The technology used in vibrating plate exercise machines has now been integrated into traditional exercise bikes. Acceleration training manufacturers Power Plate, claim that the new ‘PowerBike’ will increase the muscular benefits when used for the same time period as traditional stationary exercise bikes. Vibration technology stimulates muscular activity by providing three-dimensional movement, generating 50, or more, muscle contractions per second. When these contractions are combined with regular exercise movements it sees vast improvements in muscle definition, toning and strength. The vibrations are directed through the bike and are self-generated with pedal power, meaning there is no electrical supply. The vibrations are intended to provide an additional stimulus for a more challenging workout, but they also activate the stretch reflex in the muscles, so you are better able to cope with increased levels of training intensity.

Research on the vibration bikes released by the University of Greenwich’s Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance shows the addition of vibration during cycling causes a significant increase in activity for the primary cycling muscles. Muscle activity, measured using electromyography, was collected via surface electrodes attached to 8 athletes. This preliminary data shows an increase of 167% in muscle activity for the quadriceps, 144% for the hamstrings, and 138% for the glutes, when pedalling at 90PRM and 30Hz vibration, when compared to muscle activity at the same RPM with no vibration. Readings were taken along the longitudinal axis of the right ankle flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip extensors (glutes). The results showed significant increases in the volume of EMG activities observed in all muscles tested, with the exception of the ankle flexors, which was not significant. The greatest differences were observed between the two conditions (vibration and non-vibration) at 90 RPM, improvements were also noticed, although to a lesser extent at lower RPM, with tests conducted at 60, 70 and 80 RPMs.

The lead exercise physiologist for the Rabobank Cycling Team, is an early advocator of the new vibration technology, stating that he believed the vibrating bikes would help achieve an increase of five percent across the team’s overall performance. Rabobank’s aim is to maintain the team’s position as a leading professional cycling team and to increase their reputation in the forthcoming Tour De France. In addition to this, Great Britain Olympic Champion, Rebecca Romero, has begun using the integrated vibration exercise bike, alongside the usual vibrating plate exercises, to help boost preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.