The Importance Of Vibration Plates in Equine Performance and Wellbeing: Improving Recovery and Conditioning

The focus on performance horses in the equestrian business has promoted the use of innovative technologies that improve training, speed up recovery, and eventually boost overall performance. One of the powerful technologies is the therapeutic Vibration Plate, a specialised platform that offers whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy to horses. WBV was first created for human use but has since been effectively modified for equine therapy, providing many benefits that are especially useful for performance horses. This article discusses recent research findings, potential advantages, and applications of vibration plates for the horse athletes.

How does it work?

As a whole-body vibration therapy tool, vibration plates distribute vertical vibrations throughout the body at a rate of 30 to 50 times per second. Each muscle must do reflexive activities to stabilise itself again when the body vibrates as a whole because this causes internal instability. The body’s soft tissues, muscles, and bones are stimulated by low-frequency vibrations. The idea originated in human rehabilitation and has since been modified to meet the requirements of equestrian athletes to support the development of muscle strength, circulation, and general physical fitness.

Mechanisms of Action

Vibration plates work because of several physiological processes:

Increased Blood Flow: Because WBV causes vasodilation, the skin and limbs have better blood circulation. This enhanced blood flow is essential for encouraging recovery and preserving your horse’s general well-being.
Enhanced Activity of Cells: Vibration plates have been demonstrated to promote cellular differentiation and proliferation, especially in the keratinocytes that are in charge of hoof growth. Maintaining healthy hooves and encouraging a quicker recovery from soft tissue injuries depend on this cellular activity.
Control of the Stress Response: Vibration plates can dramatically lower stress by boosting parasympathetic nervous system activity when used at the right frequencies.The horse’s physical and emotional well-being both benefit from this decrease in stress.

The Importance of Recovery in Horse Performance

Recovery is just as important as training for performance horses. High levels of physical activity may end in micro-injuries, joint tension, and muscle fatigue that, if left untreated, can cause long-term harm or performance impairment. Vibration plates are useful in this situation. WBV treatment is becoming more widely acknowledged for its capacity to quicken horses’ recuperation, which enhances performance in general.

Vibration Plates’ Benefits for Horse Recovery

Improved Muscle Recovery

Improving muscular recovery and warm-up is one of the main advantages of vibration plates in equine therapy. WBV encourages muscular contractions, which can help your athlete warm up before their workload begins or lessen soreness and stiffness in their muscles after vigorous exercise. This is especially helpful for horses that are competing and need to recuperate fast to continue performing at their best.

Promotes Blood Circulation:

Vibration plates can speed blood circulation throughout the body, which is crucial for horses kept in stables for extended periods. Blood is the body’s primary source of oxygen and nutrients for the tissues and bones. This helps the healing process from wounds because the growth factor-rich blood gets to the target area more quickly and facilitates the more effective removal of waste materials like lactic acid.

Bone Density and Joint Health

Osteogenesis, the process by which new bone is created, is stimulated by mechanical vibrations. This is particularly helpful for older horses who are susceptible to osteoporosis and young horses whose bones are still growing.

Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Vibration plates play a significant role in the rehabilitation of horses recovering from injuries. The controlled vibrations help reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and prevent muscle atrophy during periods of reduced mobility.