Effect of four-month vertical whole body vibration on performance and balance

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise Vol. 34; no. 9; p. 1523
• Main Authors: Torvinen, Saila, Kannus, Pekka, Sievänen, Harri, Järvinen, Tero A H, Pasanen, Matti, Kontulainen, Saija, Järvinen, Teppo L N, Järvinen, Markku, Oja, Pekka, Vuori, Ilkka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2002
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Exercise - physiology; Female; Humans; Isometric Contraction - physiology; Male; Motor Activity - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Postural Balance - physiology; Vibration
• ISSN: 0195-9131
• DOI: 10.1097/00005768-200209000-00020

This randomized controlled study was designed to investigate the effects of a 4-month whole body vibration-intervention on muscle performance and body balance in young, healthy, nonathletic adults. Fifty-six volunteers (21 men and 35 women, aged 19-38 yr) were randomized to either the vibration group or control group. The vibration-intervention consisted of a 4-month whole body vibration training (4 min.d(-1), 3-5 times a week) employed by standing on a vertically vibrating platform. Five performance tests (vertical jump, isometric extension strength of the lower extremities, grip strength, shuttle run, and postural sway on a stability platform) were performed initially and at 2 and 4 months. Four-month vibration intervention induced an 8.5% (95% CI, 3.7-13.5%, P=0.001) net improvement in the jump height. Lower-limb extension strength increased after the 2-month vibration-intervention resulting in a 3.7% (95% CI, 0.3-7.2%, P=0.034) net benefit for the vibration. This benefit, however, diminished by the end of the 4-month intervention. In the grip strength, shuttle run, or balance tests, the vibration-intervention showed no effect. The 4-month whole body vibration-intervention enhanced jumping power in young adults, suggesting neuromuscular adaptation to the vibration stimulus. On the other hand, the vibration-intervention showed no effect on dynamic or static balance of the subjects. Future studies should focus on comparing the performance-enhancing effects of a whole body vibration to those of conventional resistance training and, as a broader objective, on investigating the possible effects of vibration on structure and strength of bones, and perhaps, incidence of falls of elderly people.