Is 20 Hz Whole-Body Vibration Training Better for Older Individuals than 40 Hz?

Abstract

In recent years, whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been used as a training method in health promotion. This study attempted to use WBV at three different frequencies (20, 30, and 40 Hz) with subjects from different age groups to analyze the activation of the rectus femoris muscle. The subjects included 47 females and 51 males with an average age of 45.1 ± 15.2 years. Results indicated significant differences in subjects from different age groups at 20 Hz WBV. Muscle contraction was greater in the subjects who were older (F(4,93) = 82.448, p < 0.001). However, at 30 Hz WBV, the difference was not significant (F(4,93) = 2.373, p = 0.058). At 40 Hz WBV, muscle contraction was less in the older subjects than in the younger subjects (F(4,93) = 18.025, p < 0.001). The spectrum analysis also indicated that at 40 Hz there was less muscle activity during WBV in the older subjects than in the younger ones. Therefore, age was found to have a significant effect on muscle activation during WBV at different frequencies. If the training is offered to elderly subjects, their neuromuscular responses to 20 Hz WBV will be more suitable than to 40 Hz WBV.