Some consider that heart vibration acts reflexly and others that it acts directly. On the blood vessels it causes contraction and rise of blood-pressure according to Bjorksten, Zander, Bechterew, and Colombo, which according to some is followed by a dilatation and fall of blood pressure. The writer finds that it may raise or lower blood-pressure. Bechterew and Tschigajew by vibrating the whole body induced sleepiness in about a quarter of an hour. The vibrating casque of Charcot has been extensively used in France to promote sleep.
Vibration diminishes pain.
Buchheim obtained stimulatory effects on the sympathetic and vagus in the neck according to the site of application. Cyriax has probably compiled the most exhaustive summary extant on the effects of the Kellgren method of manual vibration. The same effects have been verified in many instances by the writer with mechanical vibration.