Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy

Jörn Rittweger has been a pioneer in the study of vibration as an exercise modality. For the past 20 years, he has been studying the mechanical and physiological effects of vibration, as well as its suitability in preventive and rehabilitative medicine and athletics. As an MD with specialization in physiology, he bridges the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. His primary affiliation is with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where he heads the 'Muscle and Bone Metabolism' department of the DLR's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. His secondary affiliation is with the University of Cologne, where he is a full professor at the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Rittweger has published more than 200 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, currently holds one patent, and regularly offers training for young scientists and doctors in human physiology.

Preface.- THE FUNDAMENTALS.- Physics of Vibration.- The Biology of Vibration.-Design principles of Available machines.-Safety and contra-indications.- PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES.- Biomechanics of Vibration Exercise.- Cutaneous and muscle mechanoreceptors, their sensitivity to mechanical vibrations.-Electromyographical recordings during Vibration.- Supraspinal Responses & Spinal Reflexes.- Assesing reflex latencies in responses to vibration: Evidence for the involvemnet of more than one receptor.-Metabolic responses to whole body vibration exercise.- Circulation Effects.- Hormonal responses to vibration therapy.- USE OF VIBRATION FOR TRAINING.- Warming up.-Modulation of Neuromuscular Function.- Application in Athletics.- Using whole body vibration for countermeasure exercise.- CLINICAL APPLICATIONS.- How to Design Exercise Sessions with Whole Body Vibration Platforms.- Whole Body Vibration in Geriatric Rehabilitation. -Application of vibration training for enhancing bone strength.-Whole body vibration exercise as a treatment option for chronic lower back pain.- Pediatric Rehabilitation.- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).- Urinary Incontinence.-Primary Muscle Disorders.-Application of vibration training in people with common  neurological disorders.- Whole body vibration therapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure: Lessons from a pilot study.-Vibration exercise and vibration therapy in metabolic syndrome.-Whole body vibration exercise in Cancer.-GLOSSARY, APPENDICES.