Effects of whole body vibration training on dynamic balance in healthy adult volunteers. Issue 4 (27th March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amano, H; Nakata, K; Mae, T; Kohda, H; Shimomura, K; Satoh, M; Shino, K; Yoshikawa, H
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 45:Issue 4(2011)
• Page Start: 334
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2011-03-27
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2011.084038.69
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Motor performance depends on the integration and utilisation of a range of different abilities, such as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Improving these abilities is thus important for improving motor performance. Training using whole body vibration (WBV) comprises one of these new methods. Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of WBV training in comparison with conventional training on knee proprioception and postural stability. Design: This study was performed using randomisation, single blinding and prospective. Setting: Healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study by recruitment to the postgraduate students whose sports activity level was recreational. Patients and Interventions: 12 healthy volunteers were randomly divided to undergo 12 sessions of training per 4 weeks with (WBV group) or without (CTL group) WBV training. Main outcome measurements: Absolute error in joint repositioning at two target angles (30° and 60°) was determined with the Biodex dynamometer system, and static and dynamic postural stability (single-leg standing with eyes closed, forward single-leg drop jump (F-SDJ), and lateral single-leg drop jump (L-SDJ)) with a force plate were measured pre- and post-exercise at sessions 1, 6, and 12, respectively. Results: The improvement in dynamic postural stability in the WBV group was significantly greater than in the CTL group (p<0.05). In particular, L-SDJ at session 6, F-SDJ and L-SDJ at sessions 6 and 12, and total length of the centroid track improved from pre- to post-exercise. There were no significant differences between the WBV and CTL groups for static postural stability or in the average absolute angular error at 60° and 30°. Conclusion: WBV was effective in improving balance in healthy volunteers, with more difficult balancing tasks showing greater improvement at earlier stages.