Shake It Up! How Whole-Body Vibration Can Support Kids’ Strength, Tone, & Motor Development

As a pediatric physical therapist (PT), one of the most exciting parts of the job is finding the most up-to-date, evidence backed tools that help children under my care. One effective tool we use at the Boston Ability Center (BAC) is whole-body vibration (WBV). 

You may have seen the vibration plate in both BAC locations. Clinicians at BAC use the vibration plate for a variety of applications. PTs use WBV to manage pain, promote balance, manage tone, improve bone density, and promote strength gains. 

What Is Whole-Body Vibration? 

Whole-body vibration involves standing, sitting, squatting, or placing hands or feet on a device that oscillates up and down at a controlled frequency. At the BAC, we use the LifePro Vibration Plate that pairs oscillation with pulsation. These vibrations cause brief, rapid balance reactions throughout the body.  

Benefits of WBV for Children 

Current evidence suggests several benefits: 

• Pain management  

Vasodilation (increased blood flow) and kinesthetic awareness 

• Tone management 

Improves spasticity, increased heel contact in affected extremities 

• Strength & Endurance 

More efficient due to high quantity of repetitions in brief time periods 

• Balance 

Increased body awareness 

• Bone density 

Decreased osteoclast activity, resulting in more bone mineral density  

• Postural control 

More effective than core stability program alone 

Who Might Benefit from WBV? 

WBV can be helpful for children with: 

• Cerebral palsy 

• Down syndrome 

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy  

• Obesity 

• Pain/post-operative  

We love incorporating WBV into sessions when it’s appropriate. Kids get their wiggles out and have so much fun that they barely notice how hard their bodies are working! 

Interested in learning more? Connect with one of our pediatric physical therapists by calling 781-239-0100 or emailing frontdesk@bostonabilitycenter.com