Whole-body Vibration Training Group Research Articles

Effects of whole-body vibration on body composition, microbiota, cardiometabolic markers, physical fitness, and quality of life after bariatric surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMorbid obesity is a complex chronic condition characterized by a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or higher. The incidence of the condition is on the rise in developed countries, and bariatric surgery has been proposed as a potential solution to address this trend. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery may also result in adverse effects, including a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass, as well as an increased risk of fractures. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of bariatric surgery and whole-body vibration (WBV) training on body composition, microbiota, physical fitness, quality of life, and cardiometabolic markers.MethodsTwenty-eight participants (14 females), aged 18 to 50 years, will undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery. They will be randomly allocated into a control group or a WBV training group. The WBV group will train three times per week with increasing intensities and duration ranging from 30 to 45 min over the 4-month training period. Measurements of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography), physical fitness (muscular strength, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance), gait biomechanics, cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, quality of life, and physical activity levels will be collected at four different time points: (1) prior to the surgery, (2) 45 days post-surgery, (3) 6 months post-surgery, and (4) 18 months post-surgery.DiscussionBoth groups are expected to experience improvements in most of the aforementioned variables. Nonetheless, we expect the WBV group to show larger improvements proving that the training is effective and safe.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT05695599. Registered on January 25, 2023.

Passive exercise is an effective alternative to HRT for restoring OVX induced mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle.

Postmenopausal women are more prone to develop muscle weakness, which is strongly associated with impairment of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to examine the impact of a passive exercise modality, whole-body vibration training (WBVT), on muscle mitochondrial function in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, in comparison with 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement. Female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups: sham operation control group (Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX), OVX with E2 supplement group (OVX+E), and OVX with WBVT group (OVX+W). The estrous cycle, body weight, body composition, and muscle strength of the mice were monitored after the operation. Serum E2 level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ATP levels were determined using a luciferase-catalyzed bioluminescence assay. The activity of mitochondrial respiration chain complexes was evaluated using high-resolution respirometry (O2K). Expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using western blotting. We observed decreased muscle strength and impaired mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle of OVX mice. The vibration training alleviated these impairments as much as the E2 supplement. In addition, the vibration training was superior to the ovariectomy and the estradiol replacement regarding the protein expression of PGC-1α and TFAM. WBVT improves the OVX-induced decline in muscle strength and impairment of mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle. This passive exercise strategy may be useful as an alternative to E2 replacement for preventing menopausal muscular weakness. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of WBVT on various physiological systems, and precautions should be taken when implementing it in patient treatment.

Effects of whole-body vibration training combined with KAATSU training on lower limb joint muscle strength in older women.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) combined with KAATSU training (KT) on lower limb joint muscle strength and to provide a reference for improving muscle strength in older women. Methods: A total of 86 healthy older people was randomly divided into WBVT group (WG, n = 21), KT group (KG, n = 22), combined intervention group (CIG, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 23). WG and CIG subjects underwent WBVT, and KG and CIG subjects underwent 150mmHg and lower limb joint and local compression intervention for 16 weeks (three times per week, about 15min/time). The peak torque (PT) and endurance ratio (ER) of joint flexion or extension were tested for all subjects. Results: 1) Results at 16weeks were compared with the baseline data. The knee extension and ankle flexion PT (60°/s) in CIG increased by 14.3% and 15.3%, respectively (p < 0.05). The knee extension PT (180°/s) increased by 16.9, 18.4% and 33.3% in WG, KG and CIG (p < 0.05), respectively, and the ankle extension PT (180°/s) in CIG increased by 31.1% (p < 0.05). The hip, knee extension and ankle flexion ER increased by 10.0, 10.9% and 5.7% in CIG (p < 0.05), respectively. 2) Results were compared among groups at 16 weeks. The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the knee extension and ankle flexion PT (60°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly greater in WG, KG and CIG compared to CG in the knee extension PT (180°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the ankle extension PT (180°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the hip extension ER (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in CG compared to CIG in the knee extension ER (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sixteen-week WBVT and KT increased the knee extensor strength in older women. Compared with a single intervention, the combined intervention had better improvements in the knee extensor and ankle flexor and extensor strength and hip extension muscle endurance. Appears to be some additional benefit from combined intervention above those derived from single-interventions.

Whole-Body Vibration Training on Oxidative Stress Markers, Irisin Levels, and Body Composition in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance seem to be involved in fibromyalgia (FM) pathogenesis. The results of our previous studies suggest that whole-body vibration training (WBVT) would improve redox status markers, increase blood irisin levels, and ameliorate the body composition of women with FM. (2) Objective: The current study aimed to investigate WBVT on oxidative stress markers, plasma irisin levels, and body composition in women with FM. (3) Methods: Forty women with FM were randomized into WBVT or untrained (UN) groups. Before and after 6 weeks of WBVT, body composition was assessed by dual-energy radiological absorptiometry (DXA), and inflammatory marker activities were measured by enzymatic assay. (4) Results: Body composition, blood irisin levels, and oxidative stress markers were similar between UN and WBVT groups before the intervention. After 6 weeks of intervention, the WBVT group presented higher irisin levels (WBVT: 316.98 ± 109.24 mg·dL³, WBVT: 477.61 ± 267.92 mg·dL³, p = 0.01) and lower TBARS levels (UN: 0.39 ± 0.02 nmol MDA/mg protein, WBVT: 0.24 ± 0.06 nmol MDA/mg protein, p = 0.001) and visceral adipose tissue mass (UN: 1.37 ± 0.49 kg, WBVT: 0.69 ± 0.54 kg, p = 0.001) compared to the UN group. (5) Conclusions: Six weeks of WBVT improves blood redox status markers, increases irisin levels, and reduces visceral adipose tissue mass, favoring less cell damage and more outstanding oxidative balance in women with FM.

Examination of the Effect of Short-term Whole Body Vibration Training on Flexibility, Endurance and Dynamic Balance In Healthy Young People: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of short-term (3 weeks) whole body vibration training (WBVT) in healthy young people. Materials and Methods: Seventy six healthy individuals (mean age=22.55±1.22 years, 41 females and 35 males) were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as WBVT group (n=41) and control group (n=35). WBVT, consisting of 14 exercises for the trunk and lower extremities, was applied to the WBVT group 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not receive any training. Flexibility, lower extremity endurance, trunk endurance and dynamic balance respectively; measured with sit and reach test, sit and stand test, Biering Sorensen tests, lateral bridge and shuttle, Y balance test. All measurements were made at baseline and at the end of the 3rd week. Results: After 3 weeks, in WBVT group, curl up test (p=0.023), chair stand test (p=0.015) and Y balance test were perfomed on right anterior (p=0.003), right posteromedial (p=0.001), right posterolateral (p=0.001), left anterior (p=0.001), left posterolateral (p=0.000), and left posteromedial (p=0.000) aspects were significant. In the control group, the results in the right anterior (p=0.019) and left anterior (p=0.025) aspects of the Y balance test were significant. When the delta values were compared, the difference in the right (p=0.018) and left (p=0.006) posterolateral directions of the Y balance test; it was significant in favor of the WBVT group. Conclusion: It was observed that short-term whole body vibration training had positive effects on trunk flexor endurance and dynamic balance in healthy young people. New insights into the use of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports training programs can be provided by WBVT. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of whole-body vibration training by comparing different loads, volumes and types.

Effects of Vibration Training on Weight Loss and Heart Rate Variability in the Obese Female College Students.

Objective The present study examined the effects of a 12-week whole-body vibration training (WBVT) regimen on heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition in the obese female college students. Methods Participants were assigned to either the WBVT (n = 17) or obese control group (n = 19). The students in the WBVT group conducted a 12-week (5 times per week and 30 min per time) exercise protocols (30 to 40 Hz of frequency and 4 mm of amplitude), and the obese control group did not perform regular physical training during 12 weeks of study. Then, body composition (body weight, BMI, body fat, body fat percentage; trunk fat mass, muscle mass, MM) and HRV (time domain and frequency domain index) were measured in all subjects before and after WBVT intervention. Results (1) After 12-week WBVT intervention, body fat mass, trunk fat mass, and body fat percentage significantly decreased and muscle mass increased in the WBVT group (P < 0.01, respectively); there was no significant change in body weight and BMI (P > 0.05, respectively). (2) After 12-week WBVT intervention, LFn, LF/HF, and HR significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), R-R interval and RMSSD significantly increased (P < 0.01, respectively), and there was no significant difference in HFn (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant change before and after the test in body composition and HRV in the obese control group (P > 0.05, respectively). (3) After 12-week WBVT intervention, compared with the obese control group, body fat mass, body fat percentage, trunk fat mass, and LF/HF significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), muscle mass, and RMSSD increased (P < 0.05) in the WBVT group; but there were no significant difference in other indicators (P > 0.05) between the obese control group and WBVT group. (4) The reduction of body fat percentage before and after the WBVT intervention are positively correlated with the reduction in the LFn and LF/HF (r = 0.542, r = 0.504; P < 0.05, respectively) and negatively correlated with the increase in the RMSSD (r = −0.514, P < 0.05), and the reduction of trunk fat mass are positively correlated with the reduction in the LF/HF (r = 0.540, P < 0.05). Conclusion The results indicate that WBVT improves HRV and body composition in obese female college students, and the reduction in body fat percentage and trunk fat mass are associated with a shift in cardiac autonomic regulation towards vagal dominance and improve sympathetic-vagus balance after WBVT intervention. In conclusion, WBVT may be a feasible treatment to improve cardiac autonomic function and body composition.

Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after stretching exercise in older adults. The WBVT group (n = 20) performed WBVT using a vibrating platform (SW-VC15™), followed by strengthening exercises. The control group (n = 20) performed stretching instead of WBVT. Both groups underwent a total of 12 sessions (50 min per session). The primary outcome was isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, short physical performance battery (SPPB), a 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and body composition analysis. In all results, only the time effect was significant, and the group effect or time x group effect was not. Both groups showed a significant increase in isokinetic dynamometer. Although there was no significant group effect, the increase in mean peak torque was greater in the WBVT group. The only WBVT group showed significant improvement in SPPB. In SF-36, only the control group showed significant improvements. WBVT can be safely performed by older adults and may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Balance Training on Female Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability.

We explored the effects of 6-week whole-body vibration (WBV) and balance training programs on female athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This randomized controlled study involved female athletes with dominant-leg CAI. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: WBV training (Group A), balance training (Group B), and nontraining (control group; Group C). Groups A and B performed three exercise movements (double-leg stance, one-legged stance, and tandem stance) in 6-week training programs by using a vibration platform and balance ball, respectively. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), a joint position sense test, and an isokinetic strength test were conducted. In total, 63 female athletes with dominant-leg CAI were divided into three study groups (all n = 21). All of them completed the study. We observed time-by-group interactions in the SEBT (p = 0.001) and isokinetic strength test at 30°/s of concentric contraction (CON) of ankle inversion (p = 0.04). Compared with the control group, participants of the two exercise training programs improved in dynamic balance, active repositioning, and 30°/s of CON and eccentric contraction of the ankle invertor in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test, respectively. Furthermore, the effect sizes for the assessed outcomes in Groups A and B ranged from very small to small. Female athletes who participated in 6-week training programs incorporating a vibration platform or balance ball exhibited very small or small effect sizes for CAI in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test. No differences were observed in the variables between the two exercise training programs.

A comparison between whole-body vibration and conventional training on pain and performance in athletes with patellofemoral pain

IntroductionPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common cause of anterior knee pain in athletes, which affects their performance especially during single leg activities. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) and conventional training (CT) on pain and performance in athletes with PFP. Methods30 athletes with unilateral PFP were randomly assigned to the WBVT (6 women, 9 men) or CT (7 women, 8 men) group. All participants received training for 4 weeks in 12 sessions. The outcomes of pain and performance were measured at three points in time: baseline, immediately after training and 2 weeks after training. Pain was assessed with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Performance was measured with the leg-press test and the Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS). ResultsIn both groups, pain intensity decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and the KPS and number of leg presses increased significantly (p < 0.001) with time. There was no significant difference between groups for changes in the pain score (p = 0.896), KPS (p = 0.463) or leg press (p = 0.796) results. ConclusionWhole-body vibration training had the same effect as exercise therapy on pain reduction and on improvements in performance in athletes with PFP.

Effects of Vibration Training in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Numerous studies have reported positive effects of exercise training in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) on physical capacity and quality of life. However, evidence is rare on the effects of specific forms of training and further pathophysiological mechanisms in these patients. Objectives: In this multicenter study we aimed to explore the clinical effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with ILD on various outcome measures, including proinflammatory cytokines and myostatin. Methods: We randomly assigned 26 patients with different forms of multidisciplinary confirmed fibrotic ILDs either to the WBVT group (n = 11; 55% male, 61 ± 14 years old, forced vital capacity 83.2 ± 29.3% predicted, 6-min walking distance [6MWD] 478 ± 79 m) performing 3 months of a standardized training (3 times per week), or to a control training group (CTG, n = 15; 60% male, 63 ± 9 years old, FVC 74.6 ± 20.5% predicted, 6MWD 455 ± 85 m) performing sham WBV training. Training in the two groups was performed on a Galileo^TM vibration plate (6–20 vs. 5 Hz). The functional assessments before and after the intervention period included pulmonary function, 6MWD test, chair rise test, ultrasonographic measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness (cross-sectional area), quality of life questionnaires, and serum samples. Results: We observed a significant increase in 6MWD (∆_Training = 30 m [12–67], p = 0.024) and a decrease of myostatin (∆_Training = –465 pg/mL [–713 to –166], p = 0.008) in the WBVT group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the CTG. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that WBVT is able to significantly increase 6MWD and decrease myostatin in patients with fibrotic ILDs. Therefore, WBVT seems to be a beneficial and feasible training modality in ILD patients. Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00012930).

Effects of whole-body vibration and high impact exercises on the bone metabolism and functional mobility in postmenopausal women.

This study determined the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and high-impact exercises on postmenopausal women. In this randomized controlled 6-month interventional trial, 58 eligible postmenopausal women were assigned to WBV training group, high-impact training group, or control group. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femur were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Additionally, the serum osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels were also measured. The functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and fall index was measured using static posturography. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. The BMD at the femoral neck (p=0.003) and L2-L4 (p=0.005) regions increased significantly in the WBV group compared to the control group. However, in the high-impact exercise group there were no significant effects on the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The serum OC decreased significantly in the WBV group and increased significantly in both the high-impact exercise and control groups (p<0.001). The TUG scores decreased significantly in both training groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Finally, in both exercise groups, HRQoL and depressive symptoms improved (p<0.001). Our data suggest that the WBV can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. These findings also indicate that WBV and high-impact training programs improve functional mobility, HRQoL and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Effects of 10-Week Whole Body Vibration Training on Strength, Flexibility and Agility in Taekwondo Athletes

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a type of exercise commonly applied as a modern exercise technique. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of WBV applied for 10-week on strength, flexibility and agility in taekwondo athletes. A total of 23 healthy young males participated in the present study. The athletes were separated randomly into two groups as the control group (n=11) and whole body vibration training group (n=12). The WBV training group did training 3 days a week for 10 weeks. The Control Group did not do any trainings. The hand grip strength test, vertical jump test, sit-reach test, agility t-test were applied to the WBV training group and control group before and after the 10-week WBV training. The comparisons between the groups were analyzed by using an independent sample t-test at a significance level of p&amp;lt;0.05. No statistically significant differences were detected between the pre-test hand grip strength, vertical jump test, sit-reach test and agility t-test results of the WBV training group and control group according to the Independent sample t test. In the post-test results, statistically significant differences were detected between the vertical jump test, sit-reach test, agility t-test however, no statistically significant differences were detected between the hand grip strength results. The intra-group comparisons were made according to the paired sample t test at a significance level of p&amp;lt;0.05. Although statistically significant differences were detected in the WBV training group between the pre-test-post-test, vertical jump test, sit-reach test, agility t-test values, no statistically significant differences were detected between the hand grip strength results. No statistically significant differences were detected between the hand grip strength, vertical jump, sit-reach, agility t-test pre-test and post-test results of the control group. Long-term whole body vibration training has positive strength, flexibility and agility values.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Depression Level

Recently, the Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training has been introduced as an alternative method of exercise or as a type of physical exercise in health and fitness centers. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training applied for 12 weeks on depression level. A total of 53 healthy young male individuals participated in this study. Volunteers were randomly divided into two groups as the Whole Body Vibration Training Group (n=27) and the Control Group (n=26). WBV group did training 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The Control Group did not do any trainings. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to both groups before and after the 12-week WBV training. When the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores of the WBV training group and Control groups were compared, it was determined that there were no significant differences in the pre-test Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores of the WBVT and Control Group according to the Mann-Whitney U-Test.However, the post-test scores of the WBV training and Control groups was significant at a statistical level (p=.013). According to the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, the difference between the pre- and post-test scores of the WBV training group was significant at a statistical level (p=.014); and the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the Control Group was not statistically significant (p=.596). The effect of the Whole Body Vibration training on depression is positive and decreases the depression level.

Whole-body vibration training improves the balance ability and leg strength of athletic throwers.

Physical strength improvements have been observed with whole-body vibration training (WBVT); however, the appropriate load and duration have not been determined. Furthermore, studies on WBVT in throwing athletes, for whom power training is important, are lacking. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of lower limb training by WBVT in male throwing athletes. Fourteen male throwing athletes were enrolled. Lower limbs training (squat, single-leg squat, forward lunge, and side lunge) was performed with WBVT (N.=7) or without WBVT (N.=7). Training was conducted three times a week for a total of eight weeks (four weeks at 30 Hz for 40 s, then four weeks at 50 Hz for 60 s for the WBVT group). Jump performance, lower limb muscular strength, and balancing ability were assessed before, at the mid-point, and after training. Significant improvement in the vertical jump was only observed in the WBVT group (pre- vs. post-training: P<0.05; pre- vs. mid-training: P<0.01). In the WBVT group, significant improvements were observed in 26 out of 32 balancing ability assessments. In contrast, only two such assessments significantly improved in the Control group. In the WBVT group, a significant improvement of 5% was observed in left and right extension for the knee joint isokinetic muscle force test with an angular velocity of 60°/s. These results suggest that lower limb training with WBVT improves leg muscle strength and balancing ability in athletic throwers. In particular, dynamic balancing ability is increased, with significant improvement in the left and right legs.

Short-term vibration training and female jump performance: A feasibility study investigating a relatively low-cost, platform

This study investigated the effects of a short-term vibration training intervention, using a relatively low-cost side-alternating platform, on the jump performance and corresponding lower body power of a young recreationally active female population. Following institutional ethics approval, nine recreationally active females (mean: age = 21.1 ± 0.6 years; height = 1.66 ± 0.08 m; mass = 68.1 ± 9.8 kg), recruited via a convenience sampling method, were randomly assigned to a whole-body vibration training (WBVT) or control group. The WBVT group performed static squats and lunges, once-per-week over a six-week period, on a side-alternating vibration platform. The control group followed an identical training protocol without vibration exposure. Lower body muscular power was assessed pre- and post- intervention using three maximal vertical countermovement jumps (VCMJ), performed on a contact mat. Results of a repeated measures t-test revealed the WBVT group significantly improved their VCMJ performance (P= 0.012) over the six-week intervention. The control groups’ performance remained relatively stable with no significant increase in jump performance (P =0.68). The current study supports the inclusion of vibration training as part of an exercise regime to increase jumping performance and power in a recreationally active female population. As findings show comparable improvements to those from other studies following similar training protocols, using more expensive vibration platforms, further investigation is now warranted to ascertain responses to vibratory signals received from the variety of low-cost, vibration platform types currently available.

The effect of whole-body vibration training on the lower extremity muscles' electromyographic activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Whole-Body Vibration Training (WBVT) is a novel neuromuscular training method that has been recently developed as a rehabilitation tool. The purpose of this study was to determine whether WBVT is effective on electromyographic activity of the muscles of the lower limbs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The study was designed as a single blinded randomized clinical trial (IRCT201601171637N5), 45 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups; WBVT (n = 15) receiving 12 sessions vibration therapy, control group (n =15) doing two exercise in the home and placebo (n =15) doing exercise like WBVT group on-off vibration system. Electromyographic activities of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius and soleus were evaluated pre and post intervention. The pairedsamples t-test and ANOVA were applied respectively to determine the differences in each group and among the groups (P≤0.05). Results: The RMS value of vastus medialis in semi squat position in placebo group (p=0.024), vastus lateralis in SLR position in WBVT group (p=0.037), soleus in knee flexion in WBVT group (p=0.018), semitendinosus in knee flexion in WBVT group (p=0.007) and RMS response of Semitendinosus in ankle plantar flexion in control group (p=0.047) were revealed significant differences between the pre- and post- intervention. The ANOVA test confirmed the significant differences between the studied groups according to the EMG activity of vastus medialis in semi squat position (p=0.045), semitendinosus in semi squat position (p=0.046) and in plantar flexion position (p=0.015) and also soleus in plantar flexion position (p=0.003). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed the beneficial effects of WBVT in the improvement of the muscles RMS values in the patients with knee OA especially muscles' progression rates in a four-week period.

In-season whole-body vibration training enhances vertical jump performance in professional soccer goalkeepers

Goalkeepers play an important role in soccer, often influencing match outcome. Soccer goalkeepers have superior jumping ability compared with their outfield counterparts and research has highlighted the importance of this ability. While there is evidence that whole body vibration training (WBVT) can improve explosive power in various populations, there is no data focusing on how this training modality may benefit soccer goalkeepers. With institutional ethics approval, 20 professional male soccer goalkeepers ( age = 24 ± 6 yrs.; mass = 84 ± 10.3 kg; height = 1.84 ± 0.1 m ) from the English Football League Division One were randomly assigned to either a WBVT or control group. The WBVT group performed static squats from their individual ready position, which is utilised by goalkeepers prior to performing any dynamic movements, on a vibration platform twice-a-week over a five-week period. The control group followed the same exercise programme without the application of vibration. Vertical jump performance, initiated from the goalkeepers’ individual ready position, was measured prior to, and on completion of, the five-week study. A 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed an improvement in the experimental group’s jump performance from 49.2 ± 4.4 cm pre-training to 53.8 ± 3.5 cm post-training , while the control group’s performance remained stable from 47.02 ± 4.8 cm pre-training to 46.6 ± 4.5 cm post-training , resulting in a significant time-by-group interaction (P<0.001). Findings of the current study provide evidence supporting WBVT’s incorporation into goalkeepers’ training regimes.

What's the secret behind the benefits of whole-body vibration training in patients with COPD? A randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that whole-body vibration training (WBVT) improves exercise capacity in patients with severe COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of improved exercise capacity following WBVT. MethodsSeventy-four COPD patients (FEV1: 34 ± 9%predicted) were recruited during a 3-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. Conventional endurance and strength exercises were supplemented with self-paced dynamic squat training sessions (4bouts*2min, 3times/wk). Patients were randomly allocated to either a WBVT-group performing squat training on a side-alternating vibration platform (Galileo) at a high intensity (24–26 Hz) or a control group performing squat training without WBVT. ResultsPatients in the WBVT group significantly improved postural balance in several domains compared to the control-group (i.e. tandem stance: WBVT +20% (95%CI 14 to 26) vs. control −10% (95%CI 6 to 15), p < 0.001; one-leg stance: WBVT +11% (95%CI 4 to 19) vs. control −8% (95%CI -19 to 3), p = 0.009). Six-minute walk distance and muscle power but not muscle strength were also significantly improved compared to control group. ConclusionsImplementation of WBVT improves postural balance performance and muscle power output. The neuromuscular adaptation related to improved balance performance may be an important mechanism of the improvement in exercise capacity after WBVT especially in COPD patients with impaired balance performance and low exercise capacity.

Low-Volume Whole-Body Vibration Training Improves Exercise Capacity in Subjects With Mild to Severe COPD.

The objective of this study was to investigate the benefits of a low-volume out-patient whole-body vibration training (WBVT) program on exercise capacity in comparison with a calisthenics training program in subjects with COPD. In this single-center randomized controlled trial, 29 subjects with mild to severe COPD were randomized to WBVT or to calisthenics training, including relaxation and breathing retraining in combination with calisthenics exercises. Both groups equally exercised for a duration of 3 months with 2 sessions of 30 min/week. Outcome parameters were 6-min walk distance (6MWD, primary outcome), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, leg press peak force, Berg balance scale, St George Respiratory Questionnaire, and COPD assessment test. Twenty-seven subjects completed the study (WBVT, n = 14; calisthenics training program, n = 13). Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable. Subjects in the WBVT group significantly improved median (interquartile range) 6MWD (+105 [45.5-133.5] m, P = .001), sit-to-stand test (-2.3 [-3.1 to -1.3] s, P = .001), peak force (28.7 [16.7-33.3] kg, P = .001), and Berg balance scale (1.5 [0.0-4.0] points, P = .055). Changes in 6MWD, sit-to-stand test, and leg press peak force were also found to be significantly different between groups in favor of the WBVT group. Only the between-group difference of the COPD assessment test score was in favor of the calisthenics training group (P = .02). A low-volume WBVT program resulted in significantly and clinically relevant larger improvements in exercise capacity compared with calisthenics exercises in subjects with mild to severe COPD. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration DRKS9706.).

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Therapy Improves Cardiac Autonomic Function and Blood Pressure in Obese Pre- and Stage 1 Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an unconventional exercise therapy that appears to provide the same benefits of resistance training in postmenopausal women while being more safe and gentle on the joints. This study evaluated the effect of an 8-week WBV exercise regimen on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in obese postmenopausal women. Randomized controlled study with two parallel groups. Twenty-five (age 50-65 years) obese (body-mass index >30 and <40 kg/m2) postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned to a WBV training group or nonexercising control group. Participants in the WBV group completed the supervised training 3 times a week. WBV training consisted of four static and four dynamic leg exercises (normal, high, and wide-stance squats and calf-raises) with vertical vibration (25-40 Hz and low-high amplitude) progressed throughout the 8 weeks. Brachial systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and HRV: sympathovagal balance (natural logarithm of low frequency [LnLF]/natural logarithm of high frequency [LnHF]; normalized low frequency [nLF]/normalized high frequency [nHF]), parasympathetic tone (LnHF, nHF, natural logarithm of root mean square of successive differences [LnRMSSD]), sympathetic tone (LnLF, nLF), natural logarithm of total power, and heart rate (HR). There were significant group × time interactions (p < 0.05) for brachial SBP, DBP, LnLF/LnHF, and nLF/nHF that significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after WBV, compared with no changes after control. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in nHF and decrease in nLF in the WBV group compared with baseline, yet the changes were not different than those in the control group. No significant changes were observed in LnTP, LnLF, LnHF, LnRMSSD, or HR after 8 weeks in either group. WBV training for 8 weeks is an adequate unconventional exercise intervention for improving sympathovagal balance and BP in previously sedentary obese postmenopausal women.