Whole body vibration is a form of passive exercise, forcing the body’s muscles to contract and relax, by the use of machines or platforms to transmit energy to the body.
Studies on the effects of occupational hazards (sources of vibration), such as jackhammers, delivery vehicles (including tractors, forklifts, and earthmoving equipment), and other machinery suggest that repeated or long-term exposure to vibrations may be linked to negative health effects — such as injury to musculoskeletal, circulatory, or nervous systems, spinal degeneration, hearing impairment, or visual impairment — among other issues.
There’s been some recent talk about cautions and contraindications to whole-body vibration (WBV), so I’ve searched research papers and reputable sites and compiled a list.
acute inflammation or infection
acute limb swelling
acute rheumatoid arthritis
acute soft tissue injury
acute hernia
acute migraine
acute thrombosis
aortic aneurysm
arrhythmia
artificial heart valve or stent
bladder or bowel incontinence
blood clotting disorder
brain or spinal cord stimulators
cellulitis
chronic back pain or disc disorder
corneal/cochlear implants
dizziness
epilepsy/seizures
eye disease
fever
fresh wound or postoperative wound
gallstone
headache
heart disease, dysrhythmia, or failure
hip, knee, or joint implant
impaired sensation or cognition
inner ear
intrauterine device (IUD)
kidney or bladder stone
metal implant (screws, plates, nails, pins or wires)
neurological epilepsy
organ failure
osteoporosis with vertebral fracture
pacemaker
peripheral neuropathy
peripheral vascular disease
pregnancy
recent fracture (especially among those with severe osteoporosis)
recent heart attack or history of heart attack
recent infection
recent joint injury (sprain)
recent muscle injury (strain)
recent surgery
recent trauma
retinal detachment
severe diabetes mellitus or diabetic neuropathy
spasticity
stitches
stroke or history of stroke
tumors or metastases
uncontrolled high blood pressure
untreated orthostatic hypotension
venous insufficiency
venous thrombosis
vertebral herniation or stress fracture
vibratory urticaria
young children
Gottehrer, J. (2024). Who cannot use vibration plates? Risks and precautions. Lifepro Fitness.
Lupowitz, L. (2022). Vibration therapy — A clinical commentary. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
Maloney, L. (n.d.). Fitness vibration plate dangers. Livestrong.
Martin, L. (2024). What to know about vibration plates and weight loss. Medical News Today.
Memon, N. (n.d.). Can whole body vibration be harmful? MedicineNet.
Vibration therapy. (n.d.). Physiopedia.
Vibration therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects. (n.d.). Healthline.
Yetman, D. (2024). Do vibration machines work for weight loss? Healthline.
Additional Information
Can whole body vibration be harmful? | MedicineNet
Can you use a vibration plate with a medical condition? | MedicineNet
Do vibration machines work for weight loss? | Healthline
Fitness vibration plate dangers | Livestrong
Vibration therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects | Healthline
What to know about vibration plates and weight loss | Medical News Today
Who cannot use vibration plates? Risks and precautions | Lifepro Fitness