Cycloidal vibration technology
Cycloidal Vibration Therapy (CVT) is type of non-invasive mechanical massage therapy that employs a specialized motor to generate non-percussive vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions. This type of three-dimensional (3D) cycloidal vibration (CV) has been shown to increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage by stimulating deep muscle activity and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions (see below).
Cycloidal Vibration
Cycloidal vibration is characterized by small amplitude, low frequency vibrations that produce motion in three different directions. The amplitude of the vibration is typically in the range of 0.1 and 0.5 mm with a frequency typically in the range of 15-75 hertz and an acceleration rate of approximately 28ms-2. The nature of the waves allows for deep penetration, as distinct from other forms of mechanical massage. Modern CV motors utilize either 12V or 24V brushless DC electric motor to drive eccentrically mounted weights producing radial plane oscillations within a suspension system. Each of the three different directions of motion is created at different points in the cycle by a complex electronic speed controller (ESC) and it is the “out of phase” relationship which gives rise to a circular movement and the term cycloidal vibration.
Conventional massage products typically operate in a singular plane, either delivering percussive impacts, or orbital oscillations. The standard vibrations produced are high amplitude, high acceleration and have a high fundamental frequency that can damage tissues, especially during wound healing. Conversely, Cycloidal Vibration Technology is faster at relaxing muscles by virtue of the extra dimensions of action, has deeper penetration, promotes wound healing.[1][2][3]
History
Cycloidal Vibration Therapy was discovered by Wiliam L. Wettlaufer who was initially developing heavy-duty machines to screen and grade crushed stone, ores, coal and similar coarse materials.[4] Wettlaufer had developed a motor to radially distribute loads across his screens [5] and the technology was employed in a Canadian coal mine in the 1930s. Curiously the workers using Wettlaufer’s coal-sorting machine were reporting therapeutic side effects from leaning up against the machine during their breaks. Inspired by the claims of muscular and joint pain relief, Wettlaufer went on to develop scaled down versions of the motor for use in therapeutic products such as beds,[6] stools,[7][8] chairs,[9][10][11] adjustable tables [12] and cushions.[13]
In 1948, one of Wettlaufer’s prototypes and patent was bought at an auction by Mr Owen K Murphy and then commercialized. The resulting company, Niagara Therapy began designing, manufacturing and selling out of Adamsville, Pennsylvania devices such as hand held units,[14] cushions,[15] tables [16][17] and mats.[18][19][20] By 1953, 14 CVT products were available and had been sold to such notable people as Prince Sulaiman of Saudi Arabia who bought five chairs for his wives.[21]
Clinical Research
Muscular-skeletal
Cycloidal Vibration Therapy relaxes muscles as measured by electromyography,[22][23] and is able to penetrate deep tissues and act on muscles that are normally hard to access by conventional forms of massage. The primary action has been proposed to be due to a “re-setting” under conditions of excessive proprioceptor activity of some centrally controlled level of muscle relaxation.[24] In studies on people without any specific muscular problems, sessions of Cycloidal Vibration (44–50 Hz, 0.1-0.5 amplitude) has been shown to relax muscles resulting in significant increases in trunk flexibility (2 inches compared to control)[25][26] and be equally effective as a time equalent (15 min) program of flexibility exercise in increasing short term mobility of the hip flexors.[24]
Studies of Cycloidal Vibration Technology and neuromuscular disease processes such as spastic paraplegia and hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and partial paraplegia has been shown to release tension of striated muscle and maintain relaxation in the associated spasms for several hours providing therapeutic relief and an improved quality of life.[27][28] In a study on children with severe mental retardation, it was shown that CVT increased rates of certain responses such as vocalizing and smiling, while decreasing other responses such as crying.[29] In a nine-month study on lower back pain, it was found that patients increased their range of spinal movement, and also had lowered blood pressure and respiration rate,[30] while a study on knee joint mobility of osteoarthritic patients showed that although one treatment did not yield major effects, there was a significant increase in mobility after ten days.[31] Important implications from the research are that Cycloidal Vibration Technology has a place in not only promoting muscle relaxation, but is also able to achieve the same benefits of massage where massage would be painful or inaccessible, such as maintenance of flexibility during injury, penetration to deep muscles or joint mobilization.
Blood Circulation
Studies into the effect of Cycloidal Vibration Therapy on blood circulation has shown that it increases mean blood flow[32] and the temperature of skin and subcutaneous tissue and the clearance rate of radioactively labelled sodium from skin in contact with the CVT device.[33] In rabbit, Cycloidal Vibrations at 22–62 Hz increases blood flow within 1–2 minutes due to an increased dilation in the resistance vessels of skeletal muscle.[34] In humans with hypertension (systolic pressure equal or more than 140mmHg) Cycloidal Vibrations did not affect diastolic blood pressure, but did decrease systolic blood pressure and well as heart rate.[35] In practice, the ability of CVT to increase circulation has been used in orthopaedic wards to prevent bed sores which are caused by pressure and immobility, reducing hospitalization time.[36]
Lymphatic Circulation
Studies into the lymphatic system using Niagara Therapy devices showed that regeneration of delicate lymph vessels is an important factor in wound healing, and these newly formed vessels can be easily broken by even gentle effleurage.[37] On the other hand, Cycloidal Vibration when applied to the wounds of surgically incised mice displayed little or no adhesion of the scar to the underlying tissues, decreased local edema, decreased general and local congestion without increasing the permeability of veins and lymph vessels and most importantly CVT accelerated the regeneration time of the severed vein and lymph vessels from 13 to 9 days.[1] It has also been observed that the action of CVT disperses tissue fluid from conditions such as stiffness, pain or swelling caused by excess fluid in the tissues, and stimulates fibroblasts to produce more fibrous tissue to oppose further fluid accumulation.[38] Further, it has also been shown that CVT treatment reduces limb volume and softer limb tissues in lower limb lymphedema.[39]
Respiratory System
In a study of the effect of Cycloidal Vibration on the pulmonary ventilation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease it was shown that treatment with CVT decreased the Respiratory minute volume, decreased respiratory rate and increased tidal volume, suggestive of a decrease in the work of breathing and more efficient ventilation.[40] In a study on patients with fractured ribs and patients who were unable to tolerate percussion or manual vibration, low frequency Cycloidal Vibration (16–20 Hz) was able to provide pain relief, relaxation, deeper breathing and was effective for sputum clearance and cough stimulation,[41] and similarly in mentally handicapped children.[28]
Wound Healing
As previously mentioned, CVT has practical uses in preventing bed sores [36] and accelerating wound healing.[1] It has also been reported that its use has been able to accelerate early wound recovery of post-operative convalescent geriatric patients [42] and in patients with venous ulcers, CVT combined with standard compression bandaging, enhances the healing rate of the ulcers and helps to relieve pain.[2][43] CVT has also been shown to decrease recovery times from cellulitis, a common infection of the lower limbs. When combined with standard therapy of antibiotics and rest, the addition of CVT treatment significantly reduced hospital recovery times compared to controls[44] and this approach has also successfully been used in the community setting to treat patients that previously required hospital admission.[45]
References
- 1 2 3 Leduc, A; Lievens, P; Dewald, J (1981). "The influence of multidirectional vibrations on wound healing and on regeneration of blood- and lymph vessels". Lymphology 14 (4): 179–85. PMID 7334835.
- 1 2 Wilson, JM; Arseculeratne, YM; Yang, Y; Cherry, GW (2002). "Healing venous ulcers with cycloidal multidirectional vibration therapy". Journal of wound care 11 (10): 395–8. PMID 12494831.
- ↑ Kestler, Otto C. (1963). "Musculo-Skeletal Disorders in Orthopeic and Geriatric Patients Treated with Cycloid Vibration". General Practice (Los Angeles: Los Angeles) 26 (6).
- ↑ US patent 1832518, William L. Wettlaufer, "Shaking Screen", issued 1927-11-17 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1832518.html
- ↑ US patent 1914226, William L. Wettlaufer, "Shaking Screen", issued 1930-06-13 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1914226.html
- ↑ US patent 1949703, William L. Wettlaufer, "Shaking Screen", issued 1934-07-16 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1949703.html
- ↑ US patent 2235183, William L. Wettlaufer, "Therapeutic Vibrator", issued 1941-03-18 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2235183.html
- ↑ US patent 2235184, William L. Wettlaufer, "Therapeutic Vibrator", issued 1941-03-18 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2235184.html
- ↑ US patent 2307554, William L. Wettlaufer, "Therapeutic Vibrator and Massage Device", issued 1943-01-05 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2307554.pdf
- ↑ US patent 2492671, William L. Wettlaufer, "Vibratory Therapeutic Chair", issued 1949-12-27 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2492671.html
- ↑ US patent 2497751, William L. Wettlaufer, "Vibratory Therapeutic Chair", issued 1950-02-14 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2497751.html
- ↑ US patent 2448162, William L. Wettlaufer, "Therapeutic Exercise Table", issued 1948-08-31 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2448162.html
- ↑ US patent 2539712, William L. Wettlaufer, "Vibratory Therapeutic Cushion", issued 1951-01-30 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2539712.html
- ↑ US patent 2674994, William L. Wettlaufer, "Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1954-06-19 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2674994.html
- ↑ US patent 2687717, Owen K. Murphy, "Cushion Type Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1954-08-31 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2687717.html
- ↑ US patent 2717593, Owen K. Murphy, "Table Type of Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1955-09-13 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2717593.html
- ↑ US patent 2719769, Owen K. Murphy, "Table Type of Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1955-10-04 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2719769.html
- ↑ US patent 2833276, Owen K. Murphy, "Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1958-06-06 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2833276.html
- ↑ US patent 2852020, Owen K. Murphy, "Motor Driven Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1958-09-16 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2852020.html
- ↑ US patent 2917043, Owen K. Murphy, "Motor Operated Kinesitherapy Device", issued 1959-12-15 http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2917043.html
- ↑ "O.K. Murphy's Electrical Massagers". Mechanix Illustrated (United States). September 1953. Archived from the original on 2009-02-15
- ↑ Johnson, M.D.; Hansel, C.L.; Matheson, D.W. (1982). "Cycloid Vibration Effects on Three Measures of Relaxation". Perceptual and Motor Skills (United States: Louisville, Ky. : Southern Universities Press) 54 (3 Pt 2): 1071–1076. doi:10.2466/pms.1982.54.3c.1071. ISSN 0031-5125. PMID 7110846.
- ↑ Matheson, D.W.; Hiatrides, D; Newkirk, J; Twinem, K; Thurston, S; Thurston, S. (1976). "Relaxation Measured by EMG as a Function of Vibrotactile Stimulation". Biofeedback and Self Regulation (United States: New York, Plenum Press.) 1 (31): 285–292. doi:10.1007/BF01001169. ISSN 0363-3586.
- 1 2 Atha, J; Wheatley, D.W. (1976). "Joint Mobility Changes Due to Low Frequency Vibration and Stretching Exercise". British Journal of Sports Medicine (London: Loughborough, Eng.) 8 (1): 26–32. doi:10.1136/bjsm.10.1.26. ISSN 0306-3674.
- ↑ Bierman, William (1960). "Influence of Cycloid Vibration Massage on Trunk Flexion". American Journal of Physical Medicine (Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins Company) 39 (6): 219–224.
- ↑ Williams, Harvey E.; Drury, Blanch J.; Bierman, William (1961). "The Influence of Cyclo Massage on Physical Activity (As Determined by the Burpee, Trunk Flexion and Grip Tests)". Journal of the Association for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation (California, United States: 0098-8448) 15 (2): 41–45. ISSN 0098-8448.
- ↑ Bierman, William (1955). 33rd session of the American Congress of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Detroit, Michigan Missing or empty
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ignored (help) - 1 2 Jones, Chris (2009). "The Uses of Mechanical Vibration with the Severely Mentally Handicapped". Journal of the Institute of Mental Subnormality (APEX) 7 (3): 81. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3156.1979.tb00457.x.
- ↑ Bailey, Jon; Meyerson, Lee (1969). "Vibration as a reinforcer with a profoundly retarded child1". Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 2 (2): 135–7. doi:10.1901/jaba.1969.2-135. PMC 1311051. PMID 16795210.
- ↑ Culley, L; Hayne, C.R. (1984). "Cycloid Vibration Therapy – A General Review with Specific Reference to Research into the Effects of Lumbo-Sacral Pain". Physiotherapy (London: London) 70 (6). ISSN 0031-9406.
- ↑ Lievens, P; Van De Voorde, J (1984). "The influence of cycloidal vibrations on the knee joint mobility of osteoarthritic patients". Physiotherapy 70 (6): 241–3. PMID 6463141.
- ↑ Button, C.; Anderson, N.; Bradford, C.; Cotter, J. D.; Ainslie, P. N. (2007). "The effect of multidirectional mechanical vibration on peripheral circulation of humans". Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging 27 (4): 211–6. doi:10.1111/j.1475-097X.2007.00739.x. PMID 17564669.
- ↑ Bierman, W; Shaanan, A; Wisham, LH (1957). "The influence of vibration on temperature and on the clearance of radioactive sodium in human subjects". Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 37 (12): 760–5. PMID 13373518.
- ↑ Huclická, O; Wright, A (1978). "The effect of vibration on blood flow in skeletal muscle in the rabbit". Clinical science and molecular medicine 55 (5): 471–6. PMID 720000.
- ↑ Lievens, P; Baeklandt, M (1984). "Influence of Cycloid Vibration on Arterial Blood Pressure and Heart Rate". Nederlands tijdschrift voor fysiotherapie (Amsterdam: Amersfoort) 9. ISSN 0377-208X.
- 1 2 Kingston, E.J. (1968). "The Cycloid Vibration Pad". The Irish Nurses Journal 1 (10).
- ↑ Lievens, Pierre (1977). Lymphology Proceedings of the VIth International Congress. Lymphatic Regeneration During Wound Healing. Prague: PSG Pub. Co. pp. 194–197. ISBN 088416280X
- ↑ Ryan, T; Salter, D (1977). "The effects of vibration on skin blood flow". Bibliotheca anatomica (16 Pt 2): 180–4. PMID 603510.
- ↑ Piller, N (2003). "Home Use of Massage Pads for Secondary Leg Lymphedema". Lymphology 37 (Suppl).
- ↑ Barach, AL; Dulfano, MJ (1968). "Effect of chest vibration in pulmonary emphysema: A preliminary report". Annals of allergy 26 (1): 10–7. PMID 4951622.
- ↑ Hayne, C. R. (April 1987). "The Use of Cycloid Vibration as an Aid in Chest Physiotherapy". Therapy Weekly (London: Fraser Murdoch)
- ↑ Bohorfoush, JG (1972). "Cycloid vibration helps ease nursing load in caring for convalescent, geriatric patients". Bedside nurse 5 (11): 25–7. PMID 4484714.
- ↑ Cherry, GW; Ryan, TJ (2005). "Using cycloidal vibration to heal venous leg ulcers: A cost-analysis based on retrospective data". Journal of wound care 14 (4): 177–8. PMID 15835231.
- ↑ Johnson, S; Leak, K; Singh, S; Tan, P; Pillay, W; Cuschieri, RJ; Mostyn, E (2007). "Can cycloidal vibration plus standard treatment reduce lower limb cellulitis treatment times?". Journal of wound care 16 (4): 166–9. PMID 17444382.
- ↑ Tyrer, A; Thornalley, C (2008). "Cycloidal vibration for the treatment of cellulitis in a community setting". British journal of nursing 17 (20): S34–7. PMID 19043325.