The Effect of a Single Session of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Recreationally Active Men on the Excitability of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Abstract

Vibration training has become a popular method used in professional sports and recreation. In this study, we examined the effect of whole-body vibration training on the central nervous system and muscle excitability in a group of 28 active men. Subjects were assigned randomly to one of two experimental groups with different variables of vibrations. The chronaximetry method was used to evaluate the effect of a single session of whole-body vibration training on the excitability of the rectus femoris and brachioradialis muscles. The examination of the fusing and flickering frequencies of the light stimulus was performed. An increase in the excitability of the quadriceps femoris muscle due to low intensity vibrations (20 Hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude) was noted, and a return to the initial values was observed 30 min after the application of vibration. High intensity vibrations (60 Hz frequency, 4 mm amplitude) caused elongations of the chronaxy time; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Neither a low intensity vibration amplitude of 2 mm (frequency of 20 Hz) nor a high intensity vibration amplitude of 4 mm (frequency of 60 Hz) caused a change in the excitability of the central nervous system, as revealed by the average frequency of the fusing and flickering of the light stimulus. A single session of high intensity whole-body vibration did not significantly decrease the excitability of the peripheral nervous system while the central nervous system did not seem to be affected.

Influence of Whole Body Vibration and Specific Warm-ups on Force during an Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull

“…This demonstrates that utilizing WBV as a specific warm-up, may lead to acute increased neuromuscular performance (force and power) prior to an explosive bout of exercise (Cardinale & Bosco, 2003;Dabbs et al, 2010;Dabbs et al, 2011;Dabbs et al, 2012;Dallas et al, 2014;Marin et al, 2013;Rittweger et al, 2000;Ritzmann et al, 2013;Ronnestad et al, 2012). Conversely, the literature has also shown that WBV has failed to demonstrate significant increases in performance (Chmielewska et al, 2014;Rittweger et al, 2000;Ritzmann et al, 2013). Chmielewska (2014) demonstrated that WBV did not alter motor unit recruitment of the rectus femoris after exposure to either low-or high-frequency vibration during repeated squats.…”

“…Improvements in power, developed from multiple training sessions, have been shown to enhance sport performance (Adams et al, 2009;Gerakaki et al, 2013;Haff et al, 2005;Kurt et al, 2014;Lamont et al, 2010). There are a number of traditional methods such as anaerobic and aerobic protocols that are utilized which lead to an increase in power production; however, athletes and coaches alike are continually looking for novel methods that are more efficient at IJKSS 3(4):31-39, 2015 32 improving performance (Cardinale & Bosco, 2003;Chmielewska et al, 2014;Dabbs et al, 2010;Dabbs et al, 2011;Dabbs et al, 2012;Dallas et al, 2014;Kurt et al, 2014;Lamont et al, 2010;Marin et al, 2013;Rittweger et al, 2000;Ritzmann et al, 2013;Ronnestad et al,2012). Traditionally, a warm-up is recommended prior to performing an exercise (Thompson et al, 2013).…”

“…Whole-body vibration has been implemented as a specific warm-up alone and in conjunction with dynamic exercises (i.e. squats) prior to explosive activity (Cardinale & Bosco, 2003;Chmielewska et al, 2014;Dabbs et al, 2010;Dabbs et al, 2011;Dabbs et al, 2012;Dallas et al, 2014;Kurt et al, 2014;Lamont et al, 2010;Marin et al, 2013;Rittweger et al, 2000;Ritzmann et al, 2013;Ronnestad et al, 2012;Turner, 2011). Dallas et al ( 2014) utilized a low vibration frequency of 30 Hz prior to vertical jump performance and found that jump height significantly increased.…”

“…Conversely, the literature has also shown that WBV has failed to demonstrate significant increases in performance (Chmielewska et al, 2014;Rittweger et al, 2000;Ritzmann et al, 2013). Chmielewska (2014) demonstrated that WBV did not alter motor unit recruitment of the rectus femoris after exposure to either low-or high-frequency vibration during repeated squats. Similarly, in an applied setting, Rittweger et al (2000) indicated that acute explosive power decreased after WBV exposure.…”

“…Furthermore, Ritzmann (2013) reported that the H-reflex was negatively altered following WBV which led to a lack of performance enhancement. As debates continues in the literature regarding WBV, it is important to note that its effects may be highly individualized (Chmielewska et al, 2014) indicating the time to enhancement may be individualized.…”