Examination of the effect of whole body vibration exercises on trunk endurance and dynamic balance in healthy young people: Randomized controlled study

Abstract

Whole body vibration exercises, defined as exercise applied to the body in contact with a vibrating platform, stimulate reflex muscle contractions and synchronize motor unit activation. This study was planned to investigate the effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercises on trunk endurance and dynamic balance in healthy young people. The study included 46 healthy subjects (mean age = 22.93 ± 1.04 years, 26 female, 20 male). Participants were randomly assigned to a exercise group ( n = 26) or a control group ( n = 20). Trunk endurance was evaluated using by Curl-Up and Biering Sorensen tests, and dynamic balance was assessed using Y Balance test. All assessments were performed at baseline and end of 3 weeks. Whole body vibration exercises lasted 3 weeks (3 sessions/week). No intervention was made to control group. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. When the groups are compared; significance were obtained in right anterior ( P = 0.000), left anterior ( P = 0.000) and left posteromedial ( P = 0.048) directions of Y balance test in favour of exercise group, the difference in the results of other evaluations was not significant ( P > 0.05). Whole body vibration exercises has had positive effects on dynamic balance in healthy young people. We recommend that the effect of long-term whole body vibration exercises on muscular endurance of the trunk is examined.