The TurboSonic is a whole-body vibration (WBV) apparatus whose platform uniquely vibrates vertically in a sinusoidal pattern generated by sound waves that harmoniously oppose the direction of force exerted by gravity. A voice coil actuator and audio amplifier power the precise, vertical movement of the platform. Although a mountain of research exists on the potential benefits of whole-body vibration therapy in general, this article will only include references that specifically involve the use of a TurboSonic or Sonix device (Sonix devices being the next iteration of the TurboSonic) as these apparatuses are unique in the sonic therapy they offer.
Use of the TurboSonic has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of preadipocytes (fat cell precursors) and enhance the expression of two adipogenic genes, which may help with glucose and lipid homeostasis as a drop in the expression of adipogenic genes has been associated with obesity by way of an accumulation of larger fat cells in subcutaneous tissue coupled with insulin resistance [1] [2] [3]. Sonic vibration has also been seen to decrease lipid droplet size in mature adipocytes and boost the making of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that mobilizes stored fats so they can be used as fuel [4]. Sonic whole-body vibration (SWBV) therapy could be a significant aid to regenerative medicine as it has been demonstrated to induce the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells into cells of the central nervous system like neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes after only four days [5]. Another paper by Kim et al. confirmed the ability of sonic vibration to promote the neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells [6]. Continuing along the lines of neurological rehabilitation, whole-body vibration training using a TurboSonic bettered static sitting balance and postural sway in a group of spinal cord injury patients, as well as improved spasticity, balance, and walking ability in another group with a cervical spinal cord injury [7] [8]. In subacute stroke patients, sonic vibration therapy was just as effective as conventional physical therapy for the recovery of balance [9]. And in a collection of elderly women, whole-body vibration exercise yielded gains in muscle strength, balance, and fall efficacy [10]. In 2008, sonic whole-body vibration training was tested in a pilot study with a geriatric population from two assisted living facilities and successfully increased “activity and participation levels” as well as improved “mental health and quality of life” [11]. Health-related quality of life is a more specific measure that the TurboSonic has benefited in older adults, as are scores for both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis [12] [13] [14]. In the above osteoarthritis study, the TurboSonic reduced the pain of chronic knee osteoarthritis and heightened both dynamic balance and strength of the quadriceps muscle group. By suppressing the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines triggered by lipopolysaccharide (a bacterial endotoxin), a TurboSonic has also attenuated bone loss and facilitated the recovery of bone volume and bone mineral density [15]. Utilizing the TurboSonic as an exercise tool, different activation patterns in muscles throughout the body can be achieved by altering the machine’s frequency and amplitude settings [16]. Whole-body vibration training has empirically demonstrated an ability to improve both rate of force development and electromechanical delay (these measures refer to how quickly a muscle responds after receiving neural input), which translates to better sports performance and injury prevention [17]. After a four-week training protocol, the TurboSonic has boosted postural stability and leg strength with only nine minutes of exposure per week [18]. Interestingly, sonic vibration has been employed in the detection and characterization of primo vessels and subcomponents of the primo vascular system [19]. Existence of the primo vascular system was confirmed just a few years ago, and this system evidently functions as a chemical and biophoton highway, in addition to serving as an adjunct immune and endocrine network [20]. Because the primo vascular system can be signaled acoustically, using a TurboSonic may have effects akin to those of traditional acupuncture [21]. Importantly, whole-body vibration is an excellent modality for lowering cortisol while upping growth hormone and testosterone [22]. And much like other vibration devices, the TurboSonic can augment blood circulation and lymph drainage, including the correction of rouleaux or stacked red blood cells, which are associated with a weak negative charge and an acidic pH [23] [24]. The separating of rouleaux allows for cells to receive nutrition more effectively and to discard their waste more easily. Lastly, for those who sing, use of the TurboSonic has even effectively treated vocal fatigue [25]. Subjecting the body to vertical movement produced by sound waves of discrete frequencies and amplitudes can be greatly health-promoting and can introduce highly matchless stimuli for growth, repair, conditioning, and remedying. The TurboSonic is a surprisingly wonderful instrument and I highly recommend you give one a try. References:
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AuthorDenton Coleman is an Exercise Physiologist and Medical Researcher. Archives
October 2023
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