Lower Body Acceleration and Muscular Responses to Rotational and Vertical Whole-Body Vibration at Different Frequencies and Amplitudes

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to characterize acceleration transmission and neuromuscular responses to rotational vibration (RV) and vertical vibration (VV) at different frequencies and amplitudes.Methods:Twelve healthy males completed 2 experimental trials (RV vs VV) during which vibration was delivered during either squatting (30°; RV vs VV) or standing (RV only) with 20, 25, and 30 Hz, at 1.5 and 3.0 mm peak-to-peak amplitude. Vibration-induced accelerations were assessed with triaxial accelerometers mounted on the platform and bony landmarks at ankle, knee, and lumbar spine.Results:At all frequency/amplitude combinations, accelerations at the ankle were greater during RV (all P < .03) with the greatest difference observed at 30 Hz, 1.5 mm. Transmission of RV was also influenced by body posture (standing vs squatting, P < .03). Irrespective of vibration type, vibration transmission to all skeletal sites was generally greater at higher amplitudes but not at higher frequencies, especially above the ankle joint. Acceleration at the lumbar spine increased with greater vibration amplitude but not frequency and was highest with RV during standing.Conclusions/Implications:The transmission of vibration during whole-body vibration (WBV) is dependent on intensity and direction of vibration as well as body posture. For targeted mechanical loading at the lumbar spine, RV of higher amplitude and lower frequency vibration while standing is recommended. These results will assist with the prescription of WBV to achieve desired levels of mechanical loading at specific sites in the human body.

Effects of whole-body vibration or resistive-vibration exercise on blood clotting and related biomarkers: a systematic review

“…In particular frequency, amplitude and movement principle were found to be very heterogeneous between the included studies (see Tables 2 and 3). Since the effects of WBV and RVE are strongly dependent upon the parameters that characterize mechanical vibration, such as the frequency and amplitude of the vibration as well as the duration of vibration exposure 27,64 the results are described in qualitative terms, and they are intrinsically associated with a significant degree of uncertainty. Overall, the analysis stresses the need for further research on the topic.…”

A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This greater muscle activation generated by rotational WBV can result in increased isometric activity of the musculature [ 54 ]. Likewise, it has been shown that accelerations in the ankle are greater during rotational WBV [ 55 , 56 ]. This greater mechanical load on the ankle produced with rotational WBV can further activate the musculature at this level, especially the anterior tibial, whose neural excitability is highly associated with mediolateral oscillation [ 57 ] and gastrocnemius [ 53 , 58 ].…”

Modulating Effects of Whole-body Vibration on Cortical Activity and Gait Function in Chronic Stroke Patients

“…Out of 30 participants, 15 were randomly assigned to the WBVe group receiving a single session of WBVe via a vibrating platform (Galileo ® Med S; Novotec Medical, Pforzheim, Germany) with a vibration frequency of 20 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm while keeping a half-squat position on the platform. We used rotational vibration to follow the report of Zaidell et al [ 16 ], which suggested that rotational vibration may be a safe platform to minimized head vibration and more suitable for subjects who cannot keep balance in the squatting position. The control group participated in the same session with the same posture without the application of vibration.…”