Sport Innovation/Power Plate® powerBIKE™

Power Plate® powerBIKE™

The Power Plate® powerBIKE is a sports and fitness indoor cycling bike equipped with the method of Whole Body Vibration training. It has a pedal and crank system which produces mechanical vibration and acceleration and is claimed to generate more muscle activity per stroke to the legs and gluteus muscles. The idea of the powerBIKE is to simulate situations which are not possible to simulate on rollers or traditional stationary bikes like for example challenging mountain courses, riding on changing undergrounds or sprinting to the finish. Its aim is to improve the strength and endurance and to save time in training.

In the following the technology of the Power Plate® powerBIKE™, the Pros and Cons and a catalogue of Frequently Asked Questions will be presented. To get a better insight in the method of Method of Whole Body Vibration click here.

Power Plate® powerBIKE™ technology

The technology behind the powerBIKE™ is identical to that of the Power Plate® machine. The acceleration (vibration) is induced by the axis in the bottom bracket. The axis lies in the specially designed integrated vibration drive system; by pressing turning the resistance wheel in a certain position the vibrations can be generated on the pedal. Then the vibrations are transmitted to the muscles of the athlete and result in additional reflexive muscle contraction (tonic vibration reflex).

The vibrations stimulate the muscles for up to 2400 muscle contractions per minute during the exercise, meaning increased muscle activation, intensification of training and shorter training sessions equal faster results. The vibration can manually be turned off at all times and the powerBIKE™ can then be used as a ‘conventional’ indoor bicycle.

Four flexible rubber feet (VeloTek holow-core Stabilisers) are attached underneath the powerBIKE™ to keep 2cm distance to the floor and allow the bike to move naturally while the athlete is pedalling and experiencing an ‘outdoor’ ride. The intensity can be changed by choosing the level of resistance in conjunction with the vibration. Also various settings are possible to copy different training conditions, outdoor rides, challenges, etc.

The original pedaling movement exists of pushing and pulling the pedal. Researches have shown that the muscle activity for each stroke can be increased by combining the pedaling with the vibration. See research results for various muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes) in each crank position.

All studies on the effect of the powerBIKE™ have been run by the University of Greenwich.

They showed effects of BIKE™ on the cardio-vascular and pulmonary response and on cyclical muscle activation patterns as well as physiological responses during maximal incremental cycling test on the powerBIKE™.

Outline data


 * maximum payload: 150 kg


 * measurements: 104 cm long and 56 cm wide


 * maximum height of handlebar: 103 cm


 * maximum height of saddle: 113 cm


 * change of resistance: cadence-related; 60 rpm ~ 20 Hz, 70 rpm ~ 23.3 Hz, 80 rpm ~ 26.7 Hz and 90 rpm 30 Hz
 * weight: bike skeleton 55 kg plus flywheel 10.5 kg


 * energy data: 220~230V


 * colour: silver


 * expected date to be launched in Australia: 2013
 * date launched in Germany: spring 2012

Exact information about the technological set up can not be found in the literature and via internet research. As well Power Plate® Australia can not provide detailed information either as the powerBIKE™ isn’t launched yet in Australia.

References and cited websites

http://www.powerbike.com

http://www.powerbike.com/ultimate-home-gym/what-is-it

http://www.powerbike.com/ultimate-home-gym/why-make-it

http://www.powerbike.com/ultimate-home-gym/features-benefits

http://www.powerbike.com/ultimate-home-gym/technology

http://www.powerbike.com/experience-it

http://www.powerbike.com/research

http://www.powerplate.com

http://www.powerplate.com/au/proven-results

http://www.powerplate.com/au/benefits

http://powerplate.de/Produkte/power-plate-powerbike.html

http://powerplate.de/Webshop.html http://powerplate.de/uber-Power-Plate/geschichte.html http://www.ic-pro.org/en

http://www.ic-pro.org/en/virtual

http://www.ic-pro.org/assets/frontend/pdfs/en/virtual/myride.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emFiyhw7RgA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM29zn38-xc

http://bicyclingaustralia.com.au/2012/power-bike