VBS 4000 Whole Body Vibration Platform

Machine Specification:

2 Motors-Tri. Oscillating / Linear 120 Speeds
Platform Amplitude: 10mm
Operating Frequencies: 1 Hz to 60 Hz
Machine Height: 58″
Base Height: 8.5″
Motor Horsepower: 2.0 hp Heavy Duty
Motor Wattage: 800
Programmed Settings: 3 built in
USB Stick- 6 programs, hundreds available
Machine Color: Black with Blue Lights
Machine Weight: 126 lbs
Frame Construction: Steel
Footprint: 26″ x 20″
Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
15.4 Grams of Force (G’s)

Beware of “research” (these days, research begins with a G and ends with an oogle) Most machines on the market are violent, inexpensive (to make) machines and have wonderful websites touting terms such as G-Force, Level 1, 2 and 3 machines etc, with wonderful websites and wonderful reviews written by the company itself; with a convenient link at the bottom of each “expert article” to their specific brand. 

Exposing the Myth’s Of High G-Force

Some whole body vibrations machines claim that more G-force is better boasting upwards to 17.4 g’s of acceleration and beyond.
Before we dispel this potentially harmful myth, lets briefly define G-force and look at international safety standards along with common sense.

One “g” is equal to earths gravitational field, or an acceleration of 9.8 meters per second per second. Frequency corresponds to the number of cycles delivered per second.

Levels of vibration are typically considered as a function of magnitude (G-force), which depends on the frequency (Hz), amplitude (usually measured in millimeters) and the weight of the person. Plus the duration of exposure (time) and type of vibration (pivotal/oscillating, linear/vertical, etc.) is an important factor. Pivotal or oscillating motions are much gentler and beneficial than the pounding of an “up and down” vertical or linear machine which can be hard on the back and joints.

The Dangers of High G-Force Whole Body Vibration Machines

The acceleration magnitudes used in some whole body vibration machines can be as high as 17.4 or even 22.0g which is well beyond the limits recommended for human tolerance by ISO 2631 and OSHA standards, and can be considered dangerous to use, especially for the elderly or young. These ridiculously high G-forces are even beyond the safety limits set by NASA and the U.S. Air force. Consider for example that the space shuttle is calibrated to stay close to only 3 g’s on the takeoff and re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Fighter pilots need special anti-G suits to withstand G-forces over 8 or 9 g’s to prevent the pilots from fainting. And its generally considered that the average person could not survive a sustained G-force of over 15 g’s (for even a few minutes). It simply defies safety standards and even common sense to use such high g -forces.