Small and inconsistent effects of whole body vibration on athletic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a focal vibration protocol added to an activation protocol with active muscle contractions and to see what repercussions it has on sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and lower limb isometric strength. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Functional Anatomy Laboratory and the sample consisted of 70 athletes. The main outcome measures were knee extension force, CMJ, sprint, and surface electromyography. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant improvements. They were found in the within-group analysis for the Experimental Group in the isometric extension force (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.368), CMJ (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.301) and 30 m sprint (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.376). In the electromyography, there are changes in the Sham Group in all muscles, in CMJ and Sprint tests, and no differences in the Experimental Group, except for the RF muscle. In the between-group analysis, statistically significant differences were found only in favor of the Experimental Group in CMJ (p = 0.017; η2 = 0.81) and 30 m sprint (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.152). These results confirm a significant improvement in the sprint, CMJ performance, and quadriceps strength, after a focal vibration protocol, added to a muscle active contraction, compared to a focal vibration sham protocol. Therefore, our results suggest that the focal vibration can be a very useful tool in sports involving high-powered actions.

Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) as a Conditioning Activity for Roundhouse Kick (mawashi geri) Performance in Karate

Karate athletes strategically use lower-limb techniques in combat, with the roundhouse kick (mawashi geri) being highly effective in kumite. To quickly improve the technical performance before training or competitions, conditioning activities (CAs) are often utilized. Recently, Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has emerged as a potential conditioning activity (CA). This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of WBV as a CA on the performance of the mawashi geri. The sample included sixteen male karate athletes. The study had a familiarization and two experimental sessions: one with WBV and the other without (NWBV), conducted randomly and counterbalanced, each preceded and followed by a mawashi geri assessment on a force platform. During the CA intervention, the participants performed four sets of isometric half-squats on a vibration platform at a frequency of 26 Hz and an amplitude of 4 mm in the WBV condition, while the platform was off in the NWBV condition. A significant reduction in the mawashi geri attack phase time was observed under the WBV condition [pre: 0.31 ± 0.03 s; post: 0.30 ± 0.03 s] compared to the NWBV condition [pre: 0.31 ± 0.04 s; post: 0.32 ± 0.03 s] (p = 0.02). However, no differences were noted regarding the impact force or other kinetic variables between the conditions. Therefore, WBV did not increase the performance of the kinetic and kinematic variables of the mawashi geri in karate athletes, but it is possible that there is a positive effect on attack time, suggesting that further studies with different vibration protocol configurations would be beneficial.

Intervention Hypothesis for Training with Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Fitness Levels: An Umbrella Review

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a training modality, and it seems to be a safe and efficient exercise especially to improve different aspects of physical fitness in different populations. The protocols for WBV are still not standardized. The difficulty in comparing the data confuses the real efficacy of this instrument. Consequently, the objective of this umbrella review is to analyze the protocols previously adopted and eventually to propose a standard operating procedure for WBV training. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on WBV were searched on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until 18 March 2024. A quality assessment of the studies included has been performed. A total of 20 studies were included in this umbrella review and frequency, magnitude, and amplitude intensity data were recorded. Detailed information about the protocols (static or dynamic exercises, barefoot or with shoes, intensity duration, weekly frequency, and vibration characteristics) was also collected. WBV presents widely different protocols. Consequently, a standard operating procedure has not been proposed for WBV training. A hypothesis of intervention was instead written in which parameters for frequency, amplitude, acceleration, and training mode were proposed.

Acute Effects of Loaded and Unloaded Whole-Body Vibration on Vertical Jump Performance in Karate Athletes

We investigated the acute effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) interventions on the jump height of highly trained karate practitioners. Fifteen male karate club athletes (age: 20.0 ± 3.8 years; stature: 177.3 ± 4.7 cm; body mass: 76.9 ± 11.2 kg; % body fat: 9.2 ± 4.3) performed six randomized interventions: [a] static half-squat (SHS); [b] SHS with external loads at 30% of the body weight (SHS + 30%BW); [c] WBV at frequency (f) 25 Hz, and 2 mm amplitude (A) (WBV 25/2); [d] WBV 25/2 with external loads of 30% of the body weight (WBV 25/2 + 30% BW); [e] WBV at f = 50 Hz, and A = 4 mm (WBV 50/4), and [f] WBV 50/4 with external loads of 30% of the body weight (WBV 50/4 + 30% BW). Each intervention was performed for 5 sets at 60 s/set, with a rest interval of 30 s between sets. Countermovement jump (CMJ) data were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min after each preconditioning intervention. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a non-significant main effect of intervention [F(5, 10) = 1.44, η2 = 0.42, p = 0.29)] and a significant main effect of the rest interval [F(4, 11) = 3.51, η2 = 0.56, p = 0.04)] on CMJ height. A rest interval of 4 min resulted in significantly higher CMJ values than a rest interval of 2 min (p = 0.031). In conclusion, utilizing a 4-min rest interval irrespective of the intervention schemes may have potential for enhancing jumping performance among highly trained karate athletes.

Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Pool Data from Meta-Analysis for the Prediction of Countermovement Jump Improvement

To solve the research-practice gap and take one step forward toward using big data with real-world evidence, the present study aims to adopt a novel method using machine learning to pool findings from meta-analyses and predict the change of countermovement jump. The data were collected through a total of 124 individual studies included in 16 recent meta-analyses. The performance of four selected machine learning algorithms including support vector machine, random forest (RF) ensemble, light gradient boosted machine, and the neural network using multi-layer perceptron was compared. The RF yielded the highest accuracy (mean absolute error: 0.071 cm; R²: 0.985). Based on the feature importance calculated by the RF regressor, the baseline CMJ ("Pre-CMJ") was the most impactful predictor, followed by age ("Age"), the total number of training sessions received ("Total number of training_session"), controlled or non-controlled conditions ("Control (no training)"), whether the training program included squat, lunge, deadlift, or hip thrust exercises ("Squat_Lunge_Deadlift_Hipthrust_True", "Squat_Lunge_Deadlift_Hipthrust_False"), or "Plyometric (mixed fast/slow SSC)", and whether the athlete was from an Asian pacific region including Australia ("Race_Asian or Australian"). By using multiple simulated virtual cases, the successful predictions of the CMJ improvement are shown, whereas the perceived benefits and limitations of using machine learning in a meta-analysis are discussed.

Whole Body Vibration Training Improves Maximal Strength of the Knee Extensors, Time-to-Exhaustion and Attenuates Neuromuscular Fatigue

Whole-body vibration (WBV) training programs were reported to improve knee extensor muscle (KE) strength in healthy participants. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of these strength gains remain unresolved. In addition, WBV training was shown to increase the time-to-exhaustion of a static submaximal endurance task. However, the effects of WBV training on neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., a decrease of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction; MVIC) induced by an endurance task is unknown. We, therefore, investigated the influence of WBV training on (i) KE MVIC and neuromuscular function, (ii) the time-to-exhaustion of the KE associated with a submaximal isometric fatiguing exercise, and (iii) KE neuromuscular fatigue and its etiology. Eighteen physically active males were assigned to a WBV group (n = 10) or a sham training group (SHAM; n = 8). The MVIC of the KE, voluntary activation, and electrically evoked responses of the KE were assessed (i) before and after a fatiguing exercise (i.e., submaximal isometric contraction) performed until failure, and (ii) before (PRE) and after a 6-week training (POST) period. At POST, the WBV training increased the KE MVIC (+12%, p = 0.001) and voluntary activation (+6%, p < 0.05) regardless of the fatiguing exercise. The time-to-exhaustion was also lengthened at POST in the WBV group (+34%, p < 0.001). Finally, the relative percentage of MVIC decrease after fatiguing exercises diminished in the WBV group between PRE and POST (-14% vs. -6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Significant neural adaptation enhancements account for the trend in KE strength improvements observed after the WBV training program. In addition, the WBV training was effective at increasing the time-to-exhaustion and attenuating neuromuscular fatigue.

Maximizing Strength: The Stimuli and Mediators of Strength Gains and Their Application to Training and Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

Spiering, BA, Clark, BC, Schoenfeld, BJ, Foulis, SA, and Pasiakos, SM. Maximizing strength: the stimuli and mediators of strength gains and their application to training and rehabilitation. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 919-929, 2023-Traditional heavy resistance exercise (RE) training increases maximal strength, a valuable adaptation in many situations. That stated, some populations seek new opportunities for pushing the upper limits of strength gains (e.g., athletes and military personnel). Alternatively, other populations strive to increase or maintain strength but cannot perform heavy RE (e.g., during at-home exercise, during deployment, or after injury or illness). Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to (a) identify the known stimuli that trigger gains in strength; (b) identify the known factors that mediate the long-term effectiveness of these stimuli; (c) discuss (and in some cases, speculate on) potential opportunities for maximizing strength gains beyond current limits; and (d) discuss practical applications for increasing or maintaining strength when traditional heavy RE cannot be performed. First, by conceptually deconstructing traditional heavy RE, we identify that strength gains are stimulated through a sequence of events, namely: giving maximal mental effort, leading to maximal neural activation of muscle to produce forceful contractions, involving lifting and lowering movements, training through a full range of motion, and (potentially) inducing muscular metabolic stress. Second, we identify factors that mediate the long-term effectiveness of these RE stimuli, namely: optimizing the dose of RE within a session, beginning each set of RE in a minimally fatigued state, optimizing recovery between training sessions, and (potentially) periodizing the training stimulus over time. Equipped with these insights, we identify potential opportunities for further maximizing strength gains. Finally, we identify opportunities for increasing or maintaining strength when traditional heavy RE cannot be performed.

Beyond physiology: Acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration on well-being, flexibility, balance, and cognition using a light and portable platform A randomized controlled trial

A good body-balance helps to prevent slips, trips and falls. New body-balance interventions must be explored, because effective methods to implement daily training are sparse. The purpose of the current study was to investigate acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration (SS-WBV) training on musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance, and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated into a verum (8.5 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 28) or sham (6 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 27) condition. The training consisted of three SS-WBV series that lasted one-minute each with two one-minute breaks in between. During the SS-WBV series, participants stood in the middle of the platform with slightly bent knees. During the breaks in between, participants could loosen up. Flexibility (modified fingertip-to-floor method), balance (modified Star Excursion Balance Test), and cognitive interference (Stroop Color Word Test) were tested before and after the exercise. Also, musculoskeletal well-being, muscle relaxation, sense of flexibility, sense of balance, and surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire before and after the exercise. Musculoskeletal well-being was significantly increased only after verum. Also, muscle relaxation was significantly higher only after verum. The Flexibility-Test showed significant improvement after both conditions. Accordingly, sense of flexibility was significantly increased after both conditions. The Balance-Test showed significant improvement after verum, and after sham. Accordingly, increased sense of balance was significant after both conditions. However, surefootedness was significantly higher only after verum. The Stroop-Test showed significant improvement only after verum. The current study shows that one SS-WBV training session increases musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance and cognition. The abundance of improvements on a light and portable platform has great influence on the practicability of training in daily life, aiming to prevent slip trips and falls at work.

Effect of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular activation and explosive power of lower limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The review aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on neuromuscular activation and explosive power.

METHODS

Keywords related to whole-body vibration, neuromuscular activation and explosive power were used to search four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and EBSCO-MEDLINE) for relevant studies published between January 2000 and August 2021. The methodology of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used. The eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis were based on PICOST principles. Methodological assessment used the Cochrane scale. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by I2 index and funnel plots, respectively. The WBV training cycle is a random effect model. Publication bias was also assessed based on funnel plots. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021279439).

RESULTS

A total of 156 participants data in 18 studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis for quantitative synthesis. Results of the meta-analysis showed significant improvements in lower limb neuromuscular activation immediately after WBV compared with the baseline (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.76; p<0.001), and no significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 38%, p = 0.07). In addition, the highest increase in lower limb explosive power was observed (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.52; p = 0.002), and no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.80) was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

WBV training could improve neuromuscular activation and explosive power of the lower limb. However, due to different vibration conditions, further research should be conducted to determine standardized protocols targeting performance improvement in athletes and healthy personnel experienced in training.

Does the Addition of Whole-Body Vibration Training Improve Postural Stability and Lower Limb Strength During Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the addition of whole-body vibration therapy to standard rehabilitation improves postural stability and lower limb strength following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

DATA SOURCES

A computer-based literature search of MEDLINE, AMED, SPORTDiscus, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) included studies up to October 2019.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven randomised controlled trials of moderate-to-high methodological quality involving 244 participants were included. Meta-analysis found statistically significant improvements in medial-lateral stability [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.88] and overall stability (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.14-1.06) favoring whole-body vibration therapy, but effects were not significant for quadriceps strength (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI, -0.65 to 1.13), hamstring strength (SMD = 0.84; 95% CI, -0.05 to 1.72), lower limb strength (SMD = 0.76; 95% CI, -0.16 to 1.67), or anterior-posterior stability (SMD = 0.19; 95% CI, -0.39 to 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of whole-body vibration therapy to standard postoperative rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction does not appear to significantly improve lower limb strength and anterior-posterior stability but may improve medial-lateral and overall postural stability. We found small sample sizes in all included trials, statistical heterogeneity, and methodological quality concerns, including publication bias, suggesting that larger high-quality trials are likely to be influential in this field. Registration: PROSPERO 155531.

The effect of whole body vibration on sensorimotor deficits in people with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of whole body vibration on chronic ankle instability-associated sensorimotor deficits in balance, strength, joint position sense and muscle activity.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang were searched from database inception up to 31 March 2022.

METHODS

The risk of bias and methodological quality of included studies were assessed using the Cochrane tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale respectively. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the RevMan 5.3 software. Meta-regression was conducted with Stata 16.

RESULTS

Eight studies, with 315 subjects were eventually included in this review with an average PEDro score of 6.1/10. Significant effects of whole body vibration on balance (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.09, P = 0.01), and on the posterolateral direction (MD = 5.52, 95% CI: 1.02 to 10.01, P = 0.02) and medial direction (MD = 3.90, 95% CI: 0.87 to 6.94, P = 0.01) of the star excursion balance test were found. Whole body vibration significantly improved the peak torque (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.69, P = 0.03), joint position sense (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.10 to 1.11, P = 0.02), and muscle activity in tibialis anterior (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.88, P = 0.03) and gastrocnemius (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.23, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence supports the use of whole body vibration to improve sensorimotor deficits involving balance, strength, joint position sense, and muscle activity in people with chronic ankle instability.

The adaptations in muscle architecture following whole body vibration training

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effect of 8-week whole-body vibration (WBV) added to conventional training on muscular architecture, dynamic muscle strength and physical performance compared to controls in young basketball players.

METHODS

Sixteen young basketball players between the ages of 14-16 years were randomly assigned to whole body vibration group (VG) or control group (CG). Both groups were trained with a conventional program. Pennation angle (PeA), fascicle length and muscle thickness of Rectus Femoris (RF) and Vastus lateralis were measured by ultrasonography. Isokinetic dynamic muscle testing at 180 °/s and 60°/s, squat jump (SJ) and flexibility were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of training programs. Primary outcome measure was the fascicle length.

RESULTS

Fascicle length of RF, SJ height and flexibility increased significantly within VG compared to pretraining (p<0.05). SJ height increased in VG compared to CG significantly following training (p<0.05). PeA, fascicle length, muscle thicknesses, strength and flexibility did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Eight weeks of WBV training improved fascicle length of RF, SJ height, and flexibility compared to pre-training. Addition of WBV to conventional training did not cause improvement in muscle architecture, strength and flexibility compared to conventional training alone.

Acute effects of whole-body vibrations on the fatigue induced by multiple repeated sprint ability test in soccer players

BACKGROUND

We tested the hypothesis that Whole Body Vibration (WBV) positively affects the fatigue process ensuing from repeated bouts of maximal efforts, as induced by repeated sprints ability (RSA). Eleven male soccer players performed three sets of six repeated shuttle sprints (40 metres).

METHODS

Eleven male soccer players (age 23,6±4,5 years) were cross-randomized to perform WBW before RSA and during the recovery between sets (WBV-with) or to warm-up and passive recovery between sets (WBV-without). The effects of WBV were quantified by sprint time (ST) and blood lactate concentration (LA), collected up to 15th min after completion of tests.

RESULTS

ST during RSA showed a better maintenance of performance in the WBV-with compared to WBV-without condition in all three sets, reaching a statistical significance between-groups during the 2nd and 3rd set (P< 0.05). No significant differences in ST over the sets were detected in WBVwith, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the WBV-without condition (P<0.001). LA recovered significantly faster from the 9th to 15th minute of recovery in WBV-with as compared to WBV-without (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings would indicate that WBV performed during recovery between RSA sets is capable of delaying the onset of muscle fatigue resulting in a better maintenance of sprint performance.

Is the Focal Muscle Vibration an Effective Motor Conditioning Intervention? A Systematic Review

Mechanical vibration, applied to single or few muscles, can be a selective stimulus for muscle spindles, able to modify neuromuscular management, inducing short and long-term effects, are now mainly employed in clinic studies. Several studies reported as treatments with focal vibratory (FVT) can influence neuromuscular parameters also in healthy people. However, the application modalities and the consequent effects are remarkably fragmented. This paper aims to review these studies and to characterize the FVT effectiveness on long-term conditional capacities in relation to FVT characteristics. A systematic search of studies published from 1985 to 2020 in English on healthcare databases was performed. Articles had to meet the following criteria: (1) treatment based on a locally applied vibration on muscle belly or tendon; (2) healthy adults involved; (3) outcomes time analysis enduring for more than 24 h. Twelve studies were found, all of them presented an excellent quality score of ≥75%. All selected papers reported positive changes, comparable with traditional long-lasting training effects. Muscle force and power were the most investigated parameters. The after-effects persisted for up to several months. Among the different FV administration modalities, the most effective seems to show a stimulus frequency of ≈100 Hz, repeated more times within three-five days on a voluntary contracted muscle.

Repair and remodeling of partial-weightbearing, uninstrumented long bone fracture model in mice treated with low intensity vibration therapy

BACKGROUND

While vibration therapy has shown encouraging results across many fields of medicine in the last decade, its role as originally envisioned for bone health remains uncertain. Especially regarding its efficacy in promoting fracture healing, mixed and incomplete outcomes suggest a need to clarify its potential. In particular, the definitive effect of vibration, when isolated from the confounding mechanical inputs of gait and stabilizing instrumentation, remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Four cohorts of C57BL/6 male mice underwent single-leg, open fibula fracture. Vibration was applied at 0.3 g to two groups for 20 min/d. At 3 and 6 weeks, fibulae were harvested for microcomputed tomography and 3-point bending to failure.

FINDINGS

In bone volume and tissue volume, the groups at each healing time point were statistically not different. At 3 weeks, however, the ratio of bone-to-tissue volume was lower for the vibrated group than control. Likewise, while bone mineral density did not differ, tissue volume density was lowest with vibration. At 6 weeks, mean differences were nominal. Biomechanically, vibration consistently trended ahead of control in strength and stiffness, but did not achieve statistical significance.

INTERPRETATION

At this stage of therapeutic development, vibration therapy in isolation does not demonstrate a clear efficacy for bone healing, although further treatment permutations and translational uses remain open for investigation.

Polarity-dependent adaptations of motoneuron electrophysiological properties after 5-wk transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in rats

Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation applied systematically for 5 wk evoked polarity-dependent adaptations in the electrophysiological properties of rat spinal motoneurons. After anodal polarization sessions, motoneurons became more excitable and could evoke higher maximum discharge frequencies during repetitive firing than motoneurons in the sham polarization group. However, no significant adaptive changes of motoneuron properties were observed after repeated cathodal polarization in comparison with the sham control group.

Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Trained Adolescent Swimmers: Does It Increase Strength, Power, and Swimming Performance?

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of a 6-month whole-body vibration (WBV) training on lower-body strength (LBS), lower-body power (LBP), and swimming performance in adolescent trained swimmers.

METHODS

Thirty-seven swimmers (23 males and 14 females; 14.8 [1.3] y) were randomly assigned to the WBV (n = 20) or the control group (n = 17). Isometric LBS (knee extension and half squat) and LBP (vertical and horizontal jumps and 30-m sprint) tests were performed before and after the intervention period. Swimming performance times in 100 m were collected from official competitions. As time × sex interaction was not found for any variable (P > .05), males and females were analyzed as a whole.

RESULTS

Within-group analyses showed a most likely beneficial moderate effect of WBV on isometric knee extension (effect size [ES] = 0.63), 30-m sprint test (ES = 0.62), and 100-m performance (ES = 0.25), although these were corresponded with comparable small to moderate effects in the control group (ES = 0.73, 0.71, and 0.20, respectively). The control group obtained a small possibly beneficial effect of swimming-only training on vertical jump performance, whereas no effect was observed in the WBV group. Unclear effects were observed for the rest of the variables assessed. Between-group analyses revealed unclear effects of WBV training when compared with the control condition in all studied variables.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no current evidence to support the use of WBV training, and therefore, coaches and sports specialists should select other methods of training when the aim is to increase LBS, LBP, or swimming performance.

Effect of Interset Strategies on Acute Resistance Training Performance and Physiological Responses: A Systematic Review

Latella, C, Grgic, J, and Van der Westhuizen, D. Effect of interset strategies on acute resistance training performance and physiological responses: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence surrounding the implementation of interset strategies to optimize acute resistance training performance. Searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus electronic databases were conducted. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (a) compared an interset strategy with a traditional passive rest interval in resistance training, (b) the assessed outcomes included performance or physiological responses, (c) resistance training was performed in a traditional dynamic fashion, (d) the study had an acute design, and (e) was published in English and in a peer-reviewed journal. A total of 26 studies were included in the review. When a given interset strategy was used, several studies reported improvements in the number of performed repetitions (i.e., greater total volume load), attenuation of the loss in velocity and power, reduced lactate levels, and in some cases, a decrease in perceived exertion. Dynamic agonist/static antagonist stretching, cooling, aerobic exercise, vibration, and individualized heart rate-based intervals seem to be the most effective strategies. However, the heterogeneity between study designs and methodologies suggests that careful consideration should be given to the type and specific application of the interset method being used. Given the acute nature of studies, extrapolation to any long-term benefits of using a given interset strategy remains limited. Collectively, coaches and sports scientists may consider using the most effective strategies based on practicality and equipment availability to optimize performance during the resistance training component of strength and conditioning programs.

THE EFFECTS OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION ON VERTICAL JUMP, POWER, BALANCE, AND AGILITY IN UNTRAINED ADULTS

BACKGROUND

Despite the increased use of whole body vibration among athletes, there is limited literature on its acute effects within heterogeneous populations such as untrained adults or recreational athletes.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole body vibration on vertical jump, power, balance, and agility for untrained males and females. It was hypothesized that there would be an effect on each outcome variable.

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design.

METHODS

Twenty males and sixteen females, mean age 24.5 years, were assessed for vertical jump height and power as measured by the Myotest accelerometer, balance as measured by the NeuroCom Balance Master System, and agility as measured by a modified T-test. Each session consisted of a five-minute treadmill warm-up, a practice test, a baseline measurement, a two-minute rest period, whole body vibration at 2 mm and 30 Hz for 60 seconds, and a final measurement. Three different counterbalanced testing sessions were separated by a minimum of 48 hours in between sessions to minimize fatigue.

RESULTS

Significant differences existed for both genders for main effect of time for Agility (p = 0.022); end point excursion Left (p = 0.007); and maximum endpoint excursion Left (p = 0.039). Differences for main effect of gender revealed females performed better than males in the following respects: end point excursion Right (p = 0.035); end point excursion Left (p = 0.014); maximum endpoint excursion Right (p = 0.024); and maximum endpoint excursion Left (p = 0.005). Males performed better than females in two respects: Agility (p < 0.0005) and Power (p < 0.0005). A significant interaction was observed between time and gender for vertical jump (p = 0.020). Simple main effects revealed males jumped higher than females during both pre and post intervention, p < 0.0005. Females had a significant decrease in the vertical jump post intervention (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that whole body vibration produced significant differences in the main effect of time and agility, and end point and maximum end point excursion Left for both genders, acutely. Females performed better in balance compared to males and poorer in vertical jump, but males performed better in agility and power.

Effects of Heavy Squat Training on a Vibration Platform on Maximal Strength and Jump Performance in Resistance-Trained Men

Hammer, RL, Linton, JT, and Hammer, AM. Effects of heavy squat training on a vibration platform on maximal strength and jump performance in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1809-1815, 2018-The purpose of this investigation was to determine maximal strength and jump performance outcomes of heavy squat training on a low-amplitude (<1.0 mm peak-to-peak) vibration platform (VP). Nineteen recreationally resistance-trained college-aged men (22.3 ± 1.66 years) completed the 6-week study. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training groups: SQT (n = 10) performed conventional back squats on the floor and SQTV (n = 9) performed back squats on the VP. Supervised training took place over 12 sessions (2 d·wk), which used an aggressive strength development protocol (85-95% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), which was identically followed by both groups. After the intervention, both groups showed (via t-test) a marked increase (p < 0.001) in 1RM squat strength (SQT = 34.5 kg vs. SQTV = 36.2 kg), but there was no significant difference (via mixed analysis of variance) between groups (p = 0.875). Standing broad jump performance increased by an average of 5-6 cm, but was not significantly changed in either group (SQT; p = 0.199, SQTV; p = 0.087). In conclusion, squats performed with whole body vibration (WBV) were not superior to conventional squats with respect to maximal strength and jump performance outcomes. It seems that there was no additive effect of superimposed WBV training on strength beyond that caused by strength training alone. This study can help strength conditioning professionals and athletes make an informed decision on whether to invest in a VP and use WBV as an alternative or a complementary mode of training.

Changes in muscle cross-sectional area, muscle force, and jump performance during 6 weeks of progressive whole-body vibration combined with progressive, high intensity resistance training

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that progressive whole-body vibration (WBV) superimposed to progressive high intensity resistance training has greater effects on muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle force of leg muscles, and jump performance than progressive high intensity resistance training alone.

METHODS

Two groups of healthy male subjects performed either 6 weeks of Resistive Vibration Exercise (RVE, squats and heel raises with WBV, n=13) or Resistive Exercise (RE, squats and heel raises without WBV, n=13). Squats under RVE required indispensable weight loading on the forefoot to damp harmful vibrations to the head. Time, intervention, and interaction effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

After 6 weeks of training, knee extensor CSA, isometric knee extension force, and counter movement jump height increased equally in both groups (time effect, P⟨0.001, P≤0.02, and P≤0.03, respectively), whereas only in RVE ankle plantar flexor CSA and isometric ankle plantar flexion force reached significance or a tendency, respectively, (time effect, P=0.015 and P=0.069, respectively; intervention effect also for the latter, P=0.006). Drop jump contact time did significantly more improve in RVE (interaction effect, P=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

RVE showed better training effects than RE only in plantar flexor muscles. RVE seems to be suitable in professional sports with a special focus on calf muscles.