Researchers in Japan have developed a body vibration machine that could help patients with fatty liver disease significantly improve their conditions by transmitting vertical and horizontal vibrations throughout their bodies, local media reported Tuesday.

The research, led by Junichi Shoda, professor of gastroenterological medicine at the University of Tsukuba, utilized a whole body vibration machine whose platform vibrates to a height of several mm 25-50 times per second, in addition to horizontally, which forces the muscles to contract and stretch, according to a report posted on the website of The Asahi Shimbun.

In the research, 30 men and women were asked to use the machine after their liver conditions did not improve, despite participating in regular exercise or diet therapy.

The subjects stood on the machine assuming more than 10 positions, including squatting, for a total of 20 minutes each time, twice a week.

After 12 weeks of the regimen, researchers found that their liver fat was reduced to nearly half on average.

"As the graying of society advances further, there will be many patients who cannot be treated with exercise therapy or other means," Shoda said. "We hope to continue with research that can provide an effective and safe alternative to treat such people."

Fatty liver is an ailment that creates an excess of fat around the liver, resulting from overeating and a lack of exercise. If left as is, the condition could develop into liver cirrhosis or hardening of the arteries. Patients can reduce the fat through regular exercise, such as jogging, but many fail to do so.