Abstract

Mechanical vibration training (VT) is a new method that is being used for neuromuscular performance improvement. Its application is recently spreading to other areas that are more directly linked to the health field. VT appears to be a possible useful tool in several illnesses prevention. The purpose of the present review is to try to clarify whether or not VT is beneficial for health (skeletal, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems, body composition, and life quality) and which ones are the mechanisms that lead to such benefits. With regards to the skeletal system an increase of bone mineral density and, thus, a decrease in osteoporosis has been observed. On the other hand, short exposures to VT have been shown to increase seric levels of testosterone and growth hormone while those of cortisol decrease, and insulin levels stay the same. During exposure to VT, both oxygen consumption and muscular activity increase. Controlled exposure to VT can decrease lumbar pain in the long run. After all that has been stated it can be concluded that VT can achieve a global improvement of life quality in the long run.