Vibration Platform Stretching Increases ROM Acutely, With No Long-term Effect In Junior Olympic Women’S Gymnasts

Abstract

Flexibility, particularly range of motion (ROM) of the hips, is critical for gymnasts’ performance. Despite consistent flexibility training, many competitive gymnasts still need greater ROM. PURPOSE: To investigate the acute and chronic effects of vibration platform (VP) flexibility training on ROM at the hips in the middle split position. METHODS: Participants included 18 female gymnasts aged 7-16 years competing in JO level 6. Gymnasts were paired according to baseline ROM then randomly assigned to either the VP treatment group or the control group. The control group continued normal team stretching at the end of every practice, four days per week. The treatment group substituted standard stretching for VP stretching twice per week. ROM was measured after a single one-minute VP treatment and after 10 weeks of VP treatment. Prior to each measurement gymnasts completed a standard team warm-up including active ROM exercises. Measurements were taken using Myomotion inertial sensors placed on the lateral aspect of the distal femurs and overlaying the sacrum. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of training, the VP group’s ROM increased by 8.4 (±5.5) degrees (p=0.002), while the control group’s ROM increased by 5.8 (±8.0) degrees (p=0.064). There was no significant difference between groups (p=0.435). A single VP treatment increased ROM by 3.6 (±7.3) degrees (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant, although temporary, improvement in ROM after a single VP treatment. However, VP stretching does not appear to be a viable training option to improve ROM beyond standard stretching over time in child and adolescent female JO gymnasts.