Whole-Body Vibration Effects on Flexibility in Artistic Gymnastics—A Systematic Review

Abstract

It is well documented that whole body-vibration training has effects on muscle strength and flexibility, blood circulation, decreases pain perception and strengthens bone and tendon. Although whole body-vibration has benefits in athletes’ flexibility, we are not sure what its actual effects are in artistic gymnastics (since they already have stunning flexibility). Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse the studies on whole-body vibration in artistic gymnastics and to present the effects on flexibility. The search and analysis were carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The databases search (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EBSCOhost and Science Direct) yielded 18,057 potential studies. By the given inclusion criteria (studies from 2005 to 2022; full-text published in English; the study included male and female gymnasts as samples, and that participants were tested for evaluation of flexibility by whole-body vibration method), a total of 9 full-text studies were included, with a total of 210 participants, both male and female. As far as the measured flexibility tests conducted, front split, sit and reach and bridge were evaluated, while obtained results were 9.1–39.1%, 2.79–6.7%, 6.43–7.45%, respectively. All studies have conducted same vibration frequency (30 Hz) with same amplitude of displacements (2 mm), except for the one study who did not show the information of implemented amplitude. After analysing the obtained results, it can be concluded that the usage of whole-body vibration platform shows flexibility improvements in artistic gymnasts, both male and female. In addition, a combination of whole-body vibration and traditional static stretching may enhance the flexibility in artistic gymnasts. However, these results should be taken with caution. Since this review did not reveal the optimal vibrational protocol, it is necessary to invest time during the implementation of various vibrational experimental protocols, so future research is required.

Whole-Body Vibration to Enhance Skeletal Muscle Performance and Flexibility in Healthy Adults: A Narrative Review

“…In addition, the frequency study included a control protocol (CP) for 6 minutes with a peak-topeak vibration amplitude of 6 mm as well as three vibration protocols (VP15 Hz, VP20 Hz, and VP30 Hz) at 15 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30 Hz in the same study (48). Also, the most recent study that investigated the effect of mechanical vibration on flexibility is the literature review conducted by Đorđević et al (49) determined that artistic gymnasts' flexibility has improved as a result of using a WBV platform in both males and females. Additional- The application of a foam roller with vibration to the hamstring for 1 min 5 times for a total of 10 min Not mentioned ly, combining typical static stretching with WBV may help artistic gymnasts become more flexible.…”

Effects of focal vibration on changes in sports performance in amateur athletes: A randomized clinical trial

“…On the one hand, some authors enhance its potential to manage some diseases and enhance athletic performance due to the effects on the musculoskeletal and neural systems 18,19 . Furthermore, previous reviews 20,21 observed the advantages of whole‐body vibration, producing significant results, especially increasing lower limb muscle strength and flexibility compared to traditional methods.…”