Tri-Planar vs Linear vs Pivotal Vibration: Which One Will Help You Achieve the Best Results?

Medically reviewed by: David M. Joyner, MD, FACS

Within the world of whole-body vibration training, not all vibration types are equal. On the surface, all types of vibration might appear the same—but there are significant differences between vibration types like tri-planar and linear vibration.

Understanding the science behind these vibration types and comparing the differences between products, such as an oscillating vs linear vibration plate, will be crucial in choosing the right style of vibration therapy for you. 

In this article, we’ll make it easy by breaking down everything you need to know about the different types of vibration machines and the unique features to look for when picking a vibration platform that is perfect for you.

The Science Behind Vibration Plates

A high-quality vibration plate works by creating precise vibrations that activate the body’s reflexive response. While stimulated by this vibration, muscles throughout the body are engaged in a consistent, controlled fashion, accelerating your fitness progress and results.

But don’t just take our word for it—trust the science and research that have shown whole-body vibration’s benefits and strengths as a training method. For example, the Mayo Clinic reports that whole-body vibration training may help improve muscle strength and may also provide the following benefits:

• Reduced back pain
• Improved strength and balance in older adults
• Reduced bone loss

Even with all of these potential benefits to gain, you can further optimize your results by picking the right whole body vibration machine for your body and fitness goals. 

But between a linear or oscillating vibration machine, which one is right for you? Let’s find out by diving into the definitions of vibration types and the differences between them.

Types of Vibration Plates

Here’s a brief rundown of various types of vibration plates.

• Pivotal Vibration Plate – Imagine a see-saw. The ends of a see-saw alternate tilting up and down, bisected by a central pivot point. A pivotal vibration plate works in the same fashion. The plate vibrates around a single pivot point, rapidly tilting up and down almost imperceptibly. This type of vibration is also known as oscillating vibration.
  
  
• Linear Vibration Plate – Simply put, a linear vibration plate moves back and forth along a straight line—for example, up and down. The main difference between oscillating vs linear vibration is the direction of the vibration. Linear is a back-and-forth motion, while pivotal is a tilting motion.

• Tri-Planar Vibration Plate – Tri-planar vibration builds upon the foundation of linear vibration patterns by vibrating in three directions instead of one. For example, a tri-planar vibration platform is capable of making movement up and down, side to side, and front to back.

Let’s examine the differences between these three types closely to determine which vibration plate is a better fit for you.

Comparing Linear, Tri-Planar, and Pivotal Vibrations 

In short, linear, tri-planar and pivotal vibration plates are safe and have proven benefits according to scientific studies. However, there are subtle differences between the vibration types to understand before starting your vibration therapy journey.

Tri-planar vibration machines stimulate muscle activation by producing vibration in three dimensions or “planes” instead of one. This vibration, so-called “tri-planar”, is considered to be the most precise. This is because these devices are specifically designed so that every square inch of the plate is vibrating at an identical frequency and amplitude. This precision, at any given point on the plate, maximizes the effect of the vibration on muscular activation and its downstream health benefits. 

Linear vibration machines can be slightly easier to use, but can also cause vibration of the upper body and head, leaving some users to reportedly feel sick or dizzy. A disadvantage of linear vibration plates is that they cannot target deep tissue like tri-planar vibration. Since linear vibration machines are usually cheaper, users cannot expect to receive the same benefits as they would with a premium tri-planar vibration machine. 

Pivotal vibration machines, due to their “see-saw” like motion, are often considered to be the least comfortable. While pivotal vibration can stimulate muscular activation, it has a major disadvantage: users cannot move around on the plate’s surface during use. This means dynamic movements (such as stretches, lunges and squats) cannot be done. The lack of ability to perform dynamic movements with vibration, which have been proven to maximize outcomes, limits the therapeutic outcomes that pivotal vibration can deliver for users. 

Power Plate's Unique Features

Power Plate’s PrecisionWave™Technology is the most advanced tri-planar vibration technology on the market. The vibrations of Power Plate’s machines are meticulously calibrated to assign each direction a specific frequency—which is a fancy way to say that Power Plate’s engineers have optimized each vibration to give you the best possible results.

In fact, the best-in-class products by Power Plate offer a whole host of benefits to rise above the competition, including:

• Activating more muscle fibers
• Burning more calories
• Improving circulation
• Increasing bone density
• Enhancing muscle recovery and pain relief 

Why Choose Power Plate?

The science and customer testimonials behind Power Plate’s top-of-the-line technology speak volumes about the effectiveness of Power Plate’s whole body vibration machines. Not only is Power Plate endorsed by superstar actors, singers, and athletes, but we’ve also published dozens of studies and research reports that support the benefits of our patented PrecisionWave™Technology.

Looking to start down the road to a better you with Power Plate, but not sure where to start? The Personal Power Plate® is a lightweight, portable, and compact exercise machine that has all of the benefits and technology of a high-end vibration platform without sacrificing space. Or, check out the Power Plate® MOVE, a high-performance, compact vibration machine that supports up to 300 lbs and offers 6 variable frequency modes, perfect for use from the comfort of your home.

Take your strength training and weight loss to the next level with Power Plate and experience the difference tri-planar PrecisionWave™Technology can make in your life and health today.

Sources: 

Mayo Clinic. Is whole-body vibration a good way to lose weight and improve fitness? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/whole-body-vibration/faq-20057958