Vibration Exercises Help Reduce Extreme Muscle Pain: Researchers

Vibration exercises can alleviate symptoms and muscle pain in people suffering from fibromyalgia, according to a study.

Fibromyalgia is a neurobiological disorder categorized with chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system and tissues in the body. Women are mostly diagnosed with this condition and have abnormal responses to pain, muscle weaknesses, palpitations, constant fatigue and sleep disturbances. As a result, they are less likely to be involved in physical activities and lead a sedentary lifestyle that further intensifies the disease symptoms.

Experts from the Indiana University found vibrating machines that are sold commercially and available in fitness centers benefits fibromyalgia patients who avoid exercises due to the fear of extreme body pain. The vibrating machines can exercise the entire body and allows muscles to contract and relax by just standing, sitting and lying on it. This can prevent against excess weight gain and other health problems like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

According the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder after osteoarthritis. During 2004, about three to six million Americans were affected with the condition. The disease can occur in men and children also but,the risk rates are particularly high in women of childbearing age.

So far regular exercising was known to be the only solution to allay the symptoms and risk factors for fibromyalgia. Recent clinical trials extensively made use of vibration training to improve muscle strength and spasticity. However, the current study did not accurately determine its effects and the authors say it needs further investigation.

"Our findings are promising, but it is not entirely clear whether these improvements were the result of added vibration or just the effects of being more active," said Tony Kaleth, study author and associate professor in the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in a news release.

The research was presented at the annual meet of the American College of Sports Medicine.