stiffness and improve balance in stroke patients (though it didn’t improve daily functioning).

What About More Dramatic Claims?

The sexier marketing claims (dramatic weight loss and “detox” lymphatic drainage) lack nuance.

• While a 2024 review found obese women lost some weight after 10 weeks of WBV, they lost more body fat when vibration was combined with a calorie-restricted diet, not used alone.
• As for lymphatic drainage? The actual peer-reviewed research is limited to one mouse study that showed promise for lymphatic vessel stimulation. (But again…we’re not rodents.)

In short: If someone promises a vibrating plate will give you a six-pack, that’s your cue to move along.

The Downsides

This little metallic machine looks harmless. But we’ve known for decades that chronic, high-intensity vibration (the kind construction workers experience) can damage joints and soft tissues.

That’s why medical guidelines recommend clearance before use if you have osteoporosis, joint replacements, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, pregnancy, metal implants, recent surgery, or a clotting risk.

• Zoom In: Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, headache, and joint or back discomfort. When I recently tried it, I could only comfortably go to level 3 out of 8. (8 felt like I was in a massive earthquake and did NOT feel good.)

So, Is WBV For You?

I’d put it in the “potentially useful accessory” category. If you’re cleared for exercise and interested in balance and strength, a supervised WBV program could be worth trying.

But don’t make it your entire workout. Contrary to what those 2 AM QVC infomercials promise, you can’t just “shake” your way to a slimmer body.

‍