Acute Effects of Dynamic and Static Whole Body Vibration on Power Output

Abstract

It has been shown that chronic whole body vibration (WBV) platform training can be used to improve muscular strength and power, flexibility, and balance. However, the effects of WBV applied during full-body, dynamic movement, has not been adequately examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to contrast the acute effects of a dynamic vibrating climber with those produced with static standing on a WBV platform. METHODS: Nineteen recreationally-active subjects (9 male, 10 female) volunteered to participate in this study. Following familiarization, subjects participated in three study conditions followed by a series of jumping assessments. The study conditions included 1) standing on a WBV platform (PLAT), 2) climbing a vibrating exercise device (CLIM), and 3) control condition (CON). All treatments conditions were 10 minutes in duration with PLAT and CLIM performed in one minute work and recovery intervals. The three conditions were applied in randomized order with one week between sessions. Immediately following each treatment, three maximal efforts of three different jumps were performed including static jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), and 41 cm drop jump (DJ) for a total of nine jumps. An Axon Jump Mat (v. 4.0) connected to a laptop computer provided measurements of jump height, flight time, and take-off speed. Approximately one minute separated each jump and the highest jump was recorded as the score of each type of jump. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected between conditions for SJ. However, PLAT and CLIM produced significantly greater CMJ and DJ height compared with CON (p's<0.05) with no significant differences between CMJ and DJ. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic WBV climbing appears to produce acute enhancement of CMJ and DJ height similar to those produced with WBV platforms, thus providing a useful means for an immediate increase in power production. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recreationally-active subjects, and perhaps athletes, may use dynamic WBV climbing as a means to enhance power output prior to participation in vigorous athletic training or competition.