title: Effects of whole body vibration training on muscle strength and sprint performance in sprint-trained athletes.
abstract: Despite the expanding use of Whole Body Vibration training among athletes, it is not known whether adding Whole Body Vibration training to the conventional training of sprint-trained athletes will improve speed-strength performance. Twenty experienced sprint-trained athletes (13 male symbol, 7 female symbol, 17-30 years old) were randomly assigned to a Whole Body Vibration group (n=10: 6 male symbol and 4 female symbol) or a Control group (n=10: 7 male symbol, 3 female symbol). During a 5-week experimental period all subjects continued their conventional training program, but the subjects of the Whole Body Vibration group additionally performed three times weekly a Whole Body Vibration training prior to their conventional training program. The Whole Body Vibration program consisted of unloaded static and dynamic leg exercises on a vibration platform (35-40 Hz, 1.7-2.5 mm, Power Plate). Pre and post isometric and dynamic (100 degrees/s) knee-extensor and -flexor strength and knee-extension velocity at fixed resistances were measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer (Rev 9000, Technogym). Vertical jump performance was measured by means of a contact mat. Force-time characteristics of the start action were assessed using a load cell mounted on each starting block. Sprint running velocity was recorded by means of a laser system. Isometric and dynamic knee-extensor and knee-flexor strength were unaffected (p>0.05) in the Whole Body Vibration group and the Control group. As well, knee-extension velocity remained unchanged (p>0.05). The duration of the start action, the resulting start velocity, start acceleration, and sprint running velocity did not change (>0.05) in either group. In conclusion, this specific Whole Body Vibration protocol of 5 weeks had no surplus value upon the conventional training program to improve speed-strength performance in sprint-trained athletes.
authors.affiliation: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. christophe.delecluse@faber.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delecluse
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roelants
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Diels
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koninckx
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verschueren
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*