Nearly Three Times the Visceral Fat Reduction With Power Plate vs Conventional Fitness

A University of Antwerp study published in Obesity Facts examined what happens when adults with overweight or obesity combine a calorie-restricted diet with supervised Power Plate exercise.

Researchers measured visceral fat—the fat surrounding internal organs—using CT scans.

After six months, the average reduction in visceral fat area was:

• Diet + Power Plate: 47.8 cm²
• Diet + conventional fitness training: 17.6 cm²
• Diet alone: 24.3 cm²

The Power Plate group achieved approximately 2.7 times the reduction measured in the conventional fitness group. Six months later, its reduction remained almost unchanged at 47.7 cm², compared with 1.6 cm² for conventional fitness and 7.5 cm² for diet alone. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov⁠)

This was a small, preliminary study: 61 participants completed it, and the Power Plate program included supervised exercises such as squats and lunges alongside dietary changes. But the finding was striking: the Power Plate group had the largest measured reduction in visceral fat and maintained that reduction at the one-year assessment.(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov⁠)

How Was This Study Performed?

Protocol and Power Plate movements from the Vissers et al. (2010) University of Antwerp study (Obesity Facts).⁠Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

This was a randomized controlled trial with a 6-month intervention plus a 6-month no-intervention follow-up. Of 79 overweight/obese adults enrolled (mostly women), 61 completed it. Participants were randomized into four groups: control (no intervention), hypocaloric diet only (DIET), diet + conventional fitness (FITNESS), and diet + whole-body vibration (VIBRATION/Power Plate). Visceral fat area was measured by CT scan at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.⁠Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

Diet Component (All Intervention Groups)

An individually calculated calorie-restricted (hypocaloric) diet. Dietitian visits occurred every two weeks for the first three months and monthly thereafter. Participants in the Power Plate group were instructed not to do aerobic exercise during the 6-month intervention.⁠Eurekalert

Power Plate (WBV) Protocol

Supervised group training on a Power Plate platform (Power Plate, Badhoevendorp, the Netherlands), led by a physiotherapist to ensure proper form. Sessions were performed approximately three times per week.⁠Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

Key progressive parameters:

• Frequency: gradually increased from 30 → 35 → 40 Hz.
• Amplitude: low to high.
• Exercise duration: progressed from 30 s → 45 s → 60 s per exercise.
• Number of exercises: increased from 10 to 22.
• Rest between exercises equaled the work time (1:1 work:rest ratio).
• Mean total exercise (vibration) time per session: 11.9 minutes in the first 3 months, rising to 14.2 minutes in the second 3 months.

Progression structure:

• First 3 months: primarily static exercises (isometric holds in which joint angles and muscle length stay constant during the vibration).
• Next 3 months: exercises performed dynamically (with movement).

Exercises targeted all major muscle groups. Typical movements included:

• Squatting and deep squatting
• Lunges
• Calf raises
• Push-ups
• Abdominal crunches / curl-ups
• And similar bodyweight or platform-based moves for upper and lower body.⁠Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

The program was progressive in intensity, variety, and volume each week under supervision. After the 6-month intervention, participants were advised to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle on their own (with bi-monthly dietitian check-ins) for the follow-up period.

Results Recap (Visceral Fat Area)

• Diet + Power Plate: −47.8 cm² at 6 months; −47.7 cm² at 12 months.
• Diet + conventional fitness: −17.6 cm² at 6 months; −1.6 cm² at 12 months.
• Diet alone: −24.3 cm² at 6 months; −7.5 cm² at 12 months.

Only the Power Plate and conventional fitness groups maintained ≥5% body-weight loss long-term; the Power Plate group showed the largest and most sustained visceral-fat reduction. The authors described the findings as preliminary and noted that WBV may offer an efficient alternative or addition to traditional resistance-style training when combined with caloric restriction, while emphasizing that diet and overall activity remain essential.⁠Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

This protocol was short-duration (roughly 12–15 minutes of actual vibration time), fully supervised, progressive, and focused on multi-joint lower- and upper-body moves performed first statically then dynamically on the vibrating platform.