Whole‐body vibration exercise leads to alterations in muscle blood volume

Abstract

Occupationally used high-frequency vibration is supposed to have negative effects on blood flow and muscle strength. Conversely, low-frequency vibration used as a training tool appears to increase muscle strength, but nothing is known about its effects on peripheral circulation. The aim of this investigation was to quantify alterations in muscle blood volume after whole muscle vibration--after exercising on the training device Galileo 2000 (Novotec GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany). Twenty healthy adults performed a 9-min standing test. They stood with both feet on a platform, producing oscillating mechanical vibrations of 26 Hz. Alterations in muscle blood volume of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles were assessed with power Doppler sonography and arterial blood flow of the popliteal artery with a Doppler ultrasound machine. Measurements were performed before and immediately after exercising. Power Doppler indices indicative of muscular blood circulation in the calf and thigh significantly increased after exercise. The mean blood flow velocity in the popliteal artery increased from 6.5 to 13.0 cm x s(-1) and its resistive index was significantly reduced. The results indicate that low-frequency vibration does not have the negative effects on peripheral circulation known from occupational high-frequency vibration.

The effects of whole body vibration and exercise on fibrinolysis in men

“…However, the change in heart rate between the X and VX conditions was found to be no different. This is supported by previous literature which show no changes in heart rate during WBV sessions (36). No study has examined the heart rate response to exercise with and without vibration.…”

“…Mechanical stimulation of blood flow increases the release of endothelial fibrinolytic activators (1). WBV is an emerging modality that is known to promote increased blood flow and catecholamine response (29,36). The chemical response and the mechanical stimulation that promotes increased blood flow may also induce a fibrinolytic response and, thus, be a valuable addition to a therapeutic exercise intervention designed to reduce cardiovascular risk.…”

“…WBV and exercise independently increase blood flow and shear stress (36,39,40), and increased shear stress is associated with increased levels of fibrinolytic activity (36,40). WBV alone in healthy males and females (12 men mean age, 32.7 years; BMI, 24.1 kg·mˉ²; 8 females mean age, 28.5 years; BMI, 19.9 kg·mˉ²) vibrating for 9 minutes at a frequency of 26 Hz has been shown to increase blood flow (36,39,40).…”

“…WBV alone in healthy males and females (12 men mean age, 32.7 years; BMI, 24.1 kg·mˉ²; 8 females mean age, 28.5 years; BMI, 19.9 kg·mˉ²) vibrating for 9 minutes at a frequency of 26 Hz has been shown to increase blood flow (36,39,40). Although blood flow was not measured in the present study, it can be assumed that blood flow increased, resulting in increased vascular shear stress, which when combined with exercise was enough of a stimulus to increase in fibrinolytic activity in the VX condition more so than in the X condition.…”

Rare adipose disorders (RADs) masquerading as obesity

“…In addition to improving strength and bone mineral density, whole body vibration (WBV) improves peripheral circula tion [159,160] and increases lymph flow, raising the threshold level for edema formation in the legs [161] . During WBV, the user simply stands (or stretches/exercises) on a platform for 10-15 min.…”