Acute Effects Of Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Trunk Muscle Functioning in Young Healthy Adults

The purpose of this study was to explore the immediate effects of different frequencies of whole-body vibration (WBV) on the performance of trunk muscles of healthy young adults. A group of 30 healthy subjects (15 men; 15 women; age, 26.8 ± 3.74 years; body mass index, 21.9 ± 1.802) participated in the study. Each subject received 3 sessions of vibration exercise with different exercise parameters with frequencies of 25 Hz and 40 Hz and sham stimulation in a random order on different days. Before and after each WBV exercise session, subjects were assessed for trunk muscle strength/endurance tests and trunk proprioception tests. There was a significant increase in trunk extensor strength (p ≤ 0.05) after low-frequency (25 Hz) WBV exercise, but high-frequency (40 Hz) vibration exercise had resulted in a significant decrease in trunk extensor endurance (p ≤ 0.05). Statistical gender difference (p = 0.04) was found for trunk extensor endurance with lower WBV training. No change was noted in the trunk proprioception with different frequencies of WBV. In conclusions, the immediate response of the body to WBV was different for low and high frequencies. Low-frequency vibration enhanced trunk extensor strength, but high-frequency vibration would decrease endurance of the trunk extensor muscles. Males are more sensitive than females in trunk extensor endurance for lower frequency WBV exposure. These results indicated that short-term WBV with low frequency was effective to improve trunk extensor strength in healthy adults, and that could be helpful for relevant activities of trunk extensor performing and preventing sport injury.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on the Motor Function of Patients with Stroke

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole-body vibration on the motor function of patients with stroke. The present investigation was a randomized clinical trial studying 43 individuals with hemiparesis after stroke, with 33 subjects allocated to the intervention group and 10 subjects allocated to the control group. The intervention group was subjected to one session of vibration therapy (frequency of 50 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm) comprising four 1-min series with 1-min rest intervals between series in three body positions: bipedal stances with the knees flexed to 30 degrees and 90 degrees and a unipedal stance on the paretic limb. The analytical tests were as follows: simultaneous electromyography of the affected and unaffected tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles bilaterally in voluntary isometric contraction; the Six-Minute Walk Test; the Stair-Climb Test; and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test. The data were analyzed by independent and paired t tests and by analysis of covariance. There was no evidence of effects on the group and time interaction relative to variables affected side rectus femoris, unaffected side rectus femoris, affected side tibialis anterior, unaffected side tibialis anterior, and the Stair-Climb Test (P > 0.05). There was evidence of effects on the group interaction relative to variables Six-Minute Walk Test and Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test (P < 0.05). Whole-body vibration contributed little to improve the functional levels of stroke patients.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on running gait in marathon runners

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single bout of whole-body vibration (WBV) on running gait. The running kinematic of sixteen male marathon runners was assessed on a treadmill at iso-efficiency speed after 10 min of WBV and SHAM (i.e. no WBV) conditions. A high-speed camera (210 Hz) was used for the video analysis and heart rate (HR) was also monitored. The following parameters were investigated: step length (SL), flight time (FT), step frequency (SF), contact time (CT), HR and the internal work (WINT). Full-within one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the randomised crossover design indicated that when compared to SHAM conditions, WBV decreased the SL and the FT by ~4% (P < 0.0001) and ~7.2% (P < 0.001), respectively, and increased the SF ~4% (P < 0.0001) while the CT was not changed. This effect occurred during the first minute of running: the SL decreased ~3.5% (P < 0.001) and SF increased ~3.3% (P < 0.001). During the second minute the SL decreased ~1.2% (P = 0.017) and the SF increased ~1.1% (P = 0.02). From the third minute onwards, there was a return to the pre-vibration condition. The WINT was increased by ~4% (P < 0.0001) during the WBV condition. Ten minutes of WBV produced a significant alteration of the running kinematics during the first minutes post exposure. These results provide insights on the effects of WBV on the central components controlling muscle function.

The Acute Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Repeated Shuttle-Running in Young Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA). Seventeen male soccer players (16.71±0.47 y) performed three RSA tests (Randomized crossover study design). The second RSA test was done with WBV (RSA2) to assess the effect of WBV. The studied variables were: best time (BT), worst time (WT), total time (TT), the fatigue index (FI) of RSA, and post-test blood lactate (BLa). ANOVA with repeated measures showed no differences between RSA1 and RSA3, while there were significant differences in all variables studied. TT= [RSA2 0.93% and 1.68% lower than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively; p<0.05], BLa= [RSA2 16.97% and 14.73% greater than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively; p<0.001], WT= [RSA2 1.90% and 2.93% lower than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively; p<0.01], and FI = [RSA2 30.64% and 40.15% lower than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively; p<0.0001]. When comparing individual sprints, WBV showed a significant effect at the 5th sprint: RSA2 2.29% and 2.95% lower than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively (p<0.005), while at the 6th sprint: RSA2 2.75% and 4.09% lower than RSA1 and RSA3 respectively; p<0.005. In conclusion, when applying WBV during the recovery periods of Repeated Sprint Ability efforts, most of the performance variables improved.

Acute effects of whole body vibration on directionality and reaction time latency of trunk muscles: The importance of rest and implications for spine stability

Workplace exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) has been identified as one of the major physical risk factors encountered by the population. There are indications that, subsequent to a perturbation, impaired reflex response could allow for destabilization of the spine, possibly leading to injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate if WBV alters reflex response of trunk muscles and if the direction of perturbation (flexion or extension or lateral) and delay between exposure and perturbation influences the response. The results indicate that EMG latency was increased more in the vibration condition than in sitting without vibration. Significant effects with respect to directionality were observed in Erector Spinae muscles. The EMG latency reduced from the effect of perturbation after a 20s rest period. Even though the EMG latency did not fully return to its Pre-test state, the present results still show that recovery from the acute effects of WBV is possible with a rest period.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on testosterone responses in the athlete and non athlete

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on testosterone responses in the athlete and non athlete

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Jump Force and Jump Rate of Force Development: A Comparative Study of Different Devices

The goal of this study was to compare the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) delivered by 3 devices with different mechanical behavior on jump force (JF) and jump rate of force development (JRFD). Twelve healthy persons (4 women and 8 men; age 30.5 ± 8.8 years; height 178.6 ± 7.3 cm; body mass 74.8 ± 9.7 kg) were exposed to WBV for 15 and 40 seconds using 2 professional devices (power plate [PP; vertical vibration] and Galileo 2000 [GA; oscillatory motion around the horizontal axis in addition to vertical vibration]) and a home-use device [Power Maxx, PM; horizontal vibration]). The JF and JRFD were evaluated before, immediately after, and 5 minutes after WBV. The JF measured immediately after 40 seconds of vibration by the GA device was reduced (3%, p = 0.05), and JRFD measured after 5 minutes of rest after 40 seconds of vibration by the PM device was reduced (12%, p < 0.05) compared with the baseline value. The acute effects of WBV (15 or 40 seconds) on JF and JRFD were not significantly different among the 3 devices. In conclusion, our hypothesis that WBV devices with different mechanical behaviors would result in different acute effects on muscle performance was not confirmed.

Whole‐body vibration does not influence knee joint neuromuscular function or proprioception

This study examined the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on knee joint position sense and indices of neuromuscular function, specifically strength, electromechanical delay and the rate of force development. Electromyography and electrically evoked contractions were used to investigate neural and contractile responses to WBV. Fourteen healthy males completed two treatment conditions on separate occasions: (1) 5 × 1 min of unilateral isometric squat exercise on a synchronous vibrating platform [30 Hz, 4 mm peak-to-peak amplitude] (WBV) and (2) a control condition (CON) of the same exercise without WBV. Knee joint position sense (joint angle replication task) and quadriceps neuromuscular function were assessed pre-, immediately-post and 1 h post-exercise. During maximum voluntary knee extensions, the peak force (PF(V)), electromechanical delay (EMD(V)), rate of force development (RFD(V)) and EMG of the quadriceps were measured. Twitch contractions of the knee extensors were electrically evoked to assess EMD(E) and RFD(E). The results showed no influence of WBV on knee joint position, EMD(V), PF(V) and RFD(V) during the initial 50, 100 or 150 ms of contraction. Similarly, electrically evoked neuromuscular function and neural activation remained unchanged following the vibration exercise. A single session of unilateral WBV did not influence any indices of thigh muscle neuromuscular performance or knee joint proprioception.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on trunk muscles in young healthy adults

Little is known about the impact of whole body vibration (WBV) training on trunk muscles. Thus, this study investigated the acute effects of WBV on back and abdominal muscle activity. Twenty-five healthy subjects (24.7±3.0years, 17 men) conducted eight common static exercises for the back and abdominal muscles in a random order on a vibration platform, with and without vibration. Surface EMG was measured from back and abdominal muscles. Vibration-induced motion artefacts were removed from the EMG signal. Muscle activity with and without vibration was normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and compared. The addition of vibration resulted in significant increases in muscle activity particularly in the exercises for the abdominal muscles of up to 7.2±5.5% MVC (median±semi-interquartile range). In the back muscles, the largest difference by adding vibration was 1.6±1.4% MVC (median±semi-interquartile range). The results of this study indicate a low to moderate increase in trunk muscle activation due to WBV. Presumably, this effect might depend on the distance from the corresponding muscle to the vibration platform and on how much the exercise position challenges body balance. However, the relevance of these findings has to be further investigated in training studies.

Acute whole-body vibration does not affect static jump performance

Currently, whole-body vibration is being used to promote enhanced performance. Many coaches and athletes believe that it can acutely enhance explosive performance and power output. However, the scientific literature is unclear as to whether this enhancement occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of whole-body vibration on static jump performance, including jump height, peak force, rate of force development, and peak power. Fourteen recreationally active individuals (5 females, 9 males) participated in three separate randomized treatment sessions. Treatment 1 consisted of no vibration while treatment 2 and treatment 3 incorporated whole-body vibration. The whole-body vibration protocol consisted of three 30-s bouts of vibration performed at 30 Hz and low amplitude (~3 mm) with a 30-s rest between bouts. Treatment 1 was identical in duration to both treatments 2 and 3, but did not contain any vibration. Five minutes after each treatment, the participants performed the static jump protocols. Two (data averaged) non-weighted static jumps and two 20 kg weighted jumps were performed. Treatments 1 vs. 2, 1 vs. 3, and 2 vs. 3 were calculated for each variable at both 0 kg and 20 kg. Jump height, peak force, rate of force development, and peak power were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. The intra-class correlations comparing the two trials of each jump for each of the three treatments were ≥0.92. Compared with the no-vibration condition, jump height showed a non-significant increase as a result of whole-body vibration for both unweighted and weighted jumps; peak force, rate of force development, and peak power were not statistically different. The results indicate that whole-body vibration has no effect on jump height, peak force, rate of force development or peak power during static jumping.

The Acute Effect of Whole-Body Low-Frequency Vibration on Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance in College-Aged Men

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of whole-body vibration on jump performance. A total of 21 college-aged men, 18-30 years, recreationally resistance trained, were exposed to a total of 4 different acute whole-body low-frequency vibration (WBLFV) protocols (conditions 1-4), performing 2 protocols per testing session in random order. Exposures were all performed using high-amplitude (peak-peak 4-6 mm) and either 30 or 50 Hz for 30 continuous seconds, or 3 exposures of 10 seconds with 1 minute between exposures. Three countermovement vertical jumps (CMVJs) were performed before vibration (testing phase 1 or Tp1 and J1 the highest of 3 attempts) and at 3 separate time points postvibration (Tp2-4). Jump height (cm), peak power (Pmax), peak power per kilogram of body mass (Pmax kg), mean power (Pav), and mean velocity (Vav) were recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance revealed no significant condition (C) or jump (J) differences for CMVJ height (cm) (p > 0.05). Analysis of percent change (Δ%) for CMVJ height (cm) revealed a significant Condition × Jump interaction, C4, J3 > C1, J3 (p = 0.009, mean diff 4.12%). Analysis of Pmax and Pmax kg revealed no significant Condition, Jump, or Condition × Jump interaction for the raw data or percent change (p > 0.05). Analysis of Pav (W) revealed significant differences for Condition (p = 0.031) but not for Jump (p = 0.226). There was a strong trend toward significance for Condition × Jump interaction (p = 0.059). C4 > C3 (p = 0.043, mean diff 23.78 W) and C1 (p = 0.038, mean diff 32.03 W). Analysis of Vav (m·s) revealed no significant main effects for Condition or Jump (p > 0.05) but found a significant Condition × Jump interaction (p = 0.007). C4, J6 > C2, J6 (p = 0.014, mean diff 0.05 m·s), and C3, J6 (p = 0.020, 0.05 m·s). WBLFV applied intermittently using 50 Hz appears to be more effective than other protocols using 30 and 50 Hz in facilitating select measures of CMVJ performance over a 17-minute time period post-WBLFV exposure. Practical manipulation of such a WBLFV "dose" may be beneficial to strength and conditioning practitioners wanting to acutely facilitate CMVJ and slow stretch shortening cycle performance while minimizing exposure time.

Acute effects of whole‐body vibration on peak isometric torque, muscle twitch torque and voluntary muscle activation of the knee extensors

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) with a static squat on resting muscle twitch torque, peak isometric torque and voluntary muscle activation of the knee extensors during an isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Twenty-four healthy, strength-trained males were recruited for this randomized, cross-over design investigation. The WBV treatment consisted of three sets of 60 s of vibration (30 Hz, +/-4 mm) while standing in a semi-squat position. Voluntary muscle activation, peak isometric torque during MVC and resting muscle twitch torque (RTT) through percutaneous femoral nerve stimulation were obtained before and following the treatment. Change in peak isometric torque, voluntary muscle activation and the RTT were calculated as the difference between pre- and post-treatment values. There was no observable post-activation potentiation of muscle twitch torque or enhancement in voluntary muscle activation or peak isometric torque. However, decreases in the peak isometric torque (P=0.0094) and voluntary muscle activation (P=0.0252) were significantly smaller post WBV interventions compared with the control treatment. Based on the current data, it is unclear whether or not this was attributable to the effects of WBV but further research into this possibility is warranted.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Counter Movement Jump, Timed One-Legged Stance, Timed Get-Up-and-Go, and Sit-and-Reach Tests.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Counter Movement Jump, Timed One-Legged Stance, Timed Get-Up-and-Go, and Sit-and-Reach Tests.

Acute Effects of Various Whole-Body Vibration Frequencies on Lower-Body Power in Trained and Untrained Subjects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) with different vibration frequencies on power production during squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with submaximal external loads in strength trained and untrained subjects. Subjects were randomly exposed to WBV with frequencies of 20, 35, or 50 Hz (amplitude: 3 mm), or no vibration. Peak average power during SJ and CMJ was assessed on a Smith machine while standing on a vibration platform. Both the trained and untrained group increased peak average power during SJ at an WBV frequency of 50 Hz (6.8 +/- 1.9 and 7.3 +/- 1.7%, respectively; p < 0.05). This increase was larger than in the other test conditions, in which no changes occurred (p < 0.05). Untrained subjects increased peak average power during CMJ with 4.4 +/- 1.3% (p < 0.05) while vibrating at a frequency of 50 Hz, but there was no difference for the strength trained subjects. Furthermore, there was no difference in peak average power in CMJ and SJ while vibrating at frequencies of 20 and 35 Hz compared with no vibration in either of the groups. In conclusion, WBV with a frequency of 50 Hz increases peak average power in both trained and untrained subjects, whereas vibration frequencies of 20 and 35 Hz do not have this effect. Thus, if the purpose of using WBV is to increase the stimulus to the neuromuscular system to a greater extent than traditional explosive strength/power training, the WBV frequency should be 50 Hz and the exercises should be explosive and submaximally loaded (like traditional explosive strength/power training).

Acute Enhancement of Lower-Extremity Dynamic Strength and Flexibility with Whole-Body Vibration

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on muscular strength, flexibility, and heart rate (HR). Twenty adults (10 men, 10 women) untrained to WBV participated in the study. All subjects completed assessment of lower-extremity isokinetic torque, flexibility, and HR immediately before and after 6 minutes of WBV and 6 minutes of leg cycling ergometry (CYL), in randomized order. During WBV, subjects stood upright on a vibration platform for a total of 6 minutes. Vibration frequency was gradually increased during the first minute to a frequency of 26 Hz, which was maintained for the remaining 5 minutes. During CYL, power output was gradually increased to 50 W during the first minute and maintained at that power output for the remaining 5 minutes. Lower-extremity flexibility was determined using the sit-and-reach box test. Peak and average isokinetic torque of knee extension and flexion were measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer with velocity fixed at 120 degrees .s. Change scores for the outcome measures were compared between treatments using Student's paired t-tests. Analysis revealed significantly greater HR acceleration with CYL (24.7 bpm) than after WBV (15.8 bpm). The increase of sit-and-reach scores after WBV (4.7 cm) was statistically greater (p < 0.05) than after CYL (0.8 cm). After WBV, increases in peak and average isokinetic torque of knee extension, 7.7% and 9.6%, were statistically greater than after CYL (p < 0.05). Average torque of knee flexion also increased more with WBV (+7.8%) than with CYL (-1.5%) (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that short-term WBV standing elicits acute enhancements of lower-extremity muscular torque and flexibility, suggesting the application of this technology as a preparatory activity before more intense exercise.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Lower Extremity Muscle Performance in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a relatively new form of exercise training that may influence muscle performance. This study investigated the acute effects of high- (26 Hz) and low- (2 Hz) frequency WBV on isometric muscle torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings in persons with multiple sclerosis. Fifteen individuals (mean age = 54.6 years, SD = 9.6) with multiple sclerosis and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranging from 0 to 6.5 (mean = 4.2, SD = 2.3) participated in this randomized, crossover study. After baseline measures of isometric quadriceps and hamstring muscle torque, subjects were exposed to 30 seconds of WBV at either 2 or 26 Hz. Torque values were measured again at one, 10, and 20 minutes after vibration. Subjects returned one week later to repeat the same protocol at the alternate vibration frequency. There were no significant differences in isometric torque production between the 2- and 26-Hz WBV conditions. There was also no significant difference between baseline torque values and those measured at one, 10, and 20 minutes after either vibration exposure. However, there was a consistent trend of higher torque values after the 26-Hz WBV when compared with the 2-Hz condition for both quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Although not statistically significant, peak torque values for both quadriceps and hamstring muscles were consistently higher after 30 seconds of WBV at 26 vs 2 Hz. Whether WBV presents a viable treatment option as either a warm-up activity or a long-term exercise intervention is yet to be determined. Future studies should include a wider variety of WBV parameters and the use of functional outcome measures.

A laboratory study to quantify the biomechanical responses to whole-body vibration: The influence on balance, reflex response, muscular activity and fatigue

To determine the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on the sensorimotor system and potentially on the stability of the spine, different biomechanical responses were tested before and after 60 min of sitting, with and without vertical WBV, on four different days. Postures adopted while sitting and the simulated WBV exposure corresponded to large mining load haul dump (LHD) vehicles as measured in the field. Twelve males performed trials of standing balance on a force plate and a sudden loading perturbation test to assess back muscle reflex response, using surface electromyography (EMG). This latter test also allowed to assess if any muscle fatigue occurred as a result of the exposure. First of all, it was shown that back muscle activity while sitting with vibration was significantly higher as compared to back muscle activity while sitting with no vibration. However, WBV per se elicited very few effects on the other outcome variables and thus not supporting our hypothesis that WBV had any effect on spinal stability. Though WBV may not have elicited any effects, new findings have emerged concerning the effect of sitting on muscle fatigue and balance. It was shown that sustaining trunk sitting postures corresponding to mining vehicle operators generate back muscle fatigue. Unexpectedly, standing balance was also improved. The possible explanations and relevance of these findings are discussed. Relevance to industry Occupational groups exposed to WBV while sitting are at increased risk for low back disorders. The results of this study do not support the possible injury pathway linking WBV and back pain via sensorimotor deficits. Unexpectedly, it appears that sitting per se may affect the sensorimotor system but this may only apply to sitting postures corresponding to driving mining vehicles.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Activity, Strength, and Power

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single bout of whole-body vibration on isometric squat (IS) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Nine moderately resistance-trained men were tested for peak force (PF) during the IS and jump height (JH) and peak power (PP) during the CMJ. Average integrated electromyography (IEMG) was measured from the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris muscles. Subjects performed the 2 treatment conditions, vibration or sham, in a randomized order. Subjects were tested for baseline performance variables in both the IS and CMJ, and were exposed to either a 30-second bout of whole-body vibration or sham intervention. Subjects were tested immediately following the vibration or sham treatment, as well as 5, 15, and 30 minutes posttreatment. Whole-body vibration resulted in a significantly higher (p < or = 0.05) JH during the CMJ immediately following vibration, as compared with the sham condition. No significant differences were observed in CMJ PP; PF during IS or IEMG of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, or biceps femoris during the CMJ; or IS between vibration and sham treatments. Whole-body vibration may be a potential warm-up procedure for increasing vertical JH. Future research is warranted addressing the influence of various protocols of whole-body vibration (i.e., duration, amplitude, frequency) on athletic performance.

Acute Effects Of Whole-body Vibration And Bicycle Ergometry On Muscular Strength And Flexibility

Warm-up activities are generally recommended for individuals in preparation of more strenuous physical activity. A relatively new form of training that may be a beneficial mode of warm-up is whole-body vibration (WBV), which is a neuromuscular training method designed to improve muscle strength and mobility. However, there is a lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials that delineate the acute effects of WBV and the underlying mechanisms associated with it. PURPOSE To compare the acute effects of WBV with bicycle ergometry (CYL) on lower body flexibility and muscular strength. METHODS Twenty apparently healthy persons (10 males, 10 females) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were exposed to two different treatment conditions, WBV, using a vibration platform (Galileo(tm) 2000, White Plains, NY), and CYL (Cateye EC-1600, Japan). Each condition was performed on separate days in randomized order with 24 to 48 hours between sessions. Immediately prior to and following the 6 min of WBV and CYL, the subjects participated in assessments of heart rate, lower extremity flexibility and strength. Pre- and post values of heart rate were recorded. Flexibility was determined using a sit-and-reach box test and peak torque was measured by means of a motor driven dynamometer. Change score values were compared between conditions (WBV, CYL) using a 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS Heart rate increase was significantly greater after the CYL treatment compared with WBV (24.7 ± 9.7, 15.8 ± 9.8 bpm p<0.05). Sit-and-reach change scores were significantly greater after the WBV treatment compared with CYL (4.7 ± 2.5 vs. 0.78 ± 1.4 cm, p<0.05), as were the average torque of knee flexion (4.8 ± 7.7 vs. −0.9 ± 7.2 Nm, p<0.05) and knee extension (8.8 ± 12.4 vs. −2.5 ± 6.4 Nm, p<0.05). Peak torque of leg extension increased 11.58 ± 12.2 Nm after WBV compared to a decrease of −1.04 ± 9.7 Nm after the CYL treatment. Peak torque of leg flexion increased more after WBV compared to CYL (4.15 ± 6.9 Nm vs. 0.025 ± 8.0 Nm), however this increase was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION The findings of this study reveal that a single, 6-minute session of WBV produced significant improvements of lower back-hip joint flexibility while significantly increasing force production of knee extension and flexion compared to a traditional bicycle ergometry warm-up.

Acute Effects Of Whole-body Vibration And Bicycle Ergometry On Muscular Strength And Flexibility

Warm-up activities are generally recommended for individuals in preparation of more strenuous physical activity. A relatively new form of training that may be a beneficial mode of warm-up is whole-body vibration (WBV), which is a neuromuscular training method designed to improve muscle strength and mobility. However, there is a lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials that delineate the acute effects of WBV and the underlying mechanisms associated with it. PURPOSE To compare the acute effects of WBV with bicycle ergometry (CYL) on lower body flexibility and muscular strength. METHODS Twenty apparently healthy persons (10 males, 10 females) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were exposed to two different treatment conditions, WBV, using a vibration platform (Galileo(tm) 2000, White Plains, NY), and CYL (Cateye EC-1600, Japan). Each condition was performed on separate days in randomized order with 24 to 48 hours between sessions. Immediately prior to and following the 6 min of WBV and CYL, the subjects participated in assessments of heart rate, lower extremity flexibility and strength. Pre- and post values of heart rate were recorded. Flexibility was determined using a sit-and-reach box test and peak torque was measured by means of a motor driven dynamometer. Change score values were compared between conditions (WBV, CYL) using a 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS Heart rate increase was significantly greater after the CYL treatment compared with WBV (24.7 ± 9.7, 15.8 ± 9.8 bpm p<0.05). Sit-and-reach change scores were significantly greater after the WBV treatment compared with CYL (4.7 ± 2.5 vs. 0.78 ± 1.4 cm, p<0.05), as were the average torque of knee flexion (4.8 ± 7.7 vs. −0.9 ± 7.2 Nm, p<0.05) and knee extension (8.8 ± 12.4 vs. −2.5 ± 6.4 Nm, p<0.05). Peak torque of leg extension increased 11.58 ± 12.2 Nm after WBV compared to a decrease of −1.04 ± 9.7 Nm after the CYL treatment. Peak torque of leg flexion increased more after WBV compared to CYL (4.15 ± 6.9 Nm vs. 0.025 ± 8.0 Nm), however this increase was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION The findings of this study reveal that a single, 6-minute session of WBV produced significant improvements of lower back-hip joint flexibility while significantly increasing force production of knee extension and flexion compared to a traditional bicycle ergometry warm-up.