Whole body vibration improves body mass, flexibility and strength in previously sedentary adults

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) training for promoting healthrelated physical fitness in sedentary adults.Design. A non-randomised sampling technique was used with an equivalent match-pair comparison group, pre-and posttest design. Volunteers were gathered through a combination of accidental and snowball sampling and divided into either the experimental (n=32) or control group (n=30). Dependent variables included body mass, hamstring flexibility as measured by the sit-and-reach test, upper-body strength as measured by a grip strength dynamometer, abdominal and upper-body muscular endurance as measured by 1-minute timed sit-up and push-up tests, respectively. The standardised YMCA fitness battery was used as the evaluation protocol. The WBV experimental group participated in a progressive 3 times/week training programme for a maximum duration of 30 minutes/session for 12 consecutive weeks. The control group remained sedentary.Results. Significant improvements in all five of the selected dependent parameters were measured.Conclusion. WBV training 3 times weekly for 30 minutes/ session provides an effective method of exercise intervention for health promotion in sedentary adults over a 12-week period.S Afr J SM 2012;24(2):60-64.

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

“…Our findings are like those reported previously that have indicated that both types of WBV combined with an exercise program reduced pain and increased quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia [ 15 , 16 , 22 , 26 , 42 ] or osteoarthritis [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Regarding the perception of pain, measured with the analogue visual scale and in somatosensory measures such as pain thresholds, there were significant differences in both types of WBV with respect to the control group.…”

“…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 ]. This musculature is considered essential in maintaining posture [ 59 ] and can improve joint stabilization and proprioception [ 16 , 18 , 60 ].…”

“…The transmission of vibration to the human body is a complicated phenomenon due to nonlinearities in the musculoskeletal system and it depends on the intensity and direction of the vibration [ 15 ]. Besides, the transmission of rotational WBV is also influenced by body posture [ 16 ]. It has been observed that the acceleration transmitted to the different parts of the body is greater using rotational WBV than vertical WBV during the standing position, so a lower frequency and a higher amplitude in rotational WBV in the standing position is recommended to establish a desired level of mechanical load in different areas of the body [ 17 ].…”

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Our findings are like those reported previously indicating that WBV combined with an exercise program enhanced balance and muscle strength ( 19 – 21 ), reduced pain and increased quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia ( 16 , 17 , 20 , 22 , 23 )]. Our study further revealed changes in somatosensory perception, improvements in motor function and a reduction of clinical comorbidities ( 12 , 34 ).…”

“…The whole body vibration (WBV) therapy has proven to improve health status (15)(16)(17)(18), strength (19,20), static and dynamic balance (21), physical function (20), pain and quality of life (22,23). To the best of our knowledge, all the previous studies combined WBV with an associated exercise program.…”