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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(8): 584-589
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254084
Clinical Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching

J. B. Feland1 , M. Hawks2 , J. T. Hopkins2 , I. Hunter2 , A. W. Johnson2 , D. L. Eggett3
  • 1Brigham Young University, Human Performance Research Center, Provo, Utah, United States
  • 2Brigham Young University, Exercise Sciences, Provo, Utah, United States
  • 3Brigham Young University, Statistics, Provo, Utah, United States
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Publication History

accepted after revision April 05, 2010

Publication Date:
09 June 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study was a randomized control trial. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine if stretching the hamstrings during whole-body-vibration (WBV) is more effective than static stretching alone; and 2) to monitor retention of flexibility changes. The main outcome measure was hamstring flexibility as measured in degrees using a passive knee extension test. Thirty-four recreationally active college-age subjects (23.4±1.7 yrs) completed this study (22 males, 12 females, avg. ht.=175.6±6.4 cm, avg. wt.=74.9±11.8 kg). Subjects were assigned to a control group (C), a static stretch group (SS), or a vibration + static stretch group (V). Subjects stretched 5 days/wk for 4-weeks and were followed for 3-weeks after cessation to monitor retention. Analysis showed a significant difference between treatment groups (p<0.0001), time (p<0.0001), gender (p=0.0002) and in treatment*time (p=0.0119), with 14%±3.86% (SEM) and 22%±3.86% (SEM) increases in flexibility after 4-weeks of stretching for the SS and V groups respectively. Three-week follow-up showed SS returning to baseline with V group still 6.4 degrees (11%±3.88% (SEM)) more flexible than at baseline. Stretching concurrently with vibration on a WBV platform appears to be a good adjunct to static stretching with the potential to enhance retention of flexibility gains.

Key words

vibration - stretching - flexibility - hamstring - whole-body-vibration

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Correspondence

Dr. J. Brent Feland

Brigham Young University

Human Performance Research Center

RB – 120A

84602 Provo

United States

Phone: +1/801/422 1182

Fax: +1/801/422 0555

Email: brent_feland@byu.edu