Vibration Plate Buying Guide
Vibration Plate Buying Guide
1. Four Types of Vibration Plates
Vibration plates can be distinctly categorized into four types based on their mechanics and vibration characteristics.
Linear Vibration
Pivotal Vibration
3D/4D Vibration
Low-Intensity
Vibration plates within each category exhibit a similar range of vibration parameters.
Vibration Characteristics Comparisons
The movement pattern, frequency, and amplitude of vibration are key factors that determine how vibration affects your body and how your body responds to it.
Manufacturers often come up with their own fancy names or terms for their vibration plate models, such as 3D, 4D, Tri-planar, Pulsation, Wave, PrecisionWave and others. These names or terms provide little or no clarity of the actual movement patterns. Many terms are made up for marketing hype, while some are misused or even misleading.
2. Linear Vibration Plate
The movement pattern, frequency, and amplitude of vibration are key factors that determine how vibration affects your body and how your body responds to it.
Manufacturers often come up with their own fancy names or terms for their vibration plate models, such as 3D, 4D, Tri-planar, Pulsation, Wave, PrecisionWave and others. These names or terms provide little or no clarity of the actual movement patterns. Many terms are made up for marketing hype, while some are misused or even misleading.
Linear Vibration
Linear Vibration
Vibration Actuators
Understanding the actuator used in a vibration plate provides insight into its mechanics.
Various types of actuators can be employed to generate reciprocating movements.
Planar Four-Bar Linkage
Eccentric Wheel
Gear Rack
Piston
Cam
Solenoid
Piezoelectricity
Planar four-bar linkage and eccentric wheel are the most practical mechanical actuators for whole-body vibration plates. These two types of actuators dominate the vibration plate models available on the market.
Other mechanical actuators like piston, gear rack and cam mechanisms can achieve very high amplitude vertical movement but are only suitable for very low frequency oscillation applications. They are unsuitable for higher frequency movement because they either wear out fast or demand high precision and frequent maintenance. They are used in some rare models seeing in tradeshows and catalogs. In this page, we don't cover these very low-frequency, high-amplitude oscillation plate models.
Solenoid and piezoelectric are two special actuators suited for producing small displacement. For the application case of a 30Hz whole body vibration plate, these types of actuators can only be designed to achieve extremely low amplitude oscillation.
Notably, two manufacturers, Juvent and Marodyne, use one of these actuators in their extremely low-amplitude vibration plate models. They refer to these models as low-intensity vibration plates, make them into a unique category.
Inaccuracy & Bias
This buying guide involves our comments on products from other manufacturers. However, we may not always be able to obtain the most accurate information of their products.
We welcome feedback on any potential inaccuracies, biases, or overlooked points presented on this page. We will do our best to improve the information quality and integrity.
Please write to us using the web form at the end of this page.
The movement pattern, frequency, and amplitude of vibration are key factors that determine how vibration affects your body and how your body responds to it.
Manufacturers often come up with their own fancy names or terms for their vibration plate models, such as 3D, 4D, Tri-planar, Pulsation, Wave, PrecisionWave and others. These names or terms provide little or no clarity of the actual movement patterns. Many terms are made up for marketing hype, while some are misused or even misleading.
Section View of VT003F Linear Vibration Plate
Eccentric Wheel + Springs
3.Pivotal Oscillation Plate
Pivotal oscillation plate is a planar four-bar linkage device, which imitate a vibrational movement by transferring the motor rotation to reciprocating motion.The movement of the device resembles a seesaw, oscillating around a fixed central pivot axis - hence "pivotal oscillation".
Planar Four-bar Linkage
Section View of VT027 Pivotal Oscillation Plate
Pivotal oscillation plates are usually designed to oscillate at lower frequency (5-15Hz) and higher amplitude (8-10mm).
Manufacturers commonly label pivotal oscillation plates as vibration plates. These models dominate vibration plate listed on Amazon market place, heavily redundant in its category.
4.3D Vibration Plate
Seesaw
+
Lateral
=
3D
Section View of a Jintuo 3D Vibration Plate
Pivotal oscillation plates are usually designed to oscillate at lower frequency (5-15Hz) and higher amplitude (8-10mm). Manufacturers commonly label pivotal oscillation plates as vibration plates. These models dominate vibration plate listed on Amazon market place, heavily redundant in its category.
5.4D Vibration Plate
A 4D vibration plates is made up from a 3D vibration plate by simply attaching a small eccentric wheel beneath the upper platform of a 3D vibration plate.
Therefore a 4D model has two four-bar devices plus one eccentric wheel device, each independently controlled by a separate motor, so 3 motors.
[Animation] 3D + Eccentric Wheel = 4D
4D Vibration Plate
3D
+
EccentricWheel
=
4D
Although called a "4D" vibration plate, it produces a complex 2-Dimensional movement.
This is a pseudo add‑on.
The eccentric wheel in this "bump-up" 4D vibration plate is very small. Critically there is not a spring mechanism to allow any significant displacement to be delivered from its small centrifugal force. As a result, this small eccentric wheel produces only a minor tremor on the surface, basically useless, except for adding some noise.
Manufacturers have this add-on eccentric wheel to run at a frequency up to 40Hz. Therefore, even though the factual movements produced by the two four-bar devices are in frequency range of 5 - 15Hz, the manufacturer can claim that the 4D vibration plate offers a combined frequency range of 5 - 40Hz, solely because they attach a useless 40Hz eccentric wheel.
Manufacturers of 4D vibration plate literally turned an eccentric wheel to a "5th wheel". Not sure if they were inspired by some American dating reality show.
In short, a 4D vibration plate is essentially a 3D vibration plate with a pseudo add-on attached.
Moreover, with this pseudo add-on, the manufacturer can claim their 4D vibration plate has a frequency range up to 40Hz.
4D Vibration Plate Models
The side-to-side lateral oscillation of a 4D vibration plate does not engage muscle work and can instead harms the knee joints.
6. Low-Intensity Vibration
Low-intensity vibration plates form a special category, as they are so referred by two manufacturers Juvent and Marodyne. These plates utilize either a solenoid or a piezoelectric actuator, not requiring an electric motor, to produce their high-frequency vertical oscillations.
Although not disclosed by the manufacturers, vibration plate models designed by Marodyne and Juvent most likely use either solenoid or piezoelectric actuators.
Inside View Juvent Micro-Impact Platform
[ Special Purpose - Osteoporosis ]
Juvent and Marodyne are very influential among individuals seeking vibration plate to treat osteoporosis. Both brands advocate for vibration plate with extremely low amplitude and around 30Hz frequency being beneficial for bone growth.
Their extremely low amplitude is comparable to the thickness of a sheet of printer paper.
7.Vibration Characteristics
Movement patterns, frequency, and amplitude are the most critical factors to consider when selecting a vibration plate. These characteristics decide the intensity of the vibration, how the vibration affects the body, and how the body responds to and interacts with the mechanical stimulation.
Movement Patterns
Linear vibration and pivotal oscillation are the two primary movement patterns to consider when selecting a vibration plate.
Side-to-side lateral oscillation as in 3D and 4D vibration plates are out of our question, as they do not engage muscle work. Additionally, lateral oscillation may pose a risk of harm to knee joints.
For the extreme low amplitude solenoid or piezoelectric oscillation by Juvent and Marodyne, we will have a separate page to discuss.
Here, we focus solely on examining the vibration characteristics of simple linear vibration and pivotal oscillation.
Linear Vibration
Linear vibration is mainly a vertical movement plus a minor forth-n-back horizontal movement.
Vertical movement is the essential vibration intervention for our body because it works right against gravity, maximizing the impact of vibration acceleration on the musculoskeletal system. Human body is inherently designed to withstand and overcome gravity.
Vertical vibration can travel to the upper body and head. Some people can get nausea or dizziness when their stomach or brain is vibrated.
How to prevent nausea and dizziness
Nausea and dizziness can be prevented by minimizing vibrations from reaching the upper body. On a vibration plate, users can bend their knees (squat) or lift their heels (calf-raise or tiptoe) to control the amount of vibration being transferred up, and thereby preventing these adverse effects.
In fact, squat, calf-raise and tiptoe are among the most effective exercise poses for utilizing vertical vibration in lower limb muscle training.
Pivotal Oscillation
Pivotal oscillation is a seesaw movement. It moves the two feet up and down in alternation, as well as tilts the body left and right. This tilting action forms another pivot point at the waist, corresponding the pivot point on the vibration plate.
On a pivotal oscillation plate, the hips move laterally, side to side, while no vertical movement is transmitted to the upper body. Pivotal oscillation usually does not cause nausea or dizziness.
Pivotal oscillation plates are typically designed to produce higher amplitudes, which cause significant side-to-side body swings. For physically weak individuals, it is advisable to use a handrail to ensure balance and stability.
Vibration Frequency
Vibration frequency refers to the number of up-and-down movements a vibration plate completes per second.
Linear vibration plates are typically designed to operate within a higher frequency range, usually between 15Hz and 40Hz.
Pivotal oscillation plates are typically designed to operate within a lower frequency range of 5Hz to 14Hz.
Different vibration frequencies affect how vibration is transmitted to the body and how the body responds to the stimulation. Click the link below for details.
Vibration Amplitude
For vibration plates, amplitude is defined as the vertical displacement of the plate during vibration.
Linear vibration plates are typically designed to deliver an amplitude of less than 3 mm. Its amplitude is subject to change when the body weight or the vibration frequency changes.
In contrast, pivotal oscillation plates are designed to deliver a higher amplitude, usually ranging from 8 to 10 mm at edges of the two sides. Their amplitude remains consistent, unaffected by body weight or vibration frequency.
Due to its seesaw movement, the amplitude at the center of pivotal oscillation plate is zero.
G-force
G-force is a key indicator of vibration intensity. While some manufacturers do not provide the G-force value for their vibration plates, it can be calculated if the frequency and amplitude are known.
Despite its name, G-force is not a force, but an acceleration rate expressed in units of G, the acceleration rate of gravity.
G-force is a useful metric for comparing the intensity of different vibration plate models.
8.Designs & Features
Beyond the choices of different movement patterns and parameters, there are various of design styles and features offered by different vibration plate models.
Manufacturers always try hard to find ideas to differentiate their vibration plates in the market. However, most variations are just cosmetic changes applied to generic designs.
Some manufacturers offer vibration plate models with designs that add little practical value, such as decorative lighting, Bluetooth speakers, warmers, and more.
Among the the designs and features, some are straightforward essentials, like a remote control. Beyond that, the features listed below warrant some closer examination.
Machine size
Choose the right size vibration plate based on how you plan to use the machine, such as the types of exercises you intend to perform on it.
Larger machines tend to provide more intensity but are typically more expensive, heavy, bulky, and may exert too much impact on the house.
Smaller machines, on the other hand, may not support a wide range of exercise poses and are generally less intensive.
Handrail
A handrail is a helpful feature for users who need extra support for balance and stability. However, it can restrict the range of exercise poses that can be performed on the vibration plate.
Some lightweight vibration plates come with an a handrail attachment, which may not be safe to rely on, as the machine could tip over during use.
A separate handrail, such as a diy wall-mounted one, offers reliable stability without limiting the variety of exercise poses a user can perform.
Adjustable Frequency
[Pivotal Oscillation Plate] Nearly all pivotal oscillation plate models feature adjustable frequency settings, typically ranging between 5 and 15Hz.
However, some manufacturers do not disclose the frequency of their vibration plates. Instead, they use "Speed Level" as an indicator of the speed. The "Speed Level" is arbitrary and do not provide any information about the actual frequency.
[Linear Vibration Plate] Some linear vibration plate models are designed with fixed frequency (around 30Hz), while others offer adjustable frequency. For example, VT007 10-40Hz.
Adjustable frequency makes the vibration plate versatile, enabling a wide range of applications. It also allow new users to start with lower frequency like 15Hz, get used to the vibration, and gradually progress to a higher frequency of their desire, like 30Hz.
Amplitude Setting
Pivotal oscillation plates do not have an amplitude setting feature.
Some linear vibration plate models do not have amplitude setting feature, while other linear vibration plate models come with such a feature. The VT007 vibration plate, for instance, comes with a 2 amplitude settings.
Amplitude setting feature enhances the versatility of the vibration plate. For example, physically weak people can begin with low amplitude setting and, as their strength improves, they can switch to high amplitude setting.
Speed Level
Speed level is not a standard term for describing vibration. It does not tell the frequency.
However many manufacturers use speed level to indicate the speed of their vibration plates.
Each manufacturer defines speed level differently, making it impossible to compare the speed level between models.
Manufacturers often use speed level as a marketing gimmick. For example, a manufacturer may set 99 adjustable levels for a vibration plate with an adjustable frequency range of 5–15Hz. However, for such a vibration plate, 10 adjustable frequency levels, 1Hz increments, are enough and convenient to use. Some even set 180 adjustable speed levels for a 5 - 12Hz vibration plate. So you see a 180 speed vibration plate is not necessarily faster than and 99 speed vibration plate.
Choose a Bluetooth feature if you ...
... love to rock out to music played from a janky wacky speaker.
Motor Power
For a linear vibration plate, a motor with 80W to 120W is adequate to support users weighing up to 300 lbs.
For a pivotal oscillation plate, a motor with 200W to 300W is sufficient for users weighing up to 300 lbs.
However, the required motor power also depends on the machine's design. Some manufacturers / sellers may exaggerate motor power specifications for marketing purpose.
9. Vibration Plate Shakes House
Using a vibration plate at home can pose a risk of structural damage to your house due to the mechanical effects of vibration.
Click the link below to learn about the potential damage, a comparison with washing machines, an analysis of different types of vibration plates, and the steps you can take to minimize potential adverse effects.
Mobile home and the upper floor of a wood-frame house are not suitable place to use a vibration plate.
10. Our Recommendations
We do not recommend 3D or 4D vibration plates, as there is no scientific basis that these complex motion patterns would offer additional advantages. These products are created for marketing hype. It is important to be aware that the lateral (side-to-side) movement can be harmful to the knee joints.
Neither do we recommend low-intensity vibration plates, such as the Juvent and Marodyne LiV, because their extremely low amplitude does not provide a meaningful treatment intervention. Their purported effects on molecular process, such as influencing stem cell differentiation, remain beyond the scope of established scientific evidence and approval.
Our general recommendation for anyone interested in exploring vibration therapy is either using a simple pivotal oscillation plate or a linear vibration plate. The shared user experiences of these two types of machines are abundant on the internet. They have been proved safe to use.
Check the link below for a close look of the differences between linear vibration plate and pivotal oscillation plate.
Please note that no scientifically validated exercise or treatment protocols, recommendations, or effectiveness have been established regarding movement patterns, frequency, amplitude, exercise postures, or exercise routines.
At Vibration Therapeutic, we provide detailed product information and shares our own science-based studies to help you explore the potential benefits of vibration therapy.
We encourage you to do your research and consult with healthcare professionals to determine if vibration therapy is right for you.
While sellers and manufactures may take pseudo approaches to promote their vibration plates, vibration intervention and its influence on human body are facts and should be scientifically examined. Vibration intervention is unique, and may achieve the results that are not available from mainstream medicine. Positive evidences are abundant, with many life-changing success stories.
Make an informed decision, choose the right vibration plate, and start to unlock the potential of vibration therapy.
11. VT Vibration Plates
Vibration Therapeutic® offers both linear vibration model (VT007) and pivotal oscillation model (VT027). We concentrate on only these two models and continuously improve their quality and performance.
Both models come with our 90 day free return policy (US only) and a straightforward 10 year warranty.
Linear Vibration Plate Model VT007
10 - 40Hz Frequency
2 Amplitude Settings
Why VT007
Robust, reliable, and durable
Industrial style for easy maintenance or service
Probably the most reasonably designed home-use vibration plate ever made
4.9 star rating with insightful and stellar reviews on Amazon
American Design | Made in China
Pivotal Oscillation Plate Model VT027
5 - 14 Hz Frequency
Why VT027
Robust, reliable, and durable
Patent twin-coupler design (all aluminum alloy), compared to nylon-sheet metal single-coupler design of all other pivotal oscillation models in the market.
Shortest in height among all pivotal oscillation plate model with the same platform size, due to the twin-coupler design.
4.8 star rating with stellar reviews on Amazon
VT027 Vibration Plate Demo
12.Country of Origin
Country of origin and brand names can signify the design, craftsmanship and quality of a product. It may also relate to personal preference.
Models Made in China
All vibration plate models currently (as of 2024) listed on Amazon are manufactured by Chinese OEM factories and sold under many brands and off-brands.
Most of these models are white-label products redundantly derived from just a handful of generic OEM designs. Below list includes the most popular white-label brands offered via Amazon.
| Brand | Country of Origin | Products |
|---|---|---|
| LifePro | China | Pivotal oscillation plate, 3D/4D |
| Bluefin | China | Pivotal oscillation plate, 3D/4D |
| AVX | China | Pivotal oscillation plate, 3D/4D |
| Eilison | China | Pivotal oscillation plate, 3D/4D |
| Confidence | China | Pivotal oscillation plate |
Many small sellers on Amazon don't identify themselves, or do not have much web presence except for their product listings on Amazon.
Only a few brands are proprietary designs, which include Power Plate, Hypervibe and our Vibration Therapeutic.
| Brand | Country of Origin | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plate | China | Linear vibration plates |
| Hypervibe | China | Pivotal oscillation plates |
| Vibration Therapeutic | China | Linear vibration plates and pivotal oscillation plates |
Models Made in USA and Germany
Other than manufacturers in China, there are only four manufacturers (brands) from the US and Germany making vibration plates of their own properietary designs.
| Brand | Country of Origin | Products |
|---|---|---|
| VibePlate | USA | Linear vibration plates |
| Juvent | USA | Low-intensity vibration plates |
| Galileo | Germany | Hi frequency pivotal oscillation plates |
| Marodyne | Germany | Low-intensity vibration plates |
Beyond the brands mentioned above, there would not be other ones with significant market presence or availability.
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