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Low-intensity Therapy Research

Low-intensity Vibration therapy is supported by over 35 years of research.

On this page you’ll find a selection of  key research papers, studies, and articles.

If you’re interested in a comprehensive research list, please get in touch.

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Prevent and combat osteoporosis

Pagnotti, Gabriel M et al. “Combating osteoporosis and obesity with exercise: leveraging cell mechanosensitivity.” (2019)

In this Nature Review, the author’s concluded, ‘Empirical evidence suggests that mechanical signals can be used to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis and obesity, guiding mesenchymal and satellite stem cell lineage selection towards an improved musculoskeletal system and suppressed adipose burden, salutary end points that mirror those of exercise and are enabled by an intact cytoskeletal and nuclear connectivity.

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Rajapakse, C.S., et al. Effect of Low-Intensity Vibration on Bone Strength, Microstructure, and Adiposity in Pre-Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2021)

This year-long study of 80 participants used MRI to determine the fat content of bone marrow – the lower the fat, the more responsive the bone marrow will be to mechanical signals. This is because there are more stem cells available to form bone. The study showed Low-intensity Vibration (LIV; 30Hz and 0.3g) helps to protect the bone marrow environment in the spine. Secondly, they overlaid the MRI scans with high resolution CT scans to show, relative to the baseline, both the quantity and quality of bone declined in the placebo group (as expected), while the marrow fat simultaneously increased. The LiV group showed an improvement in both bone quantity and quality, while fat cell production was suppressed in the marrow. These two outcomes show the range of benefits from LiV, as LiV encourages greater bone quantity and quality, in addition to maintaining a more viable bone marrow environment.

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Maintain and increase bone mineral density

Gilsanz, V., Wren, T.A., Sanchez, M., Dorey, F., Judex, S. and Rubin, C. Low-Level, High-Frequency Mechanical Signals Enhance Musculoskeletal Development of Young Women With Low BMD. (2006)

This 12-month study in 50 young women with low bone mineral density demonstrated LiV therapy can generate increased bone and muscle mass in the weight-bearing skeleton. In the most compliant subjects, gains of up to 7.2% were seen in spinal musculature and improvements up to 3.9% were reported in cancellous bone tissue of the spine.

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Ward, K., Alsop, C., Caulton, J., Rubin, C., Adams, J. and Mughal, Z. Low Magnitude Mechanical Loading Is Osteogenic in Children With Disabling Conditions. (2004)

This pilot randomized controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that low-level mechanical stimuli represent a noninvasive, non-pharmacological treatment of low BMD in children with disabling conditions.

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Rubin, Clinton et al. Prevention of postmenopausal bone loss by a low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimuli: a clinical trial assessing compliance, efficacy, and safety. (2004)

A 1-year prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial of 70 postmenopausal women demonstrated that brief periods (<20 minutes) of a low-level (0.2g, 30 Hz) vibration applied during quiet standing can effectively inhibit bone loss in the spine and femur, with efficacy increasing significantly with greater compliance, particularly in those subjects with lower body mass.

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A cross section of the fibres contained within muscle cells A cross section of the fibres contained within muscle cells A cross section of the fibres contained within muscle cells

Build muscle mass and strength

Leung, K S et al. “Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly–a cluster-randomized controlled trial.” (2014)

In this prospective cluster-randomized controlled clinical trial involving 710 elderly subjects into the long term effects of low-magnitude high frequency vibration, the researchers concluded, LMHFV is effective in fall prevention with improved muscle strength and balancing ability in the elderly. We recommend its use in the community as an effective fall prevention program and to decrease related injuries.’

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Beck, Belinda R, and Tracey L Norling. “The effect of 8 mos of twice-weekly low- or higher intensity whole body vibration on risk factors for postmenopausal hip fracture.” (2010)

In this eight month randomised controlled trial, the researchers concluded, ‘Eight mos of twice-weekly whole body vibration may reduce bone loss at the hip and spine and improve lower limb muscle function. These changes may translate to a decreased risk of falls and hip fracture.’

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Red blood cells on a plain white background Red blood cells on a plain white background Red blood cells on a plain white background

Stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow

Stewart, Julian M et al. Plantar vibration improves leg fluid flow in perimenopausal women. (2005)

This study of 18 women aged between 45.5-63.3 demonstrates the influence of plantar vibration on circulation and lymphatic flow. The researchers concluded, ‘The results suggest that plantar vibration serves to significantly enhance peripheral and systemic blood flow, peripheral lymphatic flow, and venous drainage, which may account for the apparent ability of such stimuli to influence bone mass’

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Improve balance and mobility

Cheung, W-H et al. “Improvement in muscle performance after one-year cessation of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration in community elderly.” (2016).

This study of 59 elderly women investigated the effects on muscle performance after one year-cessation of low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHFV) intervention. The researchers concluded, ‘The benefits of LMHFV for balancing ability, muscle strength and risk of falling in elderly were retained 1 year after cessation of LMHFV.’

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Leung, K S et al. “Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly–a cluster-randomized controlled trial.” (2014)

In this prospective cluster-randomized controlled clinical trial involving 710 elderly subjects into the long term effects of low-magnitude high frequency vibration, the researchers concluded, LMHFV is effective in fall prevention with improved muscle strength and balancing ability in the elderly. We recommend its use in the community as an effective fall prevention program and to decrease related injuries.’

Read more

 

The Marodyne LiV device positioned on some wooden flooring The Marodyne LiV device positioned on some wooden flooring The Marodyne LiV device positioned on some wooden flooring

Marodyne LiV Device

Certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) as a class iia medical device

The Marodyne LiV is a natural and gentle way to improve the bone and muscle health of adults and children. Using gentle, targeted vibrations, the Marodyne LiV device stimulates the body’s stem cells to encourage bone and muscle growth.

The device has no known side effects or contraindications and can be used at home. Each session only takes 10 minutes a day.

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If you have any questions or would like to receive a comprehensive list of research, please get in touch