Abstract
The purpose of this randomized cross-over study was to investigate
the effects of a 4-min long, 2-mm vertically-vibrating vibration-exercise on
muscle performance and body balance in healthy subjects. Sixteen volunteers
(eight men and women aged 18-35 years) underwent both the 4-min vibration- and
sham-interventions in a randomized order on different days. Performance- and
balance-tests (stability platform, grip strength, extension strength of lower
extremities, tandem-walk, vertical jump and shuttle-run) were done 10 minutes
before (baseline) and 2 and 60 minutes after the intervention. In addition, the
effect of vibration on the surface electromyography (EMG) of soleus, vastus
lateralis, gluteus medius, and paravertebralis muscles was investigated during
the vibration. The 4-min vibration-loading did not induce any statistically
significant change in the performance- or balance-tests at the 2- or 60-min
tests. Interestingly, however, the mean power frequency of the EMG in the
vastus lateralis and gluteus medius muscles decreased during the
vibration-intervention, indicating muscle fatigue, particularly in the hip
region. It was concluded that a 4-min long, 2-mm vertically-vibrating
vibration-stimulus did not induce changes in the performance and balance tests.
Future studies should focus on evaluating the effects of different kinds of
vibration-regimens, as well as the long-term effects of vibration-training, on
body balance and muscle performance, and, as a broader objective, on bone.
Key words
Whole body vibration - muscle performance - body balance - EMG
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Dr. S. Torvinen, M.D.
UKK Institute
Kaupinpuistonkatu 1 · 33500 Tampere, Finland ·
Phone: 011-358-3-2829 246
Fax: 011-358-3-2829 200
Email: losato@uta.fi
