With the onset of space travel in the 20th century, it was found that the bone density of astronauts declined significantly while in space. Vibration therapy was developed as a way to re-build bone density on their return.
The former Soviet Union began using the principle to improve performance in sporting events and during the 1970′s, Russian Scientists continued the research into vibration training, finding significant improvements in muscle strength and flexibility and decreases in recovery times after exercise. It was only after the Iron Curtain was pulled down that the western world caught onto the training method, when scientists from Italy and Israel began their own research into the field. It is now widely acknowledged as an exercise tool, with further applications in rehabilitation and pain relief.
