Effect of Vibration Intervention on Balance, Core Stability and Muscle Strength in Martial Arts Athletes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of vibration training(V)and control training(C)on balance, core stability and muscle strength in young martial arts athletes. METHODS: Fourteen athletes were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups:vibration group(V, n=7)and control group(C, n=7). Before and after the 12 weeks training, The SMART Balance Master system was used to measure scores in the limits of stability(LS): reaction time(RT), movement velocity(MVL), end point excursion(EPE), maximum excursion(MXE), and directional control(DCL). The core stability is evaluated by the performance of grade 8 abdominal bridge. Core muscle strength are indirectly evaluated by integrating electromyography (iEMG). Student t-tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS : MVL(1.37 deg/sec, P < 0.01),EPE(10.86%,P < 0.01),MXE(7.00%,P < 0.05),DCL(2.86% ,P < 0.05)in group V were significantly higher after the Vibration Intervention . EPE ( 8.86%,P < 0.01),MXE(4.43%,P < 0.01)in group C were higher after the control training . The percentage range was higher in group V(8.29%)than C(4.50%). No significant differences were found in LS between the groups at 12 weeks of follow up. The full score of grade 8 abdominal bridge was obtained in the vibration group, and the overall Range was higher in group C than group V(P < 0.01). The scoring of core stability also revealed no differences between the groups. In group V left rectus abdominis iEMG value(nearly 100% mV·s ,P < 0.01), left rectus femoris(0.71 mV·s,P<0.05) , left tibialis anterior ( 0.39 mV·s, P<0.05)were higher after 12 weeks training .In group C left rectus femoris ( 0.42 mV·s, P < 0.01), left tibialis anterior ( 0.12 mV·s ,P < 0.05) were higher after 12 weeks training . After 12 weeks training, the iEMG value of left tibialis anterior( 0.63 mV·s ,P < 0.01),right rectus abdominis ( 0.34 mV·s ,P < 0.05) in group V were higher than C. There were no significant differences in the right erector spinae, left Rectus abdominis, left rectus femoris, left erector spinae and left gluteus maximus between group V and C. CONCLUSION: Vibration training improved balance, core stability and muscle strength of movements in young martial arts athletes.