In a number of recent papers published in the Journal of Sotmd and Vibration, and in the bimonthly section on "Human response to vibration--reviews and abstracts", current research on harmful effects of vibration on people has been reported extensively. Thus, readers may not be particularly aware that there are vibrations which are beneficial to humans, and that research with this aim in view does take place.
The company with which I am associated manufactures a variety of vibrating devices in the form oflounge chairs, cushions, mattresses and hand pieces, basic to which is an electrically driven motor with a variable frequency ofabout 20 to 70 Hz. The motor is suspended in rubber between the motor housing and the outer cover, and produces a small amplitude, multidirectional cycloid vibration due to an unbalanced weight. The character of the motion would appear to be very different from that emitted by road drills, forms of transport, etc., which are the objects of most of the research into the human response to undesirable vibrations.
Depending on the frequency applied we have established that cycloid vibrations will relax muscles, increase local blood circulation and enhance a longer period of deep sleep, all of which are of therapeutic value.
We are currently involved with research into chest conditions, migraine, blood flow, soft tissue backache, blood gases, mental conditions, blood pressure, and rheumatism. A study of the whole body effect of cycloid vibrations is handicapped by the division of the medical profession into specialists.
Whether one studies the unintended harmful effects of vibrations or establishing the beneficial effects, the measuring techniques involved and the emerging problems tend to have a similarity and it might be possible to gain by studying each other's literature.
Chronobiologists, who study physiological rhythms, are asking the question "whether ill-health can be looked upon as a disharmony of rhythms", to which might be added the question, "can they be synchronized by the application of a man-made rhythm"? Theories have a habit of sooner or later being proved wrong and being superseded by better theories but in the meantime can they be used for the advancement of medicine?
Niagara Therapy (UK) Limited, J.W. THEODORE