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There is a solid body of research that shows that moderate exercise, like the kind received from whole body vibration (WBV), can help patients make a difference, where it matters most.
The Good and the Bad
The connection between LDL-C and heart disease has been recognized the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute1. In fact, there is evidence that reducing LDL-C by just 1% corresponds to a 2 to 3% reduction in the risk of heart disease2. Even more exciting, is the fact that aerobic fitness and exercise programs, like WBV, have been encouraged as a means to reduce total cholesterol, while elevating "good" cholesterol.
Cholesterol: An Important Role to Play
There is a variety of factors that influence a patient's cholesterol composition, some within their control to manage, and some that are outside their control. Diet and exercise form a powerful one, two punch with the power to help patients begin to take charge of their cholesterol levels and make a positive impact on their health. In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise consistently lowers triglycerides3, which helps to decrease body fat and lower the effect of triglycerides.
Women, Cholesterol and Exercise
From puberty until menopause, women benefit from naturally lower total cholesterol and LDL-C values. This natural protection, however, is lost after menopause when these values begin to mirror those of men4. Cross-sectional studies confirm that active women have higher HDL-C levels than their sedentary counterparts. However, because of the variable effects of diet, body composition, exogenous hormone use, contraceptive use, alcohol consumption, and age, the specific exercise recommendations for increasing HDL-C have yet to be determined5.
Regardless of gender, prevailing evidence supports the concept that physical activity can slow the progression of heart disease, but, at this time, there is no research-based guidance for exactly what type of exercise will maximize the positive effects of exercise on cholesterol levels. Until specific recommendations are developed, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for frequency, intensity and duration of exercise are the most current and scientifically-documented exercise recommendations available.6
In the end, helping patients to take proactive steps to reduce their bad cholesterol and raise their good cholesterol includes providing guidance about their diet, exercise and personal risk factors. Adding whole body vibration to your practice is just one more way you can help them improve and protect their health. If WBV isn’t already a part of your practice, why wait? Add aVibraWav Pro XT to your office today. Click here to find out more information on how you can benefit your patients and your bottom line.
1 Expert Panel. (1993). Summary of the second report of the national cholesterol education program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. Journal of the American Medical Association, 269, 3015-3023.
2 Goldberg, L., & Elliot, D. L. (1985). The effect of physical activity on lipid and lipoprotein levels. Medical
Manson, J. E., Tosterson, H., Ridker, P. M., Satterfield, S., Hebert, P., G.T., O., Buring, J. E., & Hennekens, C. H. (1992). The primary prevention of myocardial infarction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 326, 1406-1416.
3 Martin, R. P., Haskell, W. L., & Wood, P. D. (1977). Blood chemistry and lipid profiles of elite distance runners. Annals of New York Academy of Science, 301, 346-360.
4 Heiss, G., Tamir, I., & Davis, C. E. et al. (1980). Lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions on selected North American populations. The Lipid Research Clinic Program Prevalence Study. Circulation, 61, 302-315.
5 Taylor, P. A., & Ward, A. (1993). Women, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and exercise. Archives of Internal Medicine, 153, 1178-1184.
6 ACSM Guidelines, Frequency of training 3-5 days per week, Intensity of training 60-90% of maximum heart rate or 50-85% of maximum oxygen uptake or 50-85% of heart rate reserve, Duration of activity 20-60 minutes of continuous aerobic activity, Mode of activity: Any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmical and aerobic in nature including whole body vibration (WBV) ACSM. (1990). The recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in healthy adults. Medicine Science and Sports in Exercise, 22, 265-274