The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different frequencies of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on knee extensors muscle strength in healthy young volunteers. Twenty-two eligible healthy untrained young women aged 22-31 years were allocated randomly to the 30-Hz (n=11) and 50-Hz (n=11) groups. They participated in a supervised WBV training program that consisted of 24 sessions on a synchronous vertical vibration platform (peak-to-peak displacement: 2-4 mm; type of exercises: semi-squat, one-legged squat, and lunge positions on right leg; set numbers: 2-24) three times per week for 8 weeks. Isometric and dynamic strength of the knee extensors were measured prior to and at the end of the 8-week training. In the 30-Hz group, there was a significant increase in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (p=0.039) and the concentric peak torque (p=0.018) of knee extensors and these changes were significant (p<0.05) compared with the 50-Hz group. In addition, the eccentric peak torque of knee extensors was increased significantly in both groups (p<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.873). We concluded that 8 weeks WBV training in 30 Hz was more effective than 50 Hz to increase the isometric contraction and dynamic strength of knee extensors as measured using peak concentric torque and equally effective with 50 Hz in improving eccentric torque of knee extensors in healthy young untrained women.

BackgroundThere are a lot of widely accepted treatment methods for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) but there isn't any gold standard treatment modality only. One of the main targets in MPS treatment is to inactivate trigger point (TP)s. Pharmacological treatments, physical therapy modalities, dry needling, local anesthetic and botulinum toxin injections are used for this purpose. Considering its presumed effects, we hypothesized that kinesiotaping might be used for inactivating TPs also.ObjectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of muscle inhibition and space correction techniques of kinesiotaping method; on pain, functional status and quality of life in female patients with MPS related to upper trapezius active TPs in comparison to control group and to determine the advantage of each technique over another.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 93 female patients with MPS related to upper trapezius active TPs and randomized the patients to Kinesiotaping treatment group with Space Correction technique and home exercise programme (KSC, n=20), Kinesiotaping treatment group with Muscle Inhibition technique and home exercise programme (KMI, n=24) and control group (KG, n=27) which received home exercise programme only for two weeks. Kinesiotaping was applied twice a week with three to four day intervals for two weeks. Patients were evaluated by numerical rating scale (NRS) for their average and maximum pain intensity, active TP count, pressure pain threshold (PPT), Turkish versions of neck disability index (NDI) and short form-36 (SF-36) scales before the study and after two weeks. Statistical tests were conducted at the 0.05 significance level for all outcome measures.ResultsKinesiotaping was related to lower average pain intensity levels and better functional status than home exercise programme only as well as it was effective on enhancing quality of life by improving physical functions and general health at two weeks (p<0.05). Both kinesiotaping and home exercise programme were effective on reducing maximum pain intensity and active TPs (p<0.05) without any advantage over another (p>0.05). Neither kinesiotaping nor home exercise programme was effective on increasing PPT (p>0.05). Between the kinesiotaping techniques muscle inhibition was effective on reducing role limitation due to physical factors at two weeks whereas space correction and home exercise programme wasn't (p<0.05).ConclusionsKinesiotaping was related to lower average pain intensity levels and better functional status than home exercise programme only as well as it was effective on enhancing quality of life by improving physical functions and general health.Disclosure of InterestNone declared

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