The claim. Soloflex’s Whole Body Vibration (WBV) platform has an electric motor that spins an off-center weight, creating vibration you adjust with a dial. At press time, ads claimed that you can “stand still … and get a good workout”; do “all kinds of complementary exercises” while vibrating; and it “actually feels good.”

The check. Six people stood on the device for 5 minutes, at medium and high vibration, while a metabolic gas analyzer gauged the calories they burned (our measure of “a good workout”). Six other people performed three Pilates sessions on the board, two with vibration and one without. And we had three experts in the science of human movement assess the studies Soloflex cites to support its claims.

CR’s take. Take a pass. There was no significant increase in calories burned when standing on the vibrating board. Most users who did more than stand said the WBV didn’t enhance their workout. Some panelists said the board was too small--a few actually fell off. Some also complained of headaches, blurry vision, or back pain. Directions warn against use by people with medical conditions like congestive heart disease and joint implants.

There have been no published clinical trials of the Soloflex WBV platform, says Jerry Wilson, CEO of Soloflex, based in Oregon. At press time, even the research on its Web site involved competitors’ products and lab machines. Our experts said the cited studies provide no conclusive proof that users get a “good workout” simply by standing. Some research suggests that certain vibrating machines might help improve strength and balance, but our experts said it’s unclear whether the Soloflex would. Its vibration levels differ from those studied.

Some past WBV print ads have been “misleading and deceptive,” says Oregon’s attorney general, Hardy Myers. His investigation led to a settlement announced in October 2006. Without admitting wrongdoing, Soloflex agreed to pay an Oregon Department of Justice fund $100,000 ($25,000 of which will be suspended if the company meets all terms of the agreement).