The Role of Vibration Plates in Equine Performance and Wellbeing: Enhancing Recovery and Conditioning

In the equine industry, the focus on performance horses has led to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that enhance recovery, improve conditioning, and ultimately, boost overall performance.

One such technology is vibration plates, a specialised platform that provides whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy to horses. Initially designed for human use, WBV has been successfully adapted for equine therapy, offering a range of benefits particularly valuable to performance horses. This article delves into the uses of vibration plates for our equine athletes and explores the benefits, potential drawbacks, and the latest research findings.

How does it work?

Vibration plates act as a whole-body vibration therapy plate that sends vertical vibrations between 30-50 repetitions per second throughout the body. When the body as a whole vibrates it creates an instability within, thus causing each muscle to make reflexive actions to stabilise themselves once more. The low frequency vibrations that are transmitted through the body stimulate soft tissue, muscle and bones. The concept is originally from human rehabilitation and has since been tailored to fit the needs of the equine athlete to help promote muscle strength, improve circulation and overall physical fitness.

Mechanisms of Action.

The effectiveness of vibration plates is rooted in several physiological mechanisms:

• Increased Blood Flow: WBV induces vasodilation, leading to improved blood circulation to the skin and extremities. This increased blood flow is crucial for promoting healing and maintaining the overall health of your equine athlete.

   

   

• Enhanced Cellular Activity: It has been shown vibration plates can stimulate
  cellular proliferation and differentiation, particularly in the keratinocytes responsible for hoof growth. This cellular activity is essential for maintaining healthy hooves and promoting faster recovery from soft tissue injuries. (2)

   

   

• Stress Response Modulation: At optimal frequencies, vibration plates can
  significantly reduce stress by increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity. This reduction in stress is beneficial not only for the horse’s mental well-being but also for its physical health. (2)

Importance of Recovery in Equine Performance

For performance horses, recovery is as crucial as training. Intense physical activity

can lead to muscle fatigue, joint stress, and micro-injuries that, if not properly managed, can impair performance or lead to long-term damage. This is where vibration plates come into play. WBV therapy is increasingly being recognized for its

ability to accelerate recovery processes in horses, thereby improving overall performance.

Benefits of Vibration Plates for Equine Recovery

1. Enhanced Muscle Recovery: One of the primary benefits of using vibration plates in equine therapy is the enhancement of muscle recovery and warm up. WBV promotes muscle contractions that can reduce muscle soreness and stiffness after intense exercise or to warm your athlete up before their workload starts. This is particularly beneficial for horses in their competition season and need to recover quickly to maintain peak performance.

2. Stimulates Blood Circulation: Blood is the main supplier of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and bone in the body, the vibration plates can enhance the rate of circulation around the body which is important for horses stabled for long periods. This increases the rate of recovery from injuries as the blood packed with growth factors reaches the area of interest faster and helps waste products like lactic acid be eliminated more efficiently.

3. Bone Density and Joint Health: The mechanical vibrations stimulate osteogenesis, the process by which new bone is formed. This is especially useful for young horses whose bones are still developing, as well as older horses at risk of osteoporosis. By improving bone density, vibration plates help in preventing fractures and other skeletal injuries.

4. Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Vibration plates play a significant role in the rehabilitation of horses recovering from injuries. The controlled vibrations help in reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue repair, and preventing muscle atrophy during periods of reduced mobility. During the rehabilitation of tendon or ligament damage the vibration plates can be used to stimulate repair by increasing blood supply. Moreover, by enhancing overall physical fitness, they help in preventing future injuries. In veterinary medicine one may use it during post-surgical care, allowing the horse to regain strength and mobility post-surgery.

5. Chronic Conditions: To aid long term conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis or laminitis.

6. Hoof growth: It has been researched that vibration plates can have a positive impact on the acceleration of hoof growth over the initial 30 day period.

7. Stress Reduction: Stress management is another critical aspect of equine performance. Horses exposed to high-stress environments, such as competitions, can suffer from elevated cortisol levels, leading to decreased performance. WBV therapy has been shown to reduce stress by increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity, helping horses stay calm and focused.

Potential Considerations

While vibration plates offer numerous benefits, it is essential to acknowledge that

WBV therapy is not without its limitations and potential drawbacks:

1. Adaptation Over Time: Research indicates that the effects of WBV on certain

parameters, such as hoof growth, may diminish over time as the horse’s body adapts

to the vibrations. In a study examining hoof growth, the most significant improvements were observed in the first 30 days of therapy, with reduced efficacy in the following 30 days. This suggests that continuous or prolonged use of WBV at the same settings may lead to diminishing returns, necessitating adjustments in therapy protocols.

2. Frequency and Intensity Sensitivity: Horses may respond differently to various frequencies and intensities of vibration. While 50 Hz is generally effective for stress reduction, individual horses may require different settings for optimal results. It is

crucial for veterinarians to tailor the therapy to each horse’s specific needs, considering factors such as age, condition, and performance level.

To Enquire about a tailored programme developed for your equine athlete to achieve the optimum results please contact us through the following information found on the last paragraph.

Equine Tendon’s Top Pick

At Equine Tendon we have a history of using vibration plates in our rehabilitation protocols. The gold standard in vibration plate technology is the Vitafloor, we use this technology across our network of global partners and clients. Equine Tendon works closely with Vitafloor, as the market leader and the original innovator of whole body vibration for horses. Vitafloor made its commercial debut in Europe in 2004, followed by a successful introduction to the United States market in 2010. Our vibrating floors, now present in over 30 countries, have set the standard for improving circulation, muscle tone, and overall well-being in horses.

Conclusion

The use of vibration plates in equine veterinary performance offers a promising, non-invasive  approach to enhancing recovery and conditioning in performance horses. By improving muscle recovery, circulation, bone density, and stress management,vibration plates contribute to the overall health and performance of horses. However, it is essential to use WBV therapy judiciously, considering the potential for adaptation and the need for tailored treatment protocols. As research continues to evolve, vibration plates are poised to become an integral part of equine veterinary practice, helping performance horses achieve and maintain their peak potential.

To order your Vitafloor or to receive a tailored protocol for the best use of your

Vitafloor in your rehabilitation protocol please get in touch with us at
sales@equinetendon.com.
Tel: 00353 879875255