{"id":69516,"date":"2026-01-29T23:36:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T02:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.einnews.com\/article\/887807803"},"modified":"2026-01-29T23:36:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T02:36:16","slug":"new-vibration-technology-helps-fond-du-lac-seniors-improve-strength-and-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/new-vibration-technology-helps-fond-du-lac-seniors-improve-strength-and-balance\/","title":{"rendered":"New vibration technology helps Fond du Lac seniors improve strength and balance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WBAY) – The Fond du Lac Senior Center is the first in the nation to offer a new vibration therapy device to improve balance, strength, and prevent falls.<\/p>\n

The device comes from a Sheboygan-based medical tech company called Vibetech<\/a>, giving seniors in Fond du Lac a boost without breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n

Karen Vogds has neuropathy, a condition that can cause numbness and weakness. After just a few sessions on the Vibetech 3, she says she\u2019s already feeling a difference.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I used it, I was like \u2018Oh,\u2019 and I went home and was like \u2018Oh, ok, this is kind of nice,\u2019\u201d Vogds said. \u201cI\u2019m signed up for the rest of this month, and then we will see what goes from there. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll probably do more. But I know a lot of people are interested, so I might lose my spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The machine uses gentle vibrations to activate muscles without strain. Just ten minutes can help improve strength, balance, and reduce pain.<\/p>\n

Technology born from space research<\/b><\/p>\n

Vibetech founder and CEO Jeff Leismer first developed the technology to help astronauts stay strong in space. The concept began during his master\u2019s research at Michigan Tech, where he studied ways to increase bone density for astronauts in zero-gravity, addressing one of the biggest challenges of long-duration spaceflight.<\/p>\n

The company started in 2007, went full-time in 2010, and continues expanding manufacturing and availability in the U.S. and internationally.<\/p>\n

Leismer developed robotic leg-press equipment that uses therapeutic vibrations to involuntarily contract muscles, replicating the natural impact vibrations we get from walking or running. He realized the technology could also benefit older adults and people with limited mobility, providing \u201cexercise without effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe designed the robotics so that you can just put your feet on this device, and it will automatically start vibrating and resisting your push so it meets you right where you\u2019re at,\u201d Leismer said. \u201cIf you can push harder, it will meet you there, and it will move back and adjust its position accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, Vibetech devices are helping more than 30,000 people with limited mobility here on Earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started to focus on people in long-term care, in the nursing home, who might not be able to get out of their bed, even,\u201d Leismer said. \u201cThey\u2019re able to prevent different problems from happening just by coming in and getting access to movement and exercise, the resistance and those vibrations that are critical to our well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n

FDA-approved device shows promising results<\/b><\/p>\n

Vibetech\u2019s latest version is wheelchair accessible, portable, and automatically adjusts resistance and vibration to the user, making it safe and personalized. The device is FDA-listed as a Class I medical device, meeting safety standards and allowing for insurance billing codes.<\/p>\n

The device has shown results like restoring strength, improving balance, and reversing mobility decline in seniors\u2014even those with severe conditions like diabetic neuropathy or post-chemotherapy weakness.<\/p>\n

Leismer emphasizes that the device replicates natural mechanical forces, is gentle yet effective, and uniquely provides meaningful physical activity to those who cannot otherwise exercise.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy breaking down those barriers to physical activity, we\u2019re increasing strength, we\u2019re improving balance, we\u2019re improving circulation, sensation, reducing pain, and things that prevent people from doing other physical activities,\u201d Leismer said. \u201cWe\u2019re getting rid of those, and we\u2019re allowing people to now get back on their feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Senior center embraces new wellness approach<\/b><\/p>\n

Cathy Loomans, director of the Fond du Lac Senior Center, first learned about Vibetech when a representative stopped by to discuss falls prevention and wellness for older adults. The center hosted a demo during Falls Prevention Month in September, letting members try the device, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur people are really engaged in staying well,\u201d Loomans said. \u201cThey want to know what they do to proactively stay healthy, physically, mentally, cognitively, emotionally, and so this is just one of those other tools in our box of what we can offer to help people do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since then, the center has made the Vibetech 3 machine available to the community for free, no matter what, with appointments lasting 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a sign-up, so people pick the time that comes best for them,\u201d Loomans said. \u201cWe have appointments scheduled every 12 minutes so that we can just keep it moving and get as many people in as we can on any given day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The center has already seen early success stories, including reduced pain, improved mobility, and greater confidence in everyday activities. The device was purchased by the Friends of the Fond du Lac Senior Center, a local nonprofit, and has been in use since January 16.<\/p>\n

Loomans says the machine is one of many ways to promote wellness and longevity in the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cFalls are the leading cause of death for older adults in Wisconsin, and if we can just take a bite of that and start helping our community age well, and that\u2019s mission accomplished for us,\u201d Loomans said.<\/p>\n

Loomans emphasizes that offering this technology aligns with the center\u2019s mission to help seniors age well and enjoy the \u201cgift of longevity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s kind of like somebody got a new car, and everybody wants to check it out,\u201d Vogds said.<\/p>\n

The Fond du Lac Senior Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 WBAY. All rights reserved.<\/i><\/p>\n

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