exercise machines

[stuartshaw]

i lead a fairly active life, walk between 5 to 9 miles a day cycle to and from work so why am i asking?
my was researching on the web for exercise machines to help with her needs, she can not do any exercise. she found a vibro-plate machine that after reading the write sounded perfect for her and also me. it had all the blurb promotes good circulation, good for arthritis and a host of other benefits. we arranged a demonstration and after we both tried it and after a brief discussion we agreed there and that we would order one. the second sales assistant came to us went through the manual one more time. we then found we could not use it, my wife understand, she suffers heart palpitations. my question is why cant diabetics use them, because afterwards i felt very good and relaxed.

thanks

 

[FionaR]

Hi, is it the power plate you are reffering to? (you do squats, press ups etc on a plate that vibrates making the muscles work without you actually doing very much)
These power plates are like everything else, they have the "diabetes" warning so if anything happens while using it the company cannot be held responsible.
I can only speak from personal experiance, but I used the power plate at the gym for 2 years and had no ill effects whatsoever. ( If it is something else you are talking about then I apologise)
Instead of going out and buying one, why not ask at your local gym if they have one. Usually you can pay to use it without having to buy a full membership (at least my local council run gym does) You book 20 minutes at a time, but probably will have to pay extra for the first time as you will need to do an induction etc.

HTH
Fiona x

 

[phoenix]

I agree with Fiona, It's a get out clause.
The first site I found about power plate on google had this almost contradictory statement

Severe Diabetes
As whole body vibration therapy causes a rapid decline in blood glucose levels, it is not recommended that diabetics use the machines. However, the nature of the training means that it is ideal to improve the physical condition of diabetics.

Therefore, we suggest you talk to your specialist about using this type of exercise regime and, subject to their approval, we can work with you to design an entire training schedule for you

I also found a pilot study that had positve effects on people with type 2, though it is worth mentioning that they excluded from participation anyone with retinopathy, presumably they thought that this was a risk.
http://www.powerplate.com/pdfs/technology/scientific/Baum2007- GlycemicControlType2Diabetes.pdf

 

[china]

Hi Stuart
Some time ago I too was interested in purchasing one of these exercise machines. The manual stated that diabetics who wished to use 'vibration technology' machines ie power plate machines should consult their doctor. I duly trotted along to my GP who told me that the reason why the warning for diabetics is there is because of the damage caused by neuropathy. Because there is a moving plate (albeit at high speed) if the patient has a poor sense of touch in the feet and/or legs there is a danger of them falling off the machine and injuring themselves. The manufacturers are exercising damage limitation - literally!

Fortunately I do not suffer any degree of neuropathy so proceeded with my purchase. I have been using my machine for over a year now and absolutely love it!

 

[stuartshaw]

thank you for your responses, i to have the feeling it is a get out clause. it is my partner that needs it most but she has heart palpitations which is a different kettle of fish.

thanks again