Amplitude of Vibration Plate [ Definition & Influences ]

In this article

Definition of Amplitude
- Amplitude of Linear Vibration
- Amplitude of Pivotal Oscillation
Influences of Amplitude

Need to be more careful for keeping balance
Linear Vibration vs Pivotal Oscillation - Influence of Amplitude

Definition of Amplitude

For a whole body vibration plate, the vibration amplitude is the travel distance of the exercise platform from the lowest position to the highest position.

Amplitude of Linear Vibration

The slow motion animation below shows the vibration amplitude of a linear vibration plate.

Linear vibration plates are usually designed to have the amplitude range between 1mm and 3mm.

The amplitude of a linear vibration is not a fixed value. It changes according to the body weight and vibration frequency. The amplitude is mostly evenly distributed on the entire exercise platform.

Linear vibration plate can be designed to have two amplitude settings.

Amplitude of Pivotal Oscillation

The slow motion animation below shows the vibration amplitude of a pivotal oscillation plate.

Pivotal Oscillation plates are usually designed to have the amplitude range between 8mm and 12mm.

The amplitude of a pivotal vibration does not change as the frequency or body weight changes. However user can change the amplitude received by changing the foot position. Towards the center of the pivotal oscillation plate, the amplitude reduces. At the center of a pivotal oscillation plate, the amplitude is zero.

The amplitude discussed above is actually peak-to-peak amplitude defined in physics. Amplitude referred by all manufacturers of vibration plate indicates peak-to-peak amplitude.

Influence of Amplitude on Human Body

Vibration amplitude and frequency are the most important parameters for a vibration plate. The two parameters together determine the intensity of vibration and the energy stored in the vibration.

At the same frequency, the higher the amplitude, the more vigorous the vibration impact on our body.

Need to be more careful for keeping balance

On a vibration machine, high amplitude is more likely cause body imbalance. For safety consideration, it is recommended to use hand rail or hand straps on a high amplitude vibration plate. Pivotal oscillation plates are usually designed with higher amplitude (about 10mm). Linear vibration plates are usually designed with lower amplitude (less than 3mm).

Linear Vibration vs Pivotal Oscillation - Influence of Amplitude

Linear Vibration vs Pivotal Oscillation
Linear Vibration Plates	Pivotal Oscillation Plates
Amplitude less than 3mm	Amplitude can reach 10mm
Less concern on keeping balance	Need to be more careful for keeping balance
Although not shaking the body too much but can induce additional intensive muscle contractions, due to resonance effect. The muscles are tense.	Swing the entire body high but induce less additional muscle contraction because the frequency is low. Muscles are loose.

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