The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Trunk Muscle Strength: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Mechanical vibration can improve neuromuscular function through postural control strategies, muscle tonic mechanisms, and tonic vibration reflexes. Whole body vibration (WBV) has also been announced to increase bone mineral density, muscle endurance and strength, as well as to enhance proprioceptive system. Moreover, WBV training was found to be a constructivestrategy for improving the physical performance of elite athletes and healthy individuals in terms of muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height. Although there is still no consensus in research in this area, it is argued that certainmolecular mechanisms involved in the physiological adaptations of exercise also emerge during WBV training. Clarifying these physiological mechanisms is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of WBV trainings. Previous studies have examined the effects of WBV and have indicated developments in muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, muscle cross sectional area, bone mineral density and body composition. However, no standard prescription has been established to optimize the effects of WBV, including the determination of vibration frequency and amplitude. In addition, the majority of previous studies have investigated the effects of WBV training on the extremities. There are few publications investigating its effectiveness on trunk and core musclestrength, which is one of the important indicators of athletic performance. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review of the literature, referring to the Cochrane Library and Medline databases, to summarize the most recent scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration on trunk muscle strength. This narrative review concludes that at least 8 weeks of WBV training is more effective on trunk muscle strength than those performing the same exercises without WBV.