Whole-body Vibration Platform Research Articles

Frequency Transmission of Oscillation from External Whole-Body Vibration Platform to the Larynx

PurposeThis study investigates (1) the presence of frequency transmission of oscillation from an external whole-body vibration (WBV) platform to the larynx; and (2) the factors that influence this frequency transmission. MethodsThirty participants (mean age = 22.3 years) with normal voice were exposed to four frequency-intensity levels of WBV (10 Hz-10%, 10 Hz-20%, 20 Hz-10%, 20 Hz-20%) and were instructed to produce the natural vowel /a/ three times during each WBV setting. The frequency was extracted from the middle one-second of each electroglottographic (EGG) signal after passing through a Hann band filter with a range of 6-24 Hz. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine the factors that influenced the absolute deviation of the frequency transmission. ResultsAll participants exhibit an extracted EGG frequency that aligns with the external WBV frequency, deviating by -0.6 to 1.2 Hz. The absolute deviation of WBV frequency transmission is consistent for both sexes across various WBV settings, except the 10 Hz-10% setting where men tend to exhibit significantly higher deviations (p = 0.018). ConclusionOscillations at a specific frequency are transmitted from an external WBV platform to the larynx. This study proposes the use of a "spring" system to investigate the effect of WBV on the larynx, and recommends further research to explore the potential of WBV in managing voice disorders.

Therapeutic Exercise Intervention Using Vibration Platforms for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study.

Diabetes generates a great impact on society, as well as a concern for health professionals due to its high and increasing prevalence; there are several studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of vibration platforms and their benefits at a physiological level. The aim of this study will be to analyze the decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin and glycemia levels after the use of whole-body vibration platforms and the possible inclusion of this therapeutic option within the usual treatments. This is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with parallel group design in a 1:1 ratio. The sample will be composed of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in in the Plasencia area (Cáceres, Extremadura). Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group using a randomization list and will follow the inclusion criteria: type 2 diabetics between 50 and 60 years of age and not taking diabetes medication. All participants will undergo a determination of glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, lipid profile, weight and height, and different functional tests such as Time Up and Go, 10 Meters Walk Test, and 5 Sit To Stand. The experimental group will perform a whole-body vibration intervention on an oscillating platform for 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three nonconsecutive days and a duration of 12 min. The exercises will consist of 60 s of work and 60 s with rest. The control group will carry out their normal life insisting on the importance of glycemic controls before and after their daily physical exercise. This study has been registered at clinical.trial.org, ID: NCT05968222. Whole-body vibration platforms have demonstrated their effectiveness in different pathologies such as stroke, fibromyalgia, sclerosis multiple, or Parkinson's. For that reason, an improvement in glycemic and lipid values and body composition are expected in people with diabetes after a whole-body vibration intervention for 12 weeks' duration. In addition, whole-body vibration platforms could be postulated as an alternative to usual treatments.

Effects of Medicine Wall Ball Throws With Whole-Body Vibration on Bat Swing Performance in Collegiate Baseball Players.

Buso, D, Willardson, JM, and Shafer, AB. Research note: Effects of medicine wall ball throws with whole-body vibration on bat swing performance in collegiate baseball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2071-2075, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of medicine ball wall throws performed with whole-body vibration on bat swing performance in 13 highly trained collegiate baseball players. The experimental session involved the athletes' usual warm-up followed by baseline bat swings. The baseline bat swings were followed by 3 sets of 5 medicine ball wall throws while standing on a whole-body vibration platform set at 40 Hz and with 30 seconds rest between sets. Subjects then rested passively for 5 minutes before taking post-test bat swings. Performance was evaluated with bat speed (m·second-1), time to contact (secs), rotational acceleration (G's), and exit velocity (m·second-1). Paired t tests were used to compare baseline and post-test values (p ≤ 0.05). Effect size (d) statistics were also calculated to determine the magnitude of treatment effects. It was found that bat speed (p = 0.02; d = 0.22) and exit velocity (p = 0.03; d = 0.48) were significantly faster versus baseline, whereas rotational acceleration (p = 0.10; d = 0.23) and time to contact (p = 0.44; d = -0.12) were not significantly different from baseline, respectively. These results suggest that the addition of medicine ball wall throws with whole-body vibration can significantly increase key parameters of bat swing performance. Practitioners and coaches may consider including these combined exercise stimuli as part of workouts or during games for potentially greater success at the plate.

Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Quality of Life in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life (QoL) in college students.MethodsThe participants comprised college students who led physically inactive lifestyles as revealed by their Medical Outcomes Study Form 36 (SF-36) scores, and with elevated scores of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) test. They were randomly allocated to two groups of 15 each: (a) the WBV group (male = 3, female = 12) and (b) the exercise group (male = 6, female = 9). The participants in the WBV group performed prescribed exercises while they stood on a vibrating platform whereas those in the exercise group performed the same exercises but without the vibrating platform. After four weeks of twice-a-week training, DASS and SF-36 were measured. The pre- and post-scores were compared between the groups.ResultsDepression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001) were found to reduce significantly for the WBV group compared to the exercise group. There was also significant within-group improvement in all the components of SF-36 (p < 0.040).ConclusionsExercising on the WBV platform may reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in college students and improve their overall QoL.

The effects of whole-body vibration with plyometric training on physical performance in basketball players

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) with plyometric training on physical performance parameters and balance in basketball players. Materials and Methods: Professional basketball players (n=24, age 23.2±6.1 years) were randomly allocated to plyometric training (PT) and plyometric training with WBV (PT+WBV) groups (n=12 each). PT and PT+WBV groups received the same plyometric training program on a whole-body vibration platform for six weeks (two days a week) with routine basketball training. WBV was turned off for the PT group. Jumping performance, strength, speed, agility, flexibility and balance were assessed for all participants. We measured jumping performance using the vertical jump height, strength using the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) half-squat strength test, speed using the 20-meter speed test, agility using the T agility test, flexibility using the sit and reach test, balance using star excursion balance test (SEBT) before and after six weeks of plyometric training in both groups. Results: At the end of six weeks of plyometric training, both groups revealed a significant increase in performance parameters and balance (p&lt;0.05) comparing with pre-training. However, improvements in jumping performance, strength, speed and agility parameters, and balance were statistically greater in the group receiving whole body vibration compared with the plyometric training group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Adding whole body vibration to plyometric training especially in professional athlete's workout programs can result in improvement in physical performance parameters including jumping performance, strength, speed, agility, flexibility, and balance.

Whole-Body Vibration Effects on Flexibility in Artistic Gymnastics-A Systematic Review.

It is well documented that whole body-vibration training has effects on muscle strength and flexibility, blood circulation, decreases pain perception and strengthens bone and tendon. Although whole body-vibration has benefits in athletes’ flexibility, we are not sure what its actual effects are in artistic gymnastics (since they already have stunning flexibility). Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse the studies on whole-body vibration in artistic gymnastics and to present the effects on flexibility. The search and analysis were carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The databases search (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EBSCOhost and Science Direct) yielded 18,057 potential studies. By the given inclusion criteria (studies from 2005 to 2022; full-text published in English; the study included male and female gymnasts as samples, and that participants were tested for evaluation of flexibility by whole-body vibration method), a total of 9 full-text studies were included, with a total of 210 participants, both male and female. As far as the measured flexibility tests conducted, front split, sit and reach and bridge were evaluated, while obtained results were 9.1–39.1%, 2.79–6.7%, 6.43–7.45%, respectively. All studies have conducted same vibration frequency (30 Hz) with same amplitude of displacements (2 mm), except for the one study who did not show the information of implemented amplitude. After analysing the obtained results, it can be concluded that the usage of whole-body vibration platform shows flexibility improvements in artistic gymnasts, both male and female. In addition, a combination of whole-body vibration and traditional static stretching may enhance the flexibility in artistic gymnasts. However, these results should be taken with caution. Since this review did not reveal the optimal vibrational protocol, it is necessary to invest time during the implementation of various vibrational experimental protocols, so future research is required.

Reporting Guidelines for Whole-Body Vibration Studies in Humans, Animals and Cell Cultures: A Consensus Statement from an International Group of Experts.

Simple SummaryWhole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise or treatment method used in sports, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. During WBV, people sit, stand, or exercise on a platform that generates vibrations. These vibrations generally occur between 20 and 60 times per second and have a magnitude of one or several millimeters. Research is focused on the effects of WBV on, for instance, physical and cognitive functions as well as the underlying mechanisms that may explain the effects. Research is not only done in humans but in animals and cell cultures as well. It is important to report the studies correctly, completely, and consistently. This way, researchers can interpret and compare each other’s studies, and data of different studies can be combined and analyzed together. To serve this goal, we developed new guidelines on how to report on WBV studies. The guidelines include checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, explanations, and examples of how to report. We included information about devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. The guidelines are WBV-specific and can be used by researchers alongside general guidelines for specific research designs.Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality or treatment/prophylaxis method in which subjects (humans, animals, or cells) are exposed to mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform or device. The vibrations are defined by their direction, frequency, magnitude, duration, and the number of daily bouts. Subjects can be exposed while performing exercises, hold postures, sitting, or lying down. Worldwide, WBV has attracted significant attention, and the number of studies is rising. To interpret, compare, and aggregate studies, the correct, complete, and consistent reporting of WBV-specific data (WBV parameters) is critical. Specific reporting guidelines aid in accomplishing this goal. There was a need to expand existing guidelines because of continuous developments in the field of WBV research, including but not limited to new outcome measures regarding brain function and cognition, modified designs of WBV platforms and attachments (e.g., mounting a chair on a platform), and comparisons of animal and cell culture studies with human studies. Based on Delphi studies among experts and using EQUATOR recommendations, we have developed extended reporting guidelines with checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, including information on devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. In addition, we provide explanations and examples of how to report. These new reporting guidelines are specific to WBV variables and do not target research designs in general. Researchers are encouraged to use the new WBV guidelines in addition to general design-specific guidelines.

Energy Expenditure During Whole Body Vibration Training

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been suggested as an effective, alternative approach to moderate intensity exercise. Vibration causes instability throughout the body which stimulates stabilization muscles to contract, thus increasing energy expenditure (EE). PURPOSE: To evaluate EE while standing and while exercising on a WBV platform. METHODS: Fourteen healthy subjects (6 male/8 female) consented to participate in this IRB-approved study (18-29y; 71.8 ± 8.6 kg; 169.0 ± 7.6 cm). Participants completed four conditions in four-minute stages on the WBV platform separated by four minutes of rest. Condition 1: standing, no vibration; Condition 2: standing, with vibration; Condition 3: standing, wearing a vest loaded with 20% body weight, with vibration; Condition 4: wearing a vest loaded at 20% body weight while performing half-squats (15 squats in 30 sec, 30 sec rest), with vibration. Shoes were worn at all times. Oxygen consumption was measured using a wireless, wearable metabolic system which measured breath-by-breath VO2. EE (kcal/min) was averaged for the last minute of each condition and rest period and analyzed for differences over time using a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Energy expenditure was significantly different between all WBV conditions (p < 0.05; 1.78 ± 0.35 kcal/min; 2.02 ± 0.42 kcal/min; 2.32 ± 0.50 kcal/min; 5.51 ± 1.12 kcal/min, for conditions 1-4, respectively). EE values returned to baseline between each condition, with the exception of the values between Conditions 2 and 3 (p < 0.05) (1.86 ± 0.40 kcal/min; 2.07 ± 0.54 kcal/min; 1.94 ± 0.53 kcal/min, for rest 1-3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results show a significant difference in EE between all conditions, but simply standing on the WBV platform with vibration does not produce EE similar to moderate intensity exercise. In fact, standing on the WBV platform is similar to a slow walk at 2.2 mph. By comparison, performing weighted half-squats on the vibrating platform is similar to running at 6.5 mph. Our study confirms previous research showing that WBV does increase EE but in order to reach a level consistent with “moderate” exercise, one must actually perform moderate exercise on the platform. WBV training may confer other benefits to flexibility and circulation that warrant further study.

The effect of long-term whole-body vibration on muscular performance

Introduction: The whole-body vibration (WBV) approachis considered to be a unique training method for physicalrehabilitation, injury preventions, and improving physicalperformance in athlete. The scientific literature about WBV iswell documented and presents different vibration protocols,different measurements and, as a consequence - differentresults. Objectives: To explore the effect of a strengtheningprogram with WBV on several muscular strength variablesamong physical education students in comparison to a controlpassive group of students. Methods: Thirty-eight healthymale physical education students were randomly allocatedinto Vibration Group (VG, n=13) - who underwent strengtheningprogram with WBV and external load, and Control Group(CG, n=25), that received no treatment. The study includedpre-test assessments, 4-week intervention phase and post-testassessments. During the intervention phase VG performedthree training sessions per week that included six sets of 30sec squats with external loads on a WBV platform. Assessmentsincluded maximal muscle strength, power, reactivestrength and endurance. Results: Significant improvementswere shown in all components among the VG from pre topost-tests (p&lt;0.001), with no significant change among theCG. Conclusions: A 4-week strengthening program with WBVand medium external load improves different components ofstrength among healthy physical education students.

Managing Vibration Training Safety by Using Knee Flexion Angle and Rating Perceived Exertion

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is commonly applied in exercise and rehabilitation and its safety issues have been a major concern. Vibration measured using accelerometers can be used to further analyze the vibration transmissibility. Optimal bending angles and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) evaluations have not been sufficiently explored to mitigate the adverse effect. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the effect of various knee flexion angles on the transmissibility to the head and knee, the RPE during WBV exposure, and the link between the transmissibility to the head and the RPE. Sixteen participants randomly performed static squats with knee flexion angles of 90, 110, 130, and 150 degrees on a WBV platform. Three accelerometers were fixed on the head, knee, and center of the vibration platform to provide data of platform-to-head and platform-to-knee transmissibilities. The results showed that the flexion angle of 110 degrees induced the lowest platform-to-head transmissibility and the lowest RPE (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between RPE and the platform-to-head transmissibility was observed. This study concluded that a knee flexion of about 110 degrees is most appropriate for reducing vibration transmissibility. The reported RPE could be used to reflect the vibration impact to the head.

Transmission of whole body vibration - Comparison of three vibration platforms in healthy subjects.

The potential of whole body vibration (WBV) to maintain or enhance musculoskeletal strength during ageing is of increasing interest, with both low and high magnitude WBV having been shown to maintain or increase bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The aim of this study was to determine how a range of side alternating and vertical WBV platforms deliver vibration stimuli up through the human body. Motion capture data were collected for 6 healthy adult participants whilst standing on the Galileo 900, Powerplate Pro 5 and Juvent 100 WBV platforms. The side alternating Galileo 900 WBV platform delivered WBV at 5-30Hz and amplitudes of 0-5mm. The Powerplate Pro 5 vertical WBV platform delivered WBV at 25 and 30Hz and amplitude settings of 'Low' and 'High'. The Juvent 1000 vertical WBV platform delivered a stimulus at a frequency between 32 and 37Hz and amplitude 10 fold lower than either the Galileo or Powerplate, resulting in accelerations of 0.3g. Motion capture data were recorded using an 8 camera Vicon Nexus system with 21 reflective markers placed at anatomical landmarks between the toe and the forehead. Vibration was expressed as vertical RMS accelerations along the z-axis which were calculated as the square root of the mean of the squared acceleration values in g. The Juvent 1000 did not deliver detectable vertical RMS accelerations above the knees. In contrast, the Powerplate Pro 5 and Galileo 900 delivered vertical RMS accelerations sufficiently to reach the femoral neck and lumbar spine. The maximum vertical RMS accelerations at the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) were 1.00g ±0.30 and 0.85g ±0.49 for the Powerplate and Galileo respectively. For similar accelerations at the ASIS, the Galileo achieved greater accelerations within the lower limbs, whilst the Powerplate recorded higher accelerations in the thoracic spine at T10. The Powerplate Pro 5 and Galileo 900 deliver vertical RMS accelerations sufficiently to reach the femoral neck and lumbar spine, whereas the Juvent 1000 did not deliver detectable vertical RMS accelerations above the knee. The side alternating Galileo 900 showed greater attenuation of the input accelerations than the vertical vibrations of the Powerplate Pro 5. The platforms differ markedly in the transmission of vibration with strong influences of frequency and amplitude. Researchers need to take account of the differences in transmission between platforms when designing and comparing trials of whole body vibration.

Effects of three different stretching protocols on hamstring muscle flexibility in professional soccer players: a randomized study.

The current study aimed to investigate and compare the influences of global postural rieducation techniques (GPR), stretching exercises on a whole-body vibration platform (WBV), and static stretching exercises on hamstrings flexibility in elite soccer players. 24 professional soccer players were randomly assigned to either global postural re-education (N.=8), stretching on whole-body vibration group (N.=8) or static stretching (N.=8), during the first 4 weeks of the precompetitive season. Assessment of hamstring muscle flexibility was performed using a straight leg raise test. All participants were assessed three times: at baseline, at the end of the study protocol and 14 days after the end of the study protocol. The short-term increase in hamstring muscle flexibility was observed in all 3 groups, without significant differences among groups. However, after 14 days from the end of the interventions only the WBV group maintained the flexibility level achieved just at the end of the protocol with no significant changes in both legs whereas a significant decrease in the SLRT in GPR and SS groups, in right and left legs (GPR, P=0.002; P=0.015; SS, P=0.0001; P=0.0001), was observed. These results would suggest that GPR, static stretching on whole-body vibration and static stretching techniques all improve hamstring muscle flexibility, but only stretching on WBV maintains the effect over time in professional soccer players.

Muscle activity and vibration transmissibility during whole-body vibration in chronic stroke.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of whole-body vibration (WBV) frequency, amplitude, and body posture on lower limb muscle activation among people with chronic stroke, and whether the EMG response to vibration stimulus differed between paretic and non-paretic side. The relationship between muscle activation and WBV transmission was alsoexamined. Thirty-two participants with chronic stroke performed three different exercises on the WBV platform with different vibration conditions (frequency: 20Hz, 30Hz, 40Hz; amplitude: 0.8mm, 1.5mm), or without vibration. Muscle activity in bilateral vastus medialis (VM), medial hamstrings (MH), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) was measured by surface electromyography. Acceleration at the platform and bilateral hips and knees was measured by tri-axial accelerometers. Significantly greater muscle activity was observed in the bilateral MG (P<0.001), TA (P<0.001), and MH (P<0.001), but not VM, compared with the same exercises without WBV. WBV with higher amplitude or higher frequency led to greater augmentation of muscle activation (P<0.05). Body posture significantly affected leg muscle activation (P<0.001). WBV-induced muscle activation was largely similar between paretic and non-paretic sides, except the TA. Greater WBV-induced leg muscle activation was associated with lower WBV transmissibility measured at the more proximal joints (P<0.05). Adding WBV to exercise significantly increased muscle activation in the MG, TA, and MH on both the paretic and non-paretic sides of chronic stroke survivors, and the increase was dependent on the WBV amplitude, frequency, and body posture.

Transmission of Acceleration From a Synchronous Vibration Exercise Platform to the Head During Dynamic Squats.

Many research studies have evaluated the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on muscular strength, standing balance, and bone density, but relatively few reports have evaluated safety issues for vibration exercises. Knee flexion reduces acceleration transmission to the head during static exercise. However, few studies have evaluated dynamic exercises. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the transmission of acceleration to the head during dynamic squats. Twelve participants performed dynamic squats (0°-40° of knee flexion) on a synchronous vertical whole-body vibration platform. Platform frequencies from 20 to 50 Hz were tested at a peak-to-peak nominal displacement setting of 1 mm. Transmissibilities from the platform to head varied depending on platform frequency and knee flexion angle. We observed amplification during 20 and 25 Hz platform vibration when knee flexion was <20°. Vibration from exercise platforms can be amplified as it is transmitted through the body to the head during dynamic squats. Similarly, this vibration energy contributes to observed injuries such as retinal detachment. It is recommended that knee flexion angles of at least 20° and vibration frequencies above 30 Hz are used when performing dynamic squat exercises with whole-body vibration.

PO-265 Acute whole-body vibration increases energy expenditure and skeletal muscle microvascular perfusion

Objective Insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disease are associated with decreased muscle microvascular perfusion which impairs nutrient delivery to the muscle. Impaired glucose and insulin delivery contributes to lower glucose uptake into the skeletal muscle. Exercise increases muscle microvascular perfusion, however, cardiometabolic disease patients are not always willing or able to undertake regular exercise. Objective: Whole-body vibration (WBV) has previously been shown to increase energy expenditure and limb bulk blood flow, however whether WBV increases skeletal muscle microvascular perfusion is not known. &#x0D; Methods Methods: Eleven healthy participants (5 males, 6 females; Age: 33 ± 1.9 years) stood on a WBV platform (Galileo Sport, Novotec Medical GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany) for 3 min at 12.5 Hz which was compared to standing without vibration. Thigh muscle (vastus lateralis) microvascular perfusion was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iU22, Philips Medical, North Ryde, NSW, Australia) by infusing Definity® microbubbles (Lantheus Medical Imaging, N. Billeruca, USA) intravenously and measured for 3 min following WBV. Oxygen consumption (Metamax, Cortex Biophysik GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) was measured while standing prior to WBV and during the third minute of WBV.&#x0D; Results Results: Compared with standing without vibration, 3 min of WBV more than doubled muscle microvascular perfusion (0.73 ± 0.17 vs 2.87 ± 0.81 AI/sec, p&lt;0.05) which remained elevated above baseline for 3 min after cessation of WBV. Oxygen consumption modestly but significantly increased while undergoing WBV (282 ± 0.013 vs 419 ± 0.023 mL/min, p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions Conclusion: This is the first study to show that WBV significantly increases muscle microvascular perfusion in healthy adults. We are currently undertaking studies to determine if this WBV may be of benefit in populations with impaired microvascular perfusion, such as type 2 diabetes, for improving cardiometabolic health.&#x0D;

Comparison of Single-Session Dose Response Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Spasticity and Walking Speed in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.

NCT02340910 (assigned 01/19/2015).

Use of whole body vibration in individuals with chronic stroke: Transmissibility and signal purity

This study examined (1) the influence of whole body vibration (WBV) frequency (20 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz), amplitude (low: 0.8 mm and high: 1.5 mm) and body postures (high-squat, deep-squat, tip-toe standing) on WBV transmissibility and signal purity, and (2) the relationship between stroke motor impairment and WBV transmissibility/signal purity. Thirty-four participants with chronic stroke were tested under 18 different conditions with unique combinations of WBV frequency, amplitude, and body posture. Lower limb motor function and muscle spasticity were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Modified Ashworth Scale respectively. Nine tri-axial accelerometers were used to measure acceleration at the WBV platform, and the head, third lumbar vertebra, and bilateral hips, knees, and ankles. The results indicated that WBV amplitude, frequency, body postures and their interactions significantly influenced the vibration transmissibility and signal purity among people with chronic stroke. In all anatomical landmarks except the ankle, the transmissibility decreased with increased frequency, increased amplitude or increased knee flexion angle. The transmissibility was similar between the paretic and non-paretic side, except at the ankle during tip-toe standing. Less severe lower limb motor impairment was associated with greater transmissibility at the paretic ankle, knee and hip in certain WBV conditions. Leg muscle spasticity was not significantly related to WBV transmissibility. In clinical practice, WBV amplitude, frequency, body postures need to be considered regarding the therapeutic purpose. Good contact between the feet and vibration platform and symmetrical body-weight distribution pattern should be ensured.

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Healthy Dogs

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on hematology and serum biochemistry in healthy dogs. Ten intact beagle dogs, 3 females, and 7 males, with a mean age of 3 years, and mean body mass of 14.3kg, body condition score between 4.0/9 and 4.5/9 were evaluated. The WBV sessions were done with the dog standing up on all 4 feet on a vibrating platform. Daily session of 30Hz for 5 minutes, followed by 50Hz for 5 minutes and finishing with 30Hz for 5 minutes was accomplished for 5 days. The velocity and amplitude of the vibrating platform were 12-40m/s2 and 1.7-2.5mm, respectively. Blood samples were collected, before and immediately after the WBV platform exercise session, and 1 and 6 hours after the end of each session for 5 days. In addition, blood samples were collected 24 hours and 48 hours after the last WBV platform exercise session. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum total protein) were the data analyzed. The erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and packet cell volume values decreased, whereas the leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils values increased after WBV platform exercise sessions; however, all values were within the reference range. Other hematological and serum biochemical parameters did not show important variations. In conclusion, the WBV exercise sessions attended for 5 consecutive days did not adversely affect the hematology and serum biochemistry of adult healthy dogs.

Effect of Direct Whole-Body Vibration on Upper-Body Muscular Power in Recreational, Resistance-Trained Men.

Jones, MT, Martin, JR, Jagim, AR, and Oliver, JM. Effect of direct whole-body vibration on upper-body muscular power in recreational, resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1371-1377, 2017-To determine the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on upper-body power, 15 men (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 2.3 years; height 173.1 ± 6.5 cm; and weight 77.2 ± 13.8 kg) with ≥1-year resistance training experience and a bench press (BP): body mass ratio ≥1.25 participated in a repeated-measures crossover design. Session 1 included body composition ([Bod Pod] 15.76 ± 6.7% body fat), 3 repetition maximum BP, and familiarization with: seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), plyometric push-up (PPU) on a force plate, and vertical WBV platform. Sessions 2-5 were randomly ordered across condition and test, separated by 24 hours, and consisted of a warm-up followed by 4 × 30-second push-up holds (2 × elbows at 90° and 2 × arms extended) performed on the vibration platform with WBV (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 2-4 mm, 1:1 work: relief ratio) or no WBV. Seated medicine ball throw and PPU were tested immediately, 1, 5, and 10 minutes post. Standardized magnitude-based inferences were used to define outcomes. A likely positive effect of WBV was observed for SMBT at 10 minutes post. A likely negative effect of WBV resulted at 1 minute in time-to-peak force. A possibly positive effect was observed 10 minutes post. A possibly negative effect was observed 10 minutes post for peak power, and a likely negative effect of WBV was observed on time-to-peak power immediate post. Incorporating a 10-minute rest period is recommended when implementing power exercises after upper-body static-hold exercises during WBV exposure.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Whole Body Vibration and Local Vibration Exercise on Counter-Movement Jump Performance and Its Residual Characteristics in Well-Trained Athletes

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) and local vibration (LV) exercise on counter- movement jump performance (CMJ) and its residual characteristics in well-trained athletes. Material and Methods: Thirty-two male athletes (age: 22.3±3.2 years) visited the laboratory twice, 48 hours apart, and performed WBV and LV in two sessions of equal duration. Each test day had two parts (sham [0 Hz, 0 mm] and vibration treatment [50 Hz, 4 mm]), 20 min apart. LV or WBV were applied for 6×15 sec with 1 min passive rest between repetitions. During the LV, participants were asked to lie supine (2×15 sec) and then lie laterally (2×2×15 sec) such that the quadriceps muscles connected to the WBV device. WBV was applied in the squatting position at 135o knee angle. After each session, the participants were tested for CMJ for 8 min at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,6th, and 8th min. Results: The results of two-factor repeated measures ANOVA test revealed that both WBV (p = 0.27; np2 = 0.04) and LV (p = 0.57; np2 = 0.03) and their sham conditions decreased CMJ height to a similar extent. Further, there was no statistically significant difference between WBV and LV at any measurement time point (p>0.05). Conclusion: WBV and LV were not effective methods to enhance the CMJ performance of well-trained athletes. However, WBV platform can be safely used as LV exercise equipment since no adverse effect was observed.