Could a new technology, selected by NASA for use on next year's Space Station to assist astronauts to build bone in a zero gravity situation, help someone stationed here on earth? I decided to check this out for myself.
I recently had the opportunity to try the Juvent 1000 Dynamic Motion Therapy (DMT) Platform.
The device resembles a bathroom weight scale and generates vibrations through the soles of your feet. The fast and gentle vertical accelerations that the platform emits produces tiny stresses. Researchers believe that these stresses stimulate the bones to grow stronger.
A recent study has shown that a one year treatment of low-level, high frequency vertical vibrations can inhibit bone loss in the hip and spine. The study was conducted on a group of women who were three to eight years post menopause.
The company suggests that you will see results if you use the device for a minimum of twenty minutes a day.
When I took the Juvent 1000 DMT for a test drive, I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle vibration that it emitted.
It is not meant as a replacement to a drug therapy program and is probably a reasonable supplement to other bone activities. However, with a price tag of $3,000, I will need to see further studies before I make any recommendations to my clients.
At BoneSense, we recommend that you adopt a bone friendly lifestyle that includes the right combination of exercise, nutrition and daily activities. We also suggest that before you undertake any health-related changes that you consult with your physician.
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Author Bio
Margaret Martin is a Physical Therapist, licensed in California and Ontario, with over 22 years of experience helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. Since 2000 she has maintained her certification with the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She manages her private studio, Function to Fitness, in Kanata, Ontario. Visit BoneSense to learn more.
