The Effects Of A 10-week Whole-body Vibration Program On Balance And Lower Body Muscular Strength In Adult Women.

Abstract

: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of whole-body vibration on balance, lower body muscular strength, and bone mineral density in women. The study was comprised of two groups: whole body vibration (WBV, n = 19) and control (CON, n = 16). Both groups completed a 10-week WBV program. The WBV group received a vibratory stimulus while performing lower extremity exercises. The CON group performed the same protocol without vibration. Data were collected on balance, muscular strength and bone mineral density. Two, factorial MANOVAs were used to analyze the data with a significance level of .05. Isometric strength of the quadriceps increased significantly for both groups. The improvement in strength was significantly greater in the WBV group (pre: 128.7 ± 50.8 ft•lb, post: 157.7 ± 51.9 ft•lb) compared to the control group (pre: 129.3 ± 33.9 ft•lb, post: 136.5 ± 33.8 ft•lb). No significant differences were observed between the groups for any other variables. Both groups showed significant improvements over time in the adaptation test (WBV pre: 61.53 ± 3.28 deg/s, post: 52.74 ± 3.37 deg/s; CON pre: 68.19 ± 3.6 deg/s, post: 65.44 ± 3.67 deg/s) and the rising index of the sit-to-stand test (WBV pre: 29.32 ± 9.2 %BW, post: 31.32 ±10.5 %BW; CON pre: 29.81 ± 9.4 %BW, post: 33.3 ± 7.9 %BW). In conclusion, adding WBV to a lower extremity exercise program appears to improve lower body muscular strength.