Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on 40-Meter Sprint Times

Abstract

Current literature suggests that brief exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) may enhance dynamic activities, such as sprint performance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of WBV exposure during a preconditioning activity on acute sprint performance. METHODS: 14 trained male track and field athletes (21 ± 3 yrs; 179.6 ± 4.6 cm; 80.1 ± 9.5 kg) participated in four trials separated by at least 48 hours of rest. Each trial consisted of a dynamic warm-up, followed by four 5 second bouts of running in place with high knees on a vibration platform with frequencies set either at 0 Hz (CON), 30 Hz, 40 Hz, or 50 Hz (with 30 seconds rest between each). The frequencies were randomized between the four trials for each subject. 40 m sprint performance was recorded one and four minutes following the final vibration exposure. Split times were recorded at 10, 20 and 40 m. A double MANOVA was utilized to evaluate the differences between sprint trials across all frequencies of WBV, and the differences between sprint trials. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the first and second sprints for 10, 20 and 40 m split times across all frequencies. In addition, no significant differences were found between sprinting times across all vibration bouts for 10, 20 and 40 m splits. CONCLUSION: Although the treatment did not produce any statistically significant findings, mean changes as small as 0.05 seconds (CON vs. 30Hz for 40 m #2) may have worthwhile implications for track and field athletes in competition. Perhaps WBV exposure would benefit sprints greater than 40 m. Varying the vibration exposure within each treatment may yield different results.Table 1: Sprint times (Mean ± SD)