Evaluation of a Six-Week Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Neuromuscular Performance in Older Adults

Abstract

Research in the field of whole-body vibration (WBV) for the enhancement of neuromuscular performance is becoming increasingly popular. However, additional understanding of optimal WBV training protocols is still necessary to develop optimal and effective training and prevention concepts, especially for elderly people. The intention of this study was to evaluate a 6-week WBV intervention program based on optimal vibration loads adapted from the literature on lower-limb strength parameters and performance, as well as on perceived exertion according to a subjective rating. A total of 21 older adults were allocated randomly into either a WBV training or control group (CO). Before and after the intervention period, jump height was measured during a countermovement jump. In addition, isolated isokinetic maximal knee extension and flexion strength, mean power, and work were recorded using a motor-driven dynamometer. Borg's scale for rating of perceived exertion was used to evaluate the intensity of WBV exercises within each training session. After the intervention period, jump height increased by 18.55% (p < 0.001) in the WBV group, whereas values of the CO remained unchanged. There were no statistically significant differences in isokinetic maximal strength, mean power, or work values in knee extension or flexion (all p > 0.05). Finally, the subjective perceived exertion of the WBV exercises and respective training parameters ranged between moderate rating levels of 7 and 13 of Borg's scale. Our data show that WBV is a feasible and safe training program for elderly people to increase multijoint strength performance of the lower limbs during a countermovement jump. This could help to determine the potential of WBV programs in training of the elderly to prevent age-related reduction of neuromuscular performance.

Oscillatory whole-body vibration improves exercise capacity and physical performance in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a randomised clinical study

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Whole-Body Vibration Training Effect on Physical Performance and Obesity in Mice

“…Vibration exercise was attracted a lot of attention as an exercise modality, which elevates metabolic rate and activates muscular adaption that could be a potential method for weight reduction 14 . The physical performance regarding to vibration exercise was focused on neuromuscular functions 15 or strength evaluation 16 . However, evidence for its effects is scarce, especially in obese subjects.…”

The application of whole-body vibration in physiotherapy – A narrative review

“…According to the recent reports, WBV training lasting several week increases muscle strength (42), improves muscle quality characteristics (33), static balance (51), and VO2max (7), increases the height of a counter movement jump (49), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (18). Other authors also noted similar beneficial effects of traditional resistance or aerobic training and WBV on physical performance of older individuals (7,33).…”

“…Although, depending on exercise intensity, heart rate increased by 62-80% (7), WBV training participants did not complain of physical exertion as opposed to those assigned to the conventional fitness training program. In the study of Perchthaler et al (49), the subjectively perceived exertion of WBV exercises ranged between 7 and 13 on the 20-point Borg scale.…”

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