Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Adoption of artificial neural network technique to optimise the whole-body vibration

Adoption of artificial neural network technique to optimise the whole-body vibration

Impact of warm-up methods on strength-speed for sprinters in athletics: a mini review.

In athletics, achieving peak performance during competitions is crucial. Warm-up strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the strength-speed performance of sprinters in athletics, especially tailored to the physiological demands of speed events. The need to balance flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance power output makes the selection of an effective warm-up protocol essential. This narrative review examines different warm-up methods used by athletes and their effects on strength-speed in sprinters in athletics. The main findings indicate that Foam Rolling (FR), Isometric Exercises and Pre-Competitive Massages have no significant effects on sprint performance. Static stretching and prolonged Pre-Competitive Massages have negative impacts on strength and power. The Vibration Platform enhances step length, step rate and running velocity, jump height and total number of jumps performed in a 30-s period in non-experienced sprinters. Eccentric Exercise increases vertical force, Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) demonstrates a reduction in 100-meter time and short-term improvement in vertical and horizontal jumps. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) significantly improving jump height and flight time. Various warm-up methods have been identified, some focusing on flexibility, others potentially detrimental, and some enhancing strength and power. Implementing effective warm-ups, particularly those promoting strength and power, poses a challenge for coaches seeking reliable alternatives to boost performance.

Finite Element Analysis of a Novel Tensegrity-Based Vibratory Platform

The study aims to conduct the finite element analysis (FEA) of a novel tensegrity-based vibratory platform by using IronCAD software. and analyze its deformation under external forces to verify if the platform can generate the required advancing motion. Firstly, the structure and operating principles of the proposed platform are introduced. Subsequently, individual parts are created using IronCAD software and assembled to form a solid model of the entire platform. Finally, employing Multiphysics for IronCAD, FEA is conducted to analyze the platform’s displacement under different external forces, as well as to examine its natural frequencies and mode shapes. The simulation results indicate that the proposed platform effectively moves a part in a specified direction. Additionally, the maximum stress remains below the yield strength. Moreover, the mode shapes corresponding to the initial 3 natural frequencies contribute to the advancing motion.

Immediate Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Whole-Body Vibration on Fat Oxidation, Lipid Mobilization, and Cardiovascular Response in Individuals with Obesity.

Among obesity, cumulative fat and poor physical activity are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Due to the limit in performing aerobic exercise (AER), whole-body vibration (WBV) as a passive form of exercise is an alternative therapeutic strategy. Herein, this study aimed to compare the immediate effects of AER and WBV on metabolic and cardiovascular responses, and dyspnea level in obesity. Forty-nine eligible obesities performed both AER and WBV, with a random order assignment (age = 28.94 ± 11.39 years). Fat oxidation, cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)), and dyspnea level (i.e., rating perceived exertion (RPE)) were measured during exercise, while lipid mobilization (i.e., triglycerides) was collected pre- and post-exercise. Fat oxidation rate in AER was significantly higher than in WBV. Significantly increased fat oxidation rates were shown in both groups (within-group analyses) (also shown in females aged 20-45). Triglyceride levels between AER and WBV were similar. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was only observed in WBV (within-group change). HR and RPE in AER were significantly higher than in WBV (p < 0.05). HR and RPE were significantly increased throughout both AER and WBV, while systolic blood pressure was only significantly elevated in AER (whining-group analyses). WBV may facilitate fat oxidation (particularly in females aged below 45), induce lipid mobilization, and reduce interference on cardiovascular parameters in obesity.

A metamaterial isolator with tunable low frequency stop-band based on magnetorheological elastomer and magnet spring

This paper proposed and prototyped a metamaterial isolator with periodic structure based on magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) and magnet spring. With acoustic metamaterial structure, the proposed metamaterial isolator can generate a stop-band, which means the vibration over specific frequency can’t be transferred and will be isolated effectively. Then, with the control of MRE stiffness, the cut-off frequency of the stop-band is tunable, which makes the isolator potential to be adapted to different working situations. The negative stiffness generated by the magnet spring can help to lower the start frequency of the stop-band and enhance the bearing capacity of the metamaterial isolator in vertical direction in the meantime. To verify the feasibility of the proposed device, the magnetic field simulation was first conducted and discussed, and the negative stiffness property of the magnet spring was numerically measured and demonstrated. Then, the mass-spring model of the metamaterial isolator was established in order to theoretically analyze the influence of MRE and the magnet spring on the vibration attenuation efficiency. A vibration platform was finally set up and the evaluation experiments were conducted to validate the theoretical analysis. In this paper, the structure design, theoretical modelling and experimental results of the metamaterial isolator are comprehensively discussed, which demonstrate that the prototype structure can work well as expected. The design of the metamaterial isolator with negative stiffness magnet spring can also enlighten more studies on lowering the bandgap frequency of the acoustic metamaterial without sacrificing large structure stiffness.

Analysis of Reduction Effectiveness and Design of Locally Resonant Metamaterial Barriers for Train Vibration

Train vibrations are the primary concern in environmental engineering and civil engineering. It is significantly imperative to find new methods for reducing and isolating vibrations. The locally resonant metamaterials (LRMs) propose a novel method and concept for reducing train vibration. However, the accurate and quick design structures of LRMs based on vibration characteristics are still an issue. Thus, this study presents a novel inverse design model of three-component locally resonant metamaterial barriers (LRMBs) for vibration reduction based on deep learning. The bandgap characteristics and vibration modes of the LRMB are investigated by using the improved plane wave expansion (IPWE) and finite element method (FEM). Besides, the gradient-combined LRMBs are proposed based on time–frequency features of measured vibration caused by trains and the novel inverse design model, and a two-dimensional finite element model coupling with infinite element boundaries is established to study the reduction efficiency of the gradient-combined LRMBs. And the performances of different LRMBs are fully analyzed in time and frequency domains. The results show that the novel inverse design model can be successfully used to design the LRMB based on vibration features. Moreover, the gradient-combined LRMBs have better isolation performance.

Comparison of Static Stretching on Whole Body Vibration and Strength Training for Improving and Maintaining Hamstring Range of Motion

Background: Hamstring strains are prevalent among individuals engaged in sports and recreational activities. Addressing this, static stretching, whole-body vibrations (WBV), and strength training are recognized for enhancing range of motion (ROM) and reducing muscle injury risks. However, the comparative effectiveness of these modalities on hamstring flexibility and ROM requires further exploration. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of static stretching combined with whole-body vibrations and strength training on improving and maintaining hamstring range of motion. Methods: This crossover randomized control trial in Karachi involved 44 participants aged 18-25 years, actively participating in various recreational activities. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one underwent static stretching on whole-body vibration, and the other received strength training. The interventions lasted four weeks, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of active and passive range of motion (AROM and PROM). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The static stretching with whole-body vibration group showed an increase in AROM from a pre-intervention mean of 131.05° to a post-intervention mean of 136.55°, and in PROM from 131.67° to 137.41°. The strength training group exhibited an increase in AROM from a pre-intervention mean of 135.21° to 142.42°, and in PROM from 135.98° to 144.81°. Both interventions demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring ROM. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both static stretching on whole-body vibration and strength training are effective in enhancing the flexibility and range of motion of hamstrings. These findings suggest their beneficial incorporation in rehabilitation and athletic training programs.

The effects of focal muscle vibration on motor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are common consequences in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). These impairments limit function independence and decrease activities of daily living. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) produces vibration signals affecting the central nervous system. No systematic review has been published investigating the effects of FMV on motor impairments in people with MS. OBJECTIVES: This review was conducted to investigate the effects of FMV in motor rehabilitation in PwMS. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, REHABDATA, PEDro, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of science were searched from their inception until May 2023. Studies were included if they were experimental studies, used FMV in PwMS, and evaluated motor impairments. Studies were excluded if they used other forms of vibration application (e.g., whole-body vibration) or used pharmacological treatments as a primary intervention. We evaluate the risk of bias using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Five studies met our eligibility criteria. Three studies were randomized controlled trials, a clinical controlled trial (n = 1), and a pilot study (n = 1). A total of 123 participants were included in this review (Mean age = 47), 42.28% of whom were men. The PEDro scale scores ranged from three to eight. The findings revealed beneficial and non-beneficial effects of FMV on motor function in PwMS. CONCLUSIONS: The FMV application is safe and well-tolerated in PwMS. The evidence for the impacts of FMV on motor impairments in PwMS was limited. Additional studies with long-term follow-ups are encouraged.

Improvement of ride quality for a wheel loader with semi-active cab isolation system via fuzzy self tuning of PID controller

Improving driver ride comfort of a wheel loader is important to avoid potential health hazards from the whole-body vibration. A fuzzy self-tuning of PID controller is designed to control the damping coefficient of Semi-active cab isolation system (SCIS) for a wheel loader. A dynamic model of a wheel loader is establish under survey conditions for analysis and evaluation. The r.m.s acceleration responses of the vertical driver's seat and pitch angle of vehicle body according to ISO2631-1 (1997-E) are chosen as objective functions. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is analyzed through simulations involving excitations for a random road profile in time domain. The proposed SCIS is simulated and analyzed by Matlab/Simulink software in comparison with a passive cab isolation system (PCIS) under survey conditions. The achieved results indicate that ride comfort effectiveness of a wheel loader with SCIS is better than PCIS under survey conditions. In addition, the study results are the initial basis for optimizing controller parameters.

Occupational diseases in construction workers in the Arctic

Introduction. Construction is one of the most important sectors of the economy.&#x0D; The aim is: to study the causes of development, structure, and prevalence of occupational pathology of construction workers in the Arctic.&#x0D; Materials and methods. An analysis was made of the data of socio-hygienic monitoring “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” and the Register of extracts from occupational disease records (Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated May 28, 2001 No. 176) for 2007–2021 in the Russian Arctic.&#x0D; Results. Over 2007–2021, construction workers in the Arctic were exposed to thirteen occupational hazards, seven of which (labour severity, harmful chemicals, noise, whole-body and hand-arm vibration, fibrogenic aerosols, cooling microclimate) caused the development of occupational diseases (n=252). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (38.5%), respiratory organs (16.3%), and sensorineural hearing loss (17.1%) prevailed in their structure. Occupational diseases more often developed among welders (n=31), painters (n=291), mechanics (n=23), and plasterers (n=19). The level of occupational morbidity among construction workers (2.62/10,000 workers) is 2.9–6.3 times lower than for all workers in the Russian Arctic and 20.6–194.7 times lower than for workers in the mining and metallurgical industry of the Russian Arctic. During 15 years, occupational morbidity and the risk of developing occupational pathology (RR=1.29; CI 0.82–2.02) in construction workers did not change.&#x0D; Limitation. The lack of data on working conditions at construction enterprises in the Russian Arctic in 1997–2006, which could have explained the changes of occupational pathology in 2007–2021.&#x0D; Conclusion. To preserve the health of construction workers (primarily welders, painters, mechanics, plasterers), it is necessary to improve measures to protect them from the effects of increased labour severity, harmful chemicals and noise.

Parameter optimization of multi-suspended equipment to suppress carbody vibration of high-speed railway vehicles: a comparative study

ABSTRACTParameter optimization of equipment suspended under the carbody underframe is one of the important measures to suppress carbody vibration of high-speed trains. Previous work focused on using one equipment as a dynamic vibration absorber to control carbody vibration, overlooking the coupling effects of multiple equipments and their vibration tolerance. To address this, a comprehensive study involving multi-objective and multi-parameter optimization to enhance both carbody and equipment vibration performance is proposed. First, a theoretical model with one equipment is established to derive optimal parameters, and a simulation model with multi-suspended equipment is built to conduct optimize calculations with an improved niche genetic algorithm (INGA). Afterwards, a comparative study on carbody and equipment vibration performance is analysed based on the optimal parameters, proving that the optimal method with INGA is more effective in improving vehicle performance. Finally, the method is applied to a newly designed vehicle, and the performance is validated on a rig, providing technical support for the design of high-speed vehicles.

Investigation of the piezoelectric performance of P(VDF-TrFE)/SnO2NPs/GR composite film fabricated via electrospinning

ABSTRACT This paper introduces an innovative sandwich-structured piezoelectric nanogenerator film. In contrast to conventional piezoelectric generators, it exhibits enhanced flexibility and generates higher voltage. It can function as a self-sustaining power source for wearable sensors. To augment the film’s β-phase content, consequently boosting the nanogenerator’s voltage output, the nanofilm was manufactured through high-voltage electrospinning in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), incorporating stannic oxide nanoparticles (SnO2NPS) and graphene (GR).The relationship between the surface morphology, β-phase content, and voltage output performance of composite piezoelectric films with distinct compositions was comprehensively assessed and scrutinized utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and vibration platforms. The findings reveal that the composition of 12% P(VDF-TrFE) + 5% SnO2NPS + 0.1% GR yields the finest fiber alignment, the highest β-phase content, as well as peak open-circuit voltage and short-circuit peak current values of 22.43 V and 12.95 μA, respectively. This signifies a 1.5-fold and 1.3-fold improvement compared to the film containing only SnO2NPS, and a 2.43-fold and 1.92-fold enhancement relative to the pure P(VDF-TrFE) film. Consequently, it achieves a maximum instantaneous output power of 64.578 μW. Securing the nanogenerator with the aforementioned composition to the sole of a shoe and running for 21 minutes can charge the capacitor to 4 V, thereby empowering it to operate commercial liquid crystal thermometers or approximately 80 LED lights for approximately 1.6 seconds. This technology possesses substantial significance within the realm of self-sustaining low-power electronic devices.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength in Subjects with Shoulder Instability

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength in Subjects with Shoulder Instability

Effectiveness of whole-body vibration in patients with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study examined the effects of systemic vibration exercises on cerebral palsy patients. Literature published in Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane library, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and PubMed was reviewed. A total of 2978 studies were initially retrieved. After further reading of the full texts 17 articles were finally included. A quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the risk of bias (RoB) 2.0, and the Funnel plot and the Egger test were conducted to confirm the publication bias. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to the dependent variables, the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF), frequency, treatment period and age. The overall effect size of homogeneity was 0.474 (CI = 0.148-0.801). The analysis of the dependent variables showed the following order of the effect size: balance, muscle strength, spasticity, bone density, range of motion of the joint, gait function, and motor function. In the ICF classification, the effect size was observed to follow the order of body structure and function, activity, and participation. The effect size in the intervention according to the treatment period showed the following order: 7 to 12 weeks, 1 to 6 weeks, and 14 to 24 weeks. The age-dependent classification showed the following order in the effect size: school age, adolescent and adult, and infant and school age. Systemic vibration is the most effective intervention to improve the balance and gait in patients with cerebral palsy and improve the body structure and function according to the ICF.

Experimental Analysis of the Dynamics of a Vibration Platform upon Contact with an Elastic Limiter of Oscillations

Experimental Analysis of the Dynamics of a Vibration Platform upon Contact with an Elastic Limiter of Oscillations

Investigation on the fault monitoring of high-voltage circuit breaker using improved deep learning.

Mechanical faults are the main causes of abnormal opening, refusal operation, or malfunction of high-voltage circuit breakers. Accurately assessing the operational condition of high-voltage circuit breakers and delivering fault evaluations is essential for the power grid's safety and reliability. This article develops a circuit breaker fault monitoring device, which diagnoses the mechanical faults of the circuit breaker by monitoring the vibration information data. At the same time, the article adopts an improved deep learning method to train vibration information of high-voltage circuit breakers, and based on this, a systematic research method is employed to identify circuit breaker faults. Firstly, vibration information data of high-voltage circuit breakers is obtained through monitoring devices, this vibration data is then trained using deep learning methods to extract features corresponding to various fault types. Secondly, using the extracted features, circuit breaker faults are classified and recognized with a systematic analysis of the progression traits across various fault categories. Finally, the circuit breaker's fault type is ascertained by comparing the test set's characteristics with those of the training set, using the vibration data. The experimental results show that for the same type of circuit breaker, the accuracy of this method is over 95%, providing a more efficient, intuitive, and practical method for online diagnosis and fault warning of high-voltage circuit breakers.

Effect of Warm-Up in Limited Area on Lactic Acid, Isokinetic Strength, and Nerve Conduction Velocity in Elite Athletes

PURPOSE: This study aimed to observe whether applying jogging, WBV, and PWU as warm-up exercises positively affected the neurophysiological responses and physical fitness measurements in elite indoor and winter sports athletes.METHODS: Elite bobsleigh (n = 4, height; 180.2±2.93, weight; 93.5±2.41) and squash (n = 5, height; 177.8±2.86, weight; 77.8±4.21) athletes were recruited. To verify the effect of the treatment, the whole body vibration (WBV), plyometric (PWU), and jogging treatment were performed for 10 minutes each week. Lactic acid, nerve conduction velocity (pre, post, 3 minutes, 5 minutes), and isokinetic test of three velocity (60, 180, 240°/sec) were measured.RESULTS: There were significant differences between control, WBV, and PWU in lactic acid after the 3 min test (χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 9.036, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .021), and WBV and PWU showed higher lactic acid than control. Nerve conduction velocity was different between control and PWU after the 3 min test (χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 8.242, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .041), and PWU showed faster conduction velocity than control. Isokinetic strength was found to be different between control and PWU (χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 8.799, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .032), and PWU showed higher average power than control.CONCLUSIONS: It is considered that plyometric is a suitable warm-up exercise that can be easily applied according to harsh space and weather changes. Additionally, the test should be conducted in more sports.

Effects of vehicle vibration on driver alertness: a pilot study

Road accidents resulting from the loss of driving alertness cause significant social and economic damage. In recent years, studies have revealed that whole-body vibration affects driver drowsiness directly. However, the impact of different frequency ranges of vibration on driver alertness has not been extensively explored. This driving simulator study aimed to investigate the impact of low frequency (1-4 Hz) and high frequency (16-32 Hz) whole-body vibration on a driver's reaction time during a monotonous highway driving task. Nine participants completed the task for one hour, with reaction tasks presented every 8-12 seconds. After 25 minutes of exposure to whole-body vibration, participants exhibited significantly longer reaction times for both low and high frequency ranges when compared to the control condition. The low frequency range had a stronger effect on driver vigilance, with reaction times increasing by as much as 135 ms within 35 minutes. Subjective evaluations using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) were consistent with the reaction time results. Overall, this study confirms that both low and high frequency vibration can reduce driver alertness, with the effect of low frequency vibration being more pronounced. Further research is suggested with larger sample sizes and wider frequency ranges.

Vehicle seat surface real-time control system with linear actuator to reduce vertical impact

For regular vehicles, the vibration generated when a vehicle passes through a groove or step is dampened but still remains and causes whole-body vibration (WBV) to occupants through vehicle seat. Several epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that prolonged exposure to vibration from vehicles is detrimental to human health and may cause motion sickness. To reduce this whole-body vibration. We designed a simple and effective feed-forward control system with compact actuator compatible to the limited under-seat dimension and power outlet of compact general passenger cars and successfully authenticated the possibility of vertical vibration reduction by controlling the vehicle seat surface vertical displacement. In this research, we designed a real-time feed-forward control system with transfer function model estimation. This real-time control system contains a commercial DSP device providing coherence input and output with a controllable delay. With the application of transfer function model and state space model, this system successfully estimated the upcoming vibration acceleration according to the input of the vibrational acceleration time-domain data acquired from lower arm when the test vehicle passing a step. Furthermore, it is possible to process the input data and control the linear actuator precisely to reduce the vertical impact observed as setting force reduction.

Study on the effect of semi-active control method matching for truck cab and seat suspension on driver comfort

This paper proposes a novel solution for addressing the challenges of whole-body vibrations in the heavy truck industry. Despite the substantial growth in this industry, excessive fatigue, back pain, neck pain, and other illnesses caused by rough and bumpy roads remain a major concern for truck drivers. To mitigate these issues, this study develops a comprehensive vibration reduction system based on a near-zero stiffness seat suspension system and a semi-active ON-OFF damping control system for the cab and seat. The study also evaluates the sensitivity of seat and cab suspension to vibration comfort by developing a nonlinear vibration system mathematical model. Simulation analysis results demonstrate that the proposed system can significantly reduce whole-body vibration experienced by the driver, potentially enhancing driver comfort and reducing the risk of illness and injury. However, further experimental validation and optimization are needed to fully evaluate the system's effectiveness and feasibility in practice.