Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Sep. 23-29, Spotlight: Exercising on Power Plate Helps Seniors Improve Balance, Reduce Fall Risk

Summary

For Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Sep. 23-29, Performance Health System's Director of Medical Specialties and Education outlines best exercises for enhancing balance and reducing fall risk with Power Plate whole-body vibration equipment.

Article

Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Sep. 23-29, reminds us of the seriousness of falls among elderly adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year. The effects of a serious osteoporotic fracture resulting from a fall are well documented, taking a severe toll on older adults' quality of life, independence, and in too many instances, proving fatal.

While much of the discussion around the debilitating consequences of bone fractures among seniors has historically centered on reversing the effects of osteoporosis, increasingly that dialogue is focusing on fall prevention. In highlighting health problems caused by the over-prescribing of osteoporosis drugs, a recent study in the British Medical Journal asserted that preventing falls in the first place is a stronger, and less risk-laden, deterrent to osteoporotic fractures than re-building bone mass pharmaceutically.

Among the tools to which practitioners are turning to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls among older patients is a popular piece of functional equipment. Power Plate whole-body vibration technology is increasingly being embraced by geriatric health professionals, and others in the medical field, for its unique ability to train and stimulate the neurological and musculoskeletal systems - a significant breakthrough for individuals with chronic debilitating conditions, and elderly individuals who are prone to falls because of instability.

"Anyone who has ever exercised, or just tried to walk, on uneven terrain knows that it's much more challenging than doing the same movement on a flat surface and requires more coordinated muscle engagement," explains Rich Colosi, DPT, Senior Director of Medical Specialties and Education for Performance Health Systems. "That's the science behind Power Plate's advanced, multi-directional vibration technology. Performing any movement on the vibrating platform can engage a larger percentage of muscle fibers, retraining motor patterns resulting in profound improvements in overall balance."

Colosi recommends the following basic exercises for seniors starting a balance improvement regimen on Power Plate:

Knee Flex (Warm Up) - Begin by waking up nerves and muscles and improving circulation. Set the machine for 30 seconds then stand on one side of the Power Plate facing the platform. Holding the handle, place one foot on top of the platform and press the start button. Keeping the entire foot (heel to toe) in contact with the surface, gently push the knee forwards driving weight through the foot, return to the start position, and then repeat again. Repeat this exercise on the opposite leg.

Fixed Mini-Squat with Hip Movement - Set the machine for 30 - 60 seconds, standing on the platform of the Power Plate facing the column. Bend hips and knees, while lightly holding the handles, squatting into a comfortable position (as if sitting into a chair). Press the start button, holding the squat position. Once comfortable begin moving hips and body forward and backwards 5x. Begin the second movement by shifting hips side-to-side 5x each. Finish with the third movement, by moving hips into a hula-hoop circular motion to the right, pause in the middle, and reverse circle to the left. Repeat this pattern until time expires.

Dynamic Mini Squats with Foot Positions - First, position feet shoulder width apart, toes facing forwards, center weight equally between the ball of the feet and heels, with knees and hips bent ("athletic ready position"). Set machine for 30 - 60 seconds, standing on the platform of the Power Plate facing the column. Perform five squats, while lightly holding the handles (do not hang back from the handles), squatting into a comfortable position. Return from squat into comfortable "athletic ready position" avoiding locking knees and hips. Repeat the same steps with right foot slightly in a forward, or in a staggered position, performing five squats. Repeat the same sequence with left foot slightly in a forward, or in a staggered position, performing five squats.

Dynamic Stepping with Foot Positions - Set machine for 30 - 60 seconds, standing on the platform of the Power Plate facing the column, lightly holding the handles. Bend at hips and knees, while lightly holding the handles, squatting into a comfortable initial position (think about sitting onto a high stool). Press the start button, holding the initial squat position. Begin stepping, or marching, in place with feet positioned shoulder width apart, toes facing forwards 5x. Continue marching and bring feet closer together, or into a narrow stance and repeat 5x. Continue marching and widen stance, bringing feet further apart and repeat 5x. If time allows, repeat the entire sequence.

Single Leg Stance with Head Movement - Set machine for 30 - 45 seconds, standing on the platform of the Power Plate facing the column, lightly hold the handles. Bend at hips and knees, while lightly holding the handles, squatting into a comfortable initial position (think about sitting onto a high stool). From this position, lift one leg slightly off the platform, or into a slight toe touch for added safety and stability. Press the start button, holding the initial single leg balance (athletic position) for ten seconds. Add movement: Once stability and comfort is established, begin gently turning the head side to side. Gradually increase the distance the head is turned, if comfortable. Repeat 5-10x.

Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company, headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., that delivers advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention for bioDensity^™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system that has been scientifically linked to dramatic bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors.

For additional information on Power Plate whole-body vibration equipment, visit powerplate.com.

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The Gray Institute to Incorporate Power Plate Vibration Training
and Certification into Its Educational Program

NORTHBROOK, Ill. (August 17, 2015) - Today Performance Health Systems announced a partnership to officially incorporate Power Plate^® advanced whole body vibration and Power Plate training certifications within The Gray Institute^® education program. As the global leader in whole body vibration technology, Power Plate redefines optimal health and wellness equipment for every age and ability.

"As far as we're concerned, the Power Plate is one of the most unique and powerful environments we can utilize for our patients and clients to enhance their function" said Dr. Gary Gray, FAFS, PT, CEO and Founder of the world-renown Gray Institute.

The Gray Institute is the world's foremost authority of Applied Functional Science^®. This information and education is delivered in a variety of formats, including the institute's video library, exercise library, live events, certifications, mentorship program, online modules, DVDs, and other functional products and equipment. The Gray Institute exists to influence the lives of others through movement, setting the movement industry standards with over 30 years of research.

"This partnership aligns perfectly with Power Plate's educational pathways," said Dr. Rich Colosi, Senior Director of Medical Specialties and Education for Performance Health Systems. "Similar to the Gray Institute's educational goals, Power Plate strives to educate and enhance the quality of life for others through movement. Power Plate provides the vehicle of whole body vibration to replicate an authentic environment taking movement to the next level."

Engineered to apply the science behind a body's ability to respond to changes in the natural environment, Power Plate's vibrating platform triggers rapid reflexive muscle contractions through our proprioceptors. This activation helps to improve functional performance, gait and locomotion, balance, range of motion, circulation and stability by amplifying the effects of any exercise or movement performed on the equipment. Power Plate's vibrating surface vibrates 25-50 times per second, resulting in corresponding muscle activation. This means you can accelerate acquisition and retention of skills associated with movement at a rapid rate.

Power Plate can also be found at thousands of health clubs, wellness facilities and spas, and is used by therapists and doctors worldwide to address symptoms associated with physical limitations in muscular skeletal dysfunction. Hundreds of professional, collegiate and national sports teams rely on Power Plate to help their athletes to prepare, condition and recover to be able to perform their best. For additional information on Power Plate advanced whole body vibration equipment, including a list of health clubs, studios, medical facilities and retailers at which it can be found, visit powerplate.com or call 877- 877-5283. For further information on the classes offered by The Gray Institute, visit grayinstitute.com.

Performance Health Systems LLC, headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention in recent months for bioDensity, an osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone and muscle loss and has been scientifically linked to dramatic bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to compromised, elderly individuals.

The Gray Institute is internationally acclaimed for its innovation, development, mastery, and delivery of Applied Functional Science. A culmination of over 30 years of research and study has led to The Gray Institute setting the movement industry standards.

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bioDensity was featured during the health segment of Chicago's Fox-32 Midday news show.

The segment focused on the origin of bioDensity, and how Dr. John Jaquish developed the first device to treat his mother's osteoporosis. After reversing her condition, now bioDensity helps thousands of people worldwide.

New Findings Presented at World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2015) Support Potential for a New Approach to Increasing Tolerance to Loading in Human Bone without Drugs using Osteogenic Loading Apparatus.

WHO: International Osteoporosis Foundation

WHAT/WHEN: Last week the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2015) hosted a symposium showing a potential new metric of bone health; functional bone performance, and an opportunity for ambulatory individuals with low BMD to increase both BMD and function when absorbing impact, in an effort to avoid fracture. Dr. Cory Huck of the University of Wisconsin, School of Health Promotion and Human Development, at Stevens Point, and Dr. John Jaquish, Chief Science & Technology Officer of Performance Health Systems, conducted the analysis. A summary of the findings is below:

• Objective: To determine valid functional bone performance metrics and adaptation from multiple-of-bodyweight (MOB) compressive force loading using an impact level loading exercise apparatus from a population of 2380 adult males and females.
• Results: The MOB force/loading levels in the DXA subset (which resulted in a 7% increase in hip BMD, and a 7.7% increase in spinal BMD) was correlated to the MOB forces seen with the larger population showing spine and lower extremity loading with 2.89±1.02 SD and 9.67±3.68 SD MOB, respectively.
• Conclusion: This data presents the opportunity for a new metric of functional bone performance, and an opportunity to consider a supplementary treatment option for ambulatory individuals with low BMD.

WHERE: World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2015) in Milan, Italy.

ABOUT PERFORMANCE HEALTH SYSTEMS: Performance Health Systems LLC, the manufacturer of bioDensity™ osteogenic loading devices, specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment.

Osteoporos Int
DOI 10.1007/s00198-015-3062-9

World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal
Diseases (WCO-IOFESCEO 2015): Non-sponsored Symposia Abstract

© International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation 2015

Volume 26 Supplement 1 March (2015) S391-S392 - NS12

FUNCTIONAL BONE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS AND ADAPTATIONS
USING NOVEL SELF-APPLIED BONELOADING EXERCISE APPARATUS

C. Huck¹, J. Jaquish²

¹University of Wisconsin, School of Health Promotion and Human Development, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States, ²Performance Health Systems, Chicago, United States

Objective: To determine valid functional bone performance metrics and adaptations from multiple-of- bodyweight (MOB) compressive force loading using an impact level loading exercise apparatus from a population of 2380 adult males and females.

Materials and Methods: Forces that compress bone stimulate adaptive response of BMD growth, in accordance with Wolff's Law; bone that can tolerate more load is of greater density [1]. Further, clinical fracture risk assessment is determined by a combination of BMD analysis and level of general physical function (i.e., age/ability) [2]. A novel apparatus that allows for these compressive forces to the level required to have an effect on osteoblastic function has been shown to produce osteogenic effect. This was confirmed in subset test with pre-post DXA in both hip and spine with 14 subjects (P<0.001), who adapted to comfortably tolerate forces of both spine and lower extremity loading with 3.13 and 9.18 MOB respectively [3]. Globally networked osteogenic loading (OL) systems provide standardized protocols. Query for data analysis included patients/subjects who utilized the OL apparatus for 12 or more sessions; partaking in the therapy at a clinically focused, supervised facility for one year.

Results: The MOB force/loading levels in the DXA subset was correlated to the MOB forces seen with the larger population (N = 2380) showing spine and lower extremity loading with 2.89±1.02 SD and 9.67±3.68 SD MOB, respectively.

Conclusion: These data present a new metric of functional bone performance, and an opportunity to consider a supplementary treatment option for ambulatory individuals with low BMD.

References:
1. Wolff J. (1892). The Law of Bone Remodel- ing. Springer, (Marquet and Furlong, 1986 trans. from Ger- man 1892 edition).
2. Kanis, J. A., Johnell, O., Oden, A., Dawson, A., De Laet, C., & Jonsson, B. (2001). Ten year probabilities of osteoporotic fractures according to BMD and diagnostic thresholds. Osteoporosis International, 12(12), 989-995.
3. Jaquish, J. (2013). Multiple-of-bodyweight axial bone loading. Osteoporosis International. 198; 24(4), s594-s595.

Conflict Disclosure:
J. Jaquish has ownership/financial interest in Performance Health Systems, LLC., manufacturer of OL apparatus. Data shared by physicians whose patients were using the OL apparatus.

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Non-Drug Protocol for Building Bone Density Expected
to Steal Spotlight at World Congress on Osteoporosis

MILAN (March 5, 2015) - When more than 4,500 scientists, clinicians and other thought-leaders in the fields of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases gather here later this month for the World Congress on Osteoporosis, it may be the first time in the 17-year history of the field's largest educational research forum that the hot-button topic is an emerging non-pharmaceutical protocol for enhancing bone health. Based on the well-accepted scientific principles of Wolff's law, osteogenic loading at multiples of body weight has long been recognized as the most effective means of building bone mass. But only recently have biomedical engineers figured out how to generate high enough levels of loading stimulus to accomplish significant bone growth, with minimal risk of injury.

Potentially the most exhaustive symposium on the topic to-date, "Osteogenic Loading: Low-Impact, High-Loading Stimulus for Bone Density Development" will explore the physiological reactions of bone under impact-level forces, associated risks and rewards, and measurement methodology. Panelists will include Riku Nikander, PhD, managing director of the Gerontology Research Center at Finland's GeroCenter Foundation for Aging Research and Development, Lynn Freeman, PhD, senior scientist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' PATH Clinical Research Institute, and symposium chair John Jaquish, PhD, chief science and technology officer for Performance Health Systems and inventor of the bioDensityTM osteogenic loading system.

Regarded as a breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of degenerative bone diseases, the patented bioDensity system places users in optimal biomechanical positions to safely load multiples of their body weight for short periods of time. Resultantly, and in accordance with Wolff's law, the intense compressive forces distort bone mass causing bone synthesizing cells, known as osteoblasts, to absorb minerals to reinforce the structure of the bone, making it harder and less porous. The recommended bioDensity regimen is one session a week, consisting of four brief load exposures - seated chest press, leg press and core pull, and standing vertical lift. Force loaded with the bioDensity system is self-imposed, meaning users control the amount of load applied based on comfort, practically eliminating the risk of injury.

A research study published in a January 2014 supplement of Osteoporosis International, the official journal of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation, substantiated increases in bone mass among subjects using bioDensity at levels previously unseen for any non-pharmaceutical protocol. According to DXA scans, study participants, with an average age of 60, increased hip bone density by an average of 7.1 percent, and spinal bone density by 7.7 percent, after using bioDensity for one year on average.

For additional information and substantiating science on bioDensity as a safe, effective, comfortable and convenient approach to increasing bone density, visit biodensity.com. The site also includes a list of wellness centers, medical groups and doctors' offices around the world where the bioDensity system can be found.

Performance Health Systems LLC specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to bioDensity, the company is the manufacturer and global distributor of Power Plate®, the world's leading brand of whole-body vibration exercise equipment, for both home and professional use. .

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Power Plate Shakes Up Workplace Wellness

NORTHBROOK, Ill. (June 16, 2014) - Beyond treadmill desks and medicine ball office chairs, the latest trend in workplace wellness may have employees shaking away their mid-afternoon productivity slumps. FitStop™, the newest programming enhancement to the Power Plate^® 7-series line of whole body vibration exercise equipment, is a workplace-specific routine engineered to boost metabolism, energy and brain function in as few as three-and-a-half minutes.

Companies including Google, Bridgestone, Roth Capital, MAN Group, Sainsbury and Sheraton Hotels are already working out on Power Plate in their offices and employee fitness centers. Now, FitStop focuses the scientifically-documented regenerative effects of whole body vibration into a rejuvenating three-and-a-half minute workplace stretching session. The program, demonstrated in an easy-to-follow video on Power Plate's built-in touchscreen computer, includes 60 seconds of a kneeing hip flexor stretch, 60 seconds of a seated cross-over stretch, and 60 seconds of a double leg hamstring stretch, followed by a 30-second upper-body relaxation cool-down, all performed on the vibrating Power Plate.

"Providing our employees with access to a Power Plate was a logical extension of a longstanding corporate commitment to health and fitness," said Ted Roth, president of Roth Capital, an investment banking firm headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. "Today, you're more likely to see a Roth team member grabbing a midday pick-me-up on Power Plate than making a two o-clock trip to the coffee pot or vending machine."

Using a patented, dual-synch driven vibration technology, Power Plate's surface vibrates 25 to 50 times per second, resulting in corresponding muscle activation. Long touted by professional athletes and celebrities including Madonna, Roberta Flack, Cindy Crawford, Cher, Mark Wahlberg and Clint Eastwood, for a range of fitness and performance enhancing benefits, Power Plate's advanced whole-body vibration technology has also been shown to have unique regenerative properties. According to multiple independent studies, the reflexive muscle contractions triggered by the vibrating Power Plate in turn stimulate the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that helps with tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism throughout life, and has been medically linked to anti-aging.

For additional information, visit powerplate.com

As an ever-growing number of health-conscious companies around the world embrace Power Plate as part of their workplace wellness programs, the makers of Power Plate have announced plans to expand its FitStop programming to include three-, eight- and 15-minute exercise modules for each of four wellness categories - rejuvenation, focused relaxation, cardio boost and sedentary refresher. Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention for bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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Mounting Scientific Evidence Supports Role of Power Plate
Whole Body Vibration in Lowering Blood Pressure

NORTHBROOK, Ill. (May 14, 2014) - At least six independent studies published within the past 10 years have documented the link between whole body vibration and lowered blood pressure. The most recent, published by Florida State University researchers in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, involved stroke survivors with paralyzed lower limbs using Power Plate^® advanced whole body vibration equipment. Although paralysis prohibited the study subjects from doing anything more than a standard squat on the Power Plate^®, they still received the benefit of lower blood pressure.

"This latest study dramatically reinforces what researchers have believed for a decade," says John Jaquish, Ph.D., chief science and technology officer for Performance Health Systems, maker of Power Plate. "Whole body vibration has blood pressure lowering benefits that transcend those of conventional exercise.

"Cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump more blood through the arteries. But that's only a partial solution," Jaquish asserts. "The true culprit in hypertension, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke, is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). And conventional exercise has never been shown to affect arterial stiffness to a significant degree."

Whole body vibration, conversely, has been demonstrated to reduce hardening of the arteries in study after study, among populations ranging from men in their mid-twenties to postmenopausal women. And in each study, the subjects' blood pressure was lowered significantly.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, afflicts 68 million Americans age 18 and older, nearly 30 percent of the population. By age 60, that percentage increases to 65 percent. Hypertension is a direct consequence of atherosclerosis, and the primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the developed world. As arteries lose their flexibility, they do not move as they should to accommodate blood flow. This raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder, increasing the likelihood an individual will have a life-threatening cardiac incident.

Until a decade ago, most research revolved around pharmaceutical interventions for decreasing stiffness of arteries and lowering blood pressure. In 2005, however, researchers in Japan found that reflexive muscular engagement through whole body vibration exercise significantly increased blood flow and oxygenation. Three years later, a different group of Japanese researchers found using Power Plate^® acutely decreased arterial stiffness among males in their mid-twenties. And in 2011, Arturo Figueroa, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor at Florida State University, showed a decrease in arterial stiffness in young obese/overweight females using Power Plate^®, a group that differed from previous study groups in that they are often not able to engage in conventional exercise. Dr. Figueroa demonstrated similar results among postmenopausal women in a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Human Hypertension.

Long recognized as the world leader in whole body vibration platforms, Power Plate^® uses a patented tri-planar vibrating motion to maximize reflexive muscle engagement and increase safety. The vibrating Power Plate^® platform triggers 30 to 50 reflexive muscle contractions per second throughout the user's body. As the body works to regain stability, multiple muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any movement performed on the plate. A body's natural response to vibration and destabilization has been scientifically linked not only to lowered blood pressure, but also improved circulation, enhanced flexibility, pain reduction and balance. Research also shows whole body vibration stimulates the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, energy and metabolism throughout life.

For additional information, visit powerplate.com

Power Plate^® is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category defining Power Plate^® line, the company has attracted international attention for bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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Power Plate Shakes Up Group Exercise

COLOGNE, Germany (April 3, 2014) - Power Plate has introduced the world's first whole body vibration system for group fitness. The Power Plate pro6+™ unveiled today at the FIBO 2014 Global Fitness, Wellness & Health Expo in Cologne Germany, is specifically designed for small and large group training. Combining the proven effectiveness and fun of Power Plate whole-body vibration training with one of the fastest growing sectors in the fitness industry, the Power Plate pro6+™ provides club operators with a new, attention-grabbing way to capitalize on the popularity of social exercise.

The Power Plate pro6+™ features an interactive 4.3-inch touch screen monitor specifically designed for easy-to-follow use in instructor-led classes. It also has Power Plate's patented embedded proMotion™ cable system for enhanced upper body work and an unbeatable total body workout.

Power Plate's industry leading technology, using patented advanced dual-synch drive system with tri-planar vibration, destabilizes the body and triggers a natural reflex response. As the body works to regain stability, approximately 95 percent of all muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any exercise performed on the plate. Research has also proven this reflex response stimulates the body's natural production of regenerative growth hormones that help tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism.

Touted by celebrities including Claudia Schiffer, Mark Wahlberg, Courtney Cox, Clint Eastwood, Cindy Crawford, Sting and Madonna, among many others, Power Plate has been linked to a wide range of health and wellness benefits, from strength, balance, flexibility and weight loss to improved circulation, pain reduction, detoxification and stress alleviation. Around the world, more than 100 professional and Olympic sports teams, and dozens of collegiate sports organizations, train on Power Plate equipment to enhance performance and recovery, as do professional golfers including Lee Westwood and Jesper Parnevek, and tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. In many countries, physicians and other medical professionals use Power Plate to treat symptoms of conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis, to pain management, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. The Power Plate pro6+™ is one of the newest models among a broad line of Power Plate products that includes five commercial models and three home models.

For additional information, visit powerplate.com.

Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company that delivers advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention with bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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Power Plate Unveils First Whole-Body Vibration Equipment,
Specifically Designed for the Medical Market

COLOGNE, Germany (April 3, 2014) - The first commercial vibration therapy machine designed specifically for the needs of medical and wellness facilities, the Power Plate^® pro7 HC, was introduced today at the FIBO 2014 Global Fitness, Wellness & Health Expo. With medical practitioners around the world already utilizing Power Plate's patented vibration technology to treat symptoms of a wide range of chronic conditions, and speed recovery, the new Power Plate pro7 HC adds programming features to further enhance patient experience and practitioner efficiency.

Pre-programmed interactive videos on the Power Plate pro7 HC's built-in LCD touch screen walk patients and therapists through specific exercise protocols for alleviating muscle and joint pain, promoting neuromuscular activity, improving circulation, enhancing flexibility, supporting injury- or surgery-specific rehabilitation, and addressing symptoms of disease conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, to hypertension. These instructional videos, combined with built-in mechanisms for real-time feedback and monitoring patient progress, allow technicians, and patients themselves, to take a more active role in the therapeutic process.

"One advantage of Power Plate vibration training in a physical therapy setting has always been its patient-friendliness" said Rich Colosi, DPT, FAFS, FMR, Senior Director of Medical Specialties and Education for Performance Health Systems. "Patients enjoy the comfort, can see results more quickly, and now, with the Power Plate pro7 HC's touch screen technology, are receiving real-time visual displays of their progress that help keep them even more committed to their therapy."

"Power Plate has achieved global recognition over the past decade as so much more than an exercise machine," said Lee Hillman, C.E.O. of Performance Health Systems. "The launch of the pro7 HC is a logical extension of our commitment as a company to the healthcare community and to harnessing advanced vibration technology for an ever-expanding range of health and recovery-related applications."

Other Power Plate pro7 HC enhancements include an integrated heart rate monitor, embedded multidirectional cables with touch screen tension adjustment, for upper body isometrics, and range of motion tracking.

Power Plate's scientifically-documented efficacy is based on a body's natural response to vibration, and centers on a patented dual-synch driven vibrating platform that triggers 30 to 50 reflexive muscle contractions per second. As the user's body works to regain stability, up to 95 percent of the body's muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any exercise performed on the plate. Research also shows that whole-body vibration stimulates the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism. For additional information on Power Plate whole-body vibration equipment, visit powerplate.com. The pro7 HC is scheduled for availability in May 2014 upon finalization of MDD certification.

Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company that delivers advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention with bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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Power Plate Introduces New Enhancements to Elite-Athlete Training

COLOGNE, Germany (April 3, 2014) - A re-design of the standard-setting Power Plate^® pro5 HP vibration training machine, used by professional sports teams and elite athletes around the world, was introduced today at the FIBO 2014 Global Fitness, Wellness & Health Expo.

Like its predecessor, the remodeled Power Plate pro5 HP features a columnless design to accommodate 360 degrees of motion around the plate surface and facilitate integration with other training equipment, such as a squat rack. This allows athletes to more easily utilize Power Plate's advanced vibration technology to maximize the effects of a full range of static, dynamic and plyometric exercises. Based on customer research, the re-design features a larger platform and modified suspension, along with a user-friendly remote control that enables athletes or their trainers to adjust settings instantly, without interruption to their workout. Also new is an improved travel case, making the pro5 HP more convenient to store and transport.

Drawing upon the science behind a body's natural response to vibration, Power Plate's patented dual-synch driven vibrating platform triggers up to 50 reflexive muscle contractions per second. As the user's body works to regain stability, up to 95 percent of the body's muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any exercise performed on the plate. Research also shows that whole-body vibration stimulates the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism, all contributing factors to enhanced athletic performance and recovery.

"Power Plate has proven to be a very effective and popular training modality with our players," said Chicago Bulls Strength and Conditioning Coach Erik Helland. "It has demonstrated impressive results even after a short period of use, increasing players' strength, flexibility, metabolism and flexibility. Power Plate has also proved to be a good remedy to soreness and pain reduction, while accelerating the injury-rehab cycle."

More than 100 professional sports teams around the world, including 75 percent of the four major sports franchises in the U.S., and scores of collegiate sports programs and Olympic training facilities worldwide, currently use Power Plate, as does EXOS (formerly Athletes' Performance), the global leader in performance training for elite-level professional athletes. Among an ever-growing roster of top-name athletes relying on Power Plate as a key component of their training regimen are four-time World Champion cyclist Sarah Hammer, LA Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier, numerous professional golfers including Lee Westwood and Jesper Parnevek, and tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.

For additional information on Power Plate whole-body vibration equipment, including the re-designed Power Plate pro5 HP, visit powerplate.com.

Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company that delivers advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention with bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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EXOS Partners with Performance Health Systems to Incorporate Power Plate Vibration Training
Into Its Industry-Leading Sports Performance Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - PHOENIX, AZ / NORTHBROOK, IL (Date TBD) - EXOS™, the global leader in human performance for elite and professional athletes, and Performance Health Systems, owner and manufacturer of the standard-setting Power Plate^® line of advanced whole-body vibration equipment, today announced a partnership officially incorporating Power Plate products and training into the EXOS™ performance methodology.

"The positive research and acceptance by athletes and coaches confirm Power Plate's patented tri-planar vibration training technology as the superior choice for the elite athlete population," said Mark Verstegen, founder and president of EXOS™. "This partnership is a natural extension of the sports science methodology we have been practicing for years."

Formerly known as Athletes' Performance, EXOS™ has been synonymous with the world's most advanced performance training, nutrition and physical therapy methodologies for more than 15 years. The company has trained many of the top champions in sport, including six number one NFL draft picks, the U.S. and German National soccer teams, Olympic medalists, and countless champions in baseball, tennis, golf, basketball and hockey. In addition to elite sports performance training and applied research, EXOS™ also delivers leading-edge human performance solutions for businesses, tactical programs to maximize physical assets for the military and global education programs for industry professionals.

"We are honored to enter into a strategic partnership with EXOS™," said Lee Hillman, Performance Health Systems' C.E.O. "Our companies share a commitment to harnessing technology to optimize performance, health and wellness, not only among elite athletes, but across all walks of life."

Power Plate equipment, currently used by more than 100 professional sports teams around the world, including 75 percent of the four major sports franchises in the U.S., and scores of collegiate sports programs and Olympic training facilities worldwide, optimizes muscle response with hi-speed vibration, oscillating on the same three planes as the human body, to produce a precise harmonic wave and trigger reflexive muscle contractions. As the user's body works to regain stability, up to 95 percent of the body's muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any exercise performed on the plate. Research also shows that whole-body vibration stimulates the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism, all contributing factors to enhanced athletic performance and recovery.

As part of the partnership, Performance Health Systems will be providing its complete line of Power Plate commercial products, including the Power Plate pro7, pro5 HP and pro5, to the seven EXOS™ facilities across the United States. In addition, Power Plate training will be incorporated into parts of all EXOS™ training methodology globally. The companies will also collaborate on various marketing programs to further extend brand initiatives, including conducting Power Plate training academies at EXOS™ facilities domestically and as part of EXOS™ Mentorship programs worldwide.

For additional information on Power Plate, powerplate.com. For additional information on EXOS™, visit teamEXOS.com.

ABOUT PERFORMANCE HEALTH SYSTEMS
Performance Health Systems, LLC, is a global company dedicated to delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention for bioDensity, an osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to increasing bone density and has been scientifically linked to dramatic bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

ABOUT EXOS
EXOS is pioneering human performance. Founded in 1999 to maximize the potential of athletes, EXOS (formerly named Athletes' Performance) has grown to become a leader in proactive health and performance, trusted by elite athletes, the military and innovative companies worldwide. EXOS designs and delivers health and performance game plans that guide people to achieve higher levels of success. With world-class partners, facilities, technologies, and specialists spanning six continents, EXOS is progressing the intelligence behind human performance wherever necessary. To learn more, visit teamEXOS.com.

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Power Plate Shakes Up Whole-Body Vibration, Again

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 7, 2014) - Long recognized as the global leader in whole-body vibration equipment, Power Plate is showcasing its newest consumer model, the Power Plate my7, at this week's Consumer Electronics Show. Utilizing the same patented dual-synch driven advanced vibration technology and tri-planar motion as its predecessors, the Power Plate my7 adds multi-directional cables for enhanced upper body work. The my7 also incorporates Power Plate's state-of-the-art Functional Interactive Training (F.I.T.) software, in a touch-screen computer, to guide users through hundreds of pre-programmed workouts and individual exercises.

Drawing upon the science behind a body's natural response to vibration, Power Plate technology uses a central vibrating platform to amplify the effects of any exercise or movement performed on it. The platform produces 25 to 50 vibrations per second, triggering reflexive muscle contractions with each vibration. As the user's body works to regain stability, experts estimate that as much as 95 percent of a user's total muscle fibers become engaged in any single activity.

Research also shows that whole-body vibration stimulates the body's natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism throughout life. As naturally-occurring growth hormone levels diminish with age, studies point to Power Plate's anti-aging effects and suggest a safer, easier and more affordable alternative to growth hormone therapy prescriptions.

Touted by celebrities including Claudia Schiffer, Mark Wahlberg, Courtney Cox, Clint Eastwood, Cindy Crawford, Sting and Madonna, among many others, Power Plate has been linked to a wide range of health and wellness benefits, from strength, balance, flexibility and weight loss to improved circulation, pain reduction, detoxification and stress alleviation. Around the world, more than 100 professional and Olympic sports teams, and dozens of collegiate sports organizations, train on Power Plate equipment to enhance performance and recovery, as do professional golfers including Lee Westwood and Jesper Parnevek, and tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Doctors in many countries use Power Plate to treat symptoms of conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis, to diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

For additional information on Power Plate whole-body vibration equipment, including a list of health clubs, studios, medical facilities and retailers at which it can be found, visit powerplate.com.

As an ever-growing number of health-conscious companies around the world embrace Power Plate as part of their workplace wellness programs, the makers of Power Plate have announced plans to expand its FitStop programming to include three-, eight- and 15-minute exercise modules for each of four wellness categories - rejuvenation, focused relaxation, cardio boost and sedentary refresher. Power Plate is owned, manufactured and distributed by Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems LLC, a global company delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention for bioDensity™, a breakthrough osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone loss and has been scientifically linked to exceptional bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to health-compromised seniors. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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The Power Plate Behind the Cup: Blackhawks ‘Secret' Training Weapon Revealed

NORTHBROOK, Ill. (June 25, 2013) - Beyond the natural skill and explosive power of Jonathan Toews and company, trainers point to a "secret" weapon in the arsenal which contributed to the Chicago Blackhawks' second Stanley Cup in the last four years. Like more than 100 professional, collegiate and Olympic sports teams around the world, the Blackhawks rely on Power Plate^® advanced whole-body vibration training as a pivotal part of their fitness and recovery regimens. The Hawks continue a streak of Power Plate users winning major championships in recent weeks, including tennis stars Raphael Nadal and Serena Williams at the French Open, and pro golfer Justin Rose at the U.S. Open.

The same patented Power Plate technology which stretches, strengthens and gets high-performance athletes in championship shape, is available to anyone looking for state-of-the-art in-home exercise equipment. Power Plate can also be found at thousands of health clubs, wellness facilities and spas, and is used by therapists and doctors worldwide to treat symptoms of conditions including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

Drawing upon the science behind a body's natural response to vibration, Power Plate's central vibrating platform triggers reflexive muscle contractions which amplify the effects of any exercise or movement performed on the equipment. Floor-based push-ups, squats, lunges, abdominal crunches and other conventional exercises, which typically engage only 40 percent of a person's muscle fibers, engage up to 95 percent when done on Power Plate. This means Power Plate users can accomplish in a 10 or 15 minute workout what traditionally takes an hour.

Touted by celebrities including Claudia Schiffer, Mark Wahlberg, Courtney Cox, Clint Eastwood, Cindy Crawford, Sting and Madonna, among many others, Power Plate has been linked to a wide range of health and wellness benefits, from strength, balance, flexibility and weight loss to improved circulation, pain reduction, detoxification, stress alleviation, and even cellulite reduction.

For additional information on Power Plate whole-body vibration training equipment, including a list of health clubs, medical facilities and retailers at which it can be found, visit powerplate.com.

Performance Health Systems LLC, headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to its category-defining Power Plate line, the company has attracted international attention in recent months for bioDensity™, an osteogenic loading system which provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to bone and muscle loss and has been scientifically linked to dramatic bone growth among populations ranging from high-performance athletes to compromised, elderly individuals. To learn more, visit PHSGlobal.com.

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