“Study summaries”
Check out the studies below showing the effects of whole body vibration when measured in controlled experiments:
Study: Investigate and compare the effects of 24 weeks of Whole Body Vibration Exercise (WBVE) and Fitness Training on body compostion and muscle strength:
Results: a significant strength gain both exercise groups compared with a control group. WBVE group increased their strength by 7-25% Roelents et al (2004b)
Study: Investigate and compare the effects of 24 weeks of WBVE and Fitness Training on knee extension strength, speed of movement and countermovement jump performance
Results: static and dynamic knee extensor strength increased significantly as did speed of movement and jump height for both groups. Changes were observable after 12 weeks of training. Roelents et al (2004a)
Study: Investigate the effects of 2 weeks of WBVE
Results: Increase in muscle strength among the WBV group of 28% Salvarani et al (2003)
Study: Investigate and compare the effects of 24 weeks of WBVE and Fitness Training on knee rmovement jump performance.
Results: Static and dynamic knee extensor strength increased significantly as did speed of movement and jump height for both groups. Changes were observable after 12 weeks of training. Roelents et al (2004a)
Study: Investigate the effects of 2 weeks of WBVE
Results: Increase in muscle strength among the WBV group of 28%. Salvarani et al (2003)
Downloadable studies showing the benefits of whole body vibration exercise
Here are some abstracts from independent studies conducted on the effects of whole body vibration exercise on humans. To view these studies, please click on the blule link. Either the file will automatically download or it will open another link window. Click on that link and the file should automatically download to your computer. If you have any trouble, please let us know using the comment section below, or email us.
This study explored the physiological mechanisms of fatigue by VE in 37 young healthy subjects. Exercise and cardiovascular data were compared to progressive bicycle ergometry until exhaustion. Conclusion: It follows that exhaustive whole-body VE elicits a mild cardiovascular exertion, and that neural as well as muscular mecha- nisms of fatigue may play a role. (download full study by clicking link above)
Adaptive responses of skeletal muscle to wbv
The study was performed in order to test the possibility wheather a single whole body vibration (WBV) session will produce human skeletal muscle response. Conclusions: Adaptive response of human skeletal muscle to simulated hypergravity conditions (1. 1 g), applied for three weeks, caused a drastic enhancement of the neuromuscular functions of the leg extensor muscles
Overview of studies of long term wbv exercise
First Chart showing summary of various tests and the results on muscle performance and body balance using WBV
Overview of studies of short term wbv exercise
Second Chart showing summary of various tests and the results on muscle performance and strength using WBV
Effect of wbv on performance and balance
Study of effect of four-month vertical whole body vibration on performance and balance.
Conclusion:
Power and strength tests. The vertical jump height increased an average of 2.0 cm after 2 months vibration as compared with a mean decrease of 0.6 cm in the control group, resulting in a significant 10.2% net benefit in the vibration group. At the 4-month test, jump height had increased 2.5 cm (from the baseline) in the vibration group and 0.3 cm (from the base- line) in the control group, resulting in a significant 8.5% net benefit in the vibration group .
Effect of wbv on muscular performance, balance and bone
Effect on muscles of mechanical vibrations produced by WBV in combination with physical therapy in treating female stress urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Muscle stimulation by vibration training improves the subjective and objective parameters of stress urinary incontinence. The combination of vibration training and physical therapy turned out to be highly effective and thus represents a genuine therapeutic option for patients with stress urinary incontinence.
Hormonal responses to wbv in men
WBV treatment effected a significant increase in plasma concentration of T while C decreased significantly. Mechanical W output of leg extensor muscles significantly enhanced.
Treatment of chronic lower back pain with wbv
In both groups, there was a significant decrease in pain sensation, The results of this study suggest that both lumbar exten- sion and whole-body vibration exercise can relieve pain and improve pain-related limitation in everyday life for patients with CLBP. Moreover, a gain in lumbar exten- sion torque was observed in both groups, whereas a re- duction in the tendency to depression was observed only in the lumbar extension group.
New trends in training science
The use of vibrations in an athletic setting offers new possibilities to coaching science. Resistance training effectiveness has been demonstrated due to the possibility of enhancing neuromuscular performance, power output. strength and hormonal profile.
International journal of sports medicine study
The present findings indicate that metabolic power in whole-body VbX can be parametrically controlled by frequency and amplitude, and by application of additional loads. These results further substantiate the view that VbX enhances muscular metabolic power, and thus muscle activity.
Comparison of strength increase after wbv / resistance training
This study clearly indicate that strength, and more specifically isometric and isokinetic strength, significantly improved after WBV training.
University of Texas – Medical Branch study
Interesting study with graphs discussing significant positive effect of wbv on muscle strength and jump height.
Harnessing electric and magnetic fields for healing and health
Article by Janet Raloff
