*3.1.1 Devices used in vibration therapy*

### *3.1.1.1 Local vibration therapy*

The devices used in local vibration therapy are relatively simple and are small, and in general, are portable devices device that applies vibration directly over the muscle or the tendon [20]. Buttons are available for selecting the operational conditions of the intervention characteristics, which consider the frequency of mechanical vibration. Local vibration therapy is very important for several individuals that are in long-term immobilization, immobilization by a cast, or being in the early rehabilitation period after surgery [10, 20].

### *3.1.1.2 Systemic vibration therapy*

The device used in Systemic vibration therapy is a vibrating platform. Systemic vibration therapy is a clinical intervention in which mechanical vibration generated on a vibrating platform is transmitted to the entire body of the person who is in contact with the base of the platform producing the whole-body vibration exercise in the individual [8, 12, 16].

There are two main types of vibrating platforms, which are shown in **Figure 6A** and **B**. **Figure 6A** represents a vibrating platform where the base performs a movement with vertical displacement as a result of the force applied. The oscillating of this base can be vertical or triplane way. **Figure 6B** has demonstrated the side alternating vibrating platform, where the base performs side alternating movements (up and down) [8, 12, 16].

In the side alternating vibrating platform, the base rests on a central fulcrum. When turned on, while the right side of the base goes up, the left side goes down, generating mechanical vibration, like a seesaw. The mechanical vibration is then transmitted to the individual who is in contact with the base, and this platform is called the side alternating platform [8, 12, 16].

In the vertical platform, the whole base of the platform goes up and down which is called the vertical displacement type. This vertical displacement may be due to a simple displacement of the base, lowering and raising. In this case, the vibrating

**Figure 6.** *Vibrating platforms and oscillation of their bases.*

platform is called a synchronous vertical type of platform. This vertical displacement can also be a result of the base displacement in three planes. In this case, the platform is named the triplane vertical platform [8, 12].

It is easy to verify that, associated with the mechanical vibration, a force is generated, which is responsible for the displacement of the base of the vibrating platform, and it is transmitted to the person's body. This force arises from the action of the acceleration imposed by the vibrating platform on the body, which has a certain mass [8, 12, 16].
