13 Feb Is Whole Body Vibration Safe for Kids?
Is it okay children use vibration machines? The simple answer is YES. I remember about 4 years ago I was contacted by a 12 year Girl wondering if these machines could help with her belly fat…almost brought me to tears. As a mother of 2 kids, I try to encourage an active lifestyle that they will carry with them into their own adult lives with healthy habits that the will carry on with own children.
Let me ask this, should a child be active? Our society has become more and more inactive, many of us are confined to a desk 8-10 hours a day. Our kids start that same desk routine when they start school where they sit in that desk 6-8 hrs a day. Then many come home to the couch and sit some more. Physical Education is now optional at the high school level in some areas equating to even less activity. Obesity is rising as our activities becomes time on front of TV, computers and playing handheld devices instead of sports and riding bikes. 
I have a different level of experience with these machines and work with a number of children with severe medical issues. Speaking also from my own experience with my children, WBV can absolutely benefit children in a number of ways. Relieve growing pains, constipation, fatigue, restless legs, injury/surgery recovery, pre-sport warm up and after sport recovery.
YES a child can use a vibration machine, its a form of activity and I for one think nothing is wrong with adding activity to
a child’s routine especially if they are inactive now… If dealing with medical issues please do not hesitate to contact me or at least speak with a qualified WBV therapist.
Understand that a WBV machine is simply an environment, a super low impact environment that can increase benefits and reduce time spend doing traditional exercises and stretches. Like an adult each child is starting from a different place in their overall health and activity levels. If using for sport specific training I recommend starting with a qualified trainer for direction. If using to treat medical concerns seek guidance from your Doctor or Therapist. If you do not work with someone qualified in WBV you can reach out to us for additional support.
There is a lot of positive research validating children using WBV I would be happy to assist in your learning journey and share specifics. Here’s a few examples:
Debby Pelletier
Vibration Guide
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