Strength increase after whole-body vibration compared with resistance training. Article is taken from a Clinical Trial published by the US Library of Medicine » Read Full Article Here
PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effect of a 12-wk period of whole-body vibration training and resistance training on human knee-extensor strength.
METHODS:
Sixty-seven untrained females participated in the study. The whole-body vibration group and the placebo group performed static and dynamic knee-extensor exercises on a vibration platform. The acceleration of the vibration platform was between 2.28 g and 5.09 g, whereas only 0.4 g for the PL condition. Vibration resulted in increased EMG activity, but the EMG signal remained unchanged in the PL condition. The resistance-training group trained knee extensors by dynamic leg-press and leg-extension exercises. All training groups exercised 3x wk-1. The control group did not participate in any training. Pre- and postisometric, dynamic, and ballistic knee-extensor strength were measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer. Explosive strength was determined by means of a counter-movement jump.
RESULTS:
Isometric and dynamic knee-extensor strength increased significantly in both the WBV group and the RES group, respectively, whereas the PL and CO group showed no significant increase. Counter-movement jump height enhanced significantly in the WBV group only. There was no effect of any of the interventions on the maximal speed of movement, as measured by means of ballistic tests.
CONCLUSIONS:
Whole Body Vibration, and the reflexive muscle contraction it provokes, has the potential to induce strength gain in knee extensors of previously untrained females to the same extent as resistance training at moderate intensity. It was clearly shown that Strength increase with whole-body vibration training is not attributable to a placebo effect.
Author Information: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. christophe.delecluse@flok.kuleuven.ac.be