Whole-Body Vibration Training and Its Application to Age-Related Performance Decrements: An Exploratory Analysis. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hawkey, Adam; Griffiths, Katie; Babraj, John; Cobley, James N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of strength and conditioning research. Volume 30:Issue 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: aging -- exercise -- sarcopenia -- muscle power -- flexibility -- vibration; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Weight training -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Physical fitness -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Hawkey, A, Griffiths, K, Babraj, J, and Cobley, JN. Whole-body vibration training and its application to age-related performance decrements: an exploratory analysis. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 555–560, 2016—Middle age is associated with a pronounced decline in power and flexibility. Whilst whole-body vibration training (WBVT) improves performance in a range of populations, whether WBVT can improve muscle power and flexibility in a middle-aged population is not known. The present study aimed to determine the influence of 5 weeks progressive WBVT in middle-aged (45–55 years) and younger (20–30 years) recreationally active females. Participants in each age group were randomly allocated to an intervention (WBVT) or control group. The WBVT groups trained for 5 weeks on a vibration platform, while the control groups performed identical exercises, with no vibration. Prior to, and after, the 5-week study vertical countermovement jump (VCMJ) and range of motion (ROM) performance were measured. WBVT significantly ( p = 0.001) improved VCMJ performance when compared to the control groups. This improvement was significantly ( p = 0.001) greater in the middle-aged compared with the younger WBVT group. WBVT significantly ( p = 0.001) improved ROM irrespective of age. Taken together, these results suggest that WBVT can off-set age related performance decrements, which has therapeutic implications for musculoskeletal aging. Therefore, WBVT could be undertaken to minimise age-related performance deterioration in middle-aged female populations.