Context: Whole-body vibration machines are a relatively new technology being implemented in the athletic setting. Numerous authors have examined the proposed physiologic mechanisms of vibration therapy and performance outcomes. Changes have mainly been observed in the lower extremity after individual exercises, with minimal attention to the upper extremity and resistance training programs.Objective: To examine the effects of a novel vibration intervention directed at the upper extremity as a precursor to a supervised, multijoint dynamic resistance training program.Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA institution.Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen female studentathletes were divided into the following 2 treatment groups: (1) whole-body vibration and resistance training or (2) resistance training only.Intervention(s): Participants in the vibration and resistance training group used an experimental vibration protocol of 2 3 60 seconds at 4 mm and 50 Hz, in a modified push-up position, 3 times per week for 10 weeks, just before their supervised resistance training session.Main Outcome Measure(s): Isokinetic total work measurements of the rotator cuff were collected at baseline and at week 5 and week 10.Results: No differences were found between the treatment groups (P . .05). However, rotator cuff output across time increased in both groups (P , .05).Conclusions: Although findings did not differ between the groups, the use of whole-body vibration as a precursor to multijoint exercises warrants further investigation because of the current lack of literature on the topic. Our results indicate that indirectly strengthening the rotator cuff using a multijoint dynamic resistance training program is possible.Key Words: isokinetic testing, shoulder, upper extremity Key PointsN We found no difference in strength gains between the whole-body vibration and resistance training and the resistance training-only groups.N It may be possible to indirectly strengthen the rotator cuff using a multijoint dynamic resistance training program. N Research on whole-body vibration is in its infancy and should continue so that we can learn if this technique is a useful precursor to resistance training.W hole-body vibration is a technology that was first developed by scientists in the second half of the 20th century as a way to reduce bone density loss and muscle atrophy in astronauts exposed to zero-gravity conditions. 1-5 Also known as indirect vibration, wholebody vibration (WBV) consists of exposing an individual to repetitive oscillations of a given amplitude and frequency that are produced by a mechanical device in the form of sinusoidal waveforms. Within the past 2 decades, vibration platforms designed specifically for commercial use are finding their way into performance centers and universities throughout the United States. As a result, researchers in athletic training and sport performance have begun to explore the use of WBV in a trained population.Investigators ha...