title: The effect of acute applications of whole-body vibration on the iTonic platform on subsequent lower-body power output during the back squat.
abstract: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been suggested to enhance strength and power development; however, research examining such claims has been scarce and lacks consistent findings. This study examined a unique application of WBV as a preexercise for the back squat in an attempt to increase rate of force production during the squat. Sixteen men, college athletes, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups performed two sets of back squats (three repetitions at 75% of one-repetition maximum completed as quickly as possible) with different activities between sets. One group (REST) sat passively in a chair for 3 minutes, and the other group (WBV) rested passively for 2 minutes before performing 30 seconds of dynamic squats on the iTonic vibration platform (frequency: 35 Hz; amplitude: 4 mm). Power (W) was measured and calculated for each set of squats through the use of the TENDO FiTROdyne Powerlizer (Fitro-Dyne; Fitronic, Bratislava, Slovakia). Peak power during the concentric portion of each repetition was recorded, and an average was calculated for each set. Statistical analysis identified a significantly (p < 0.05) greater improvement in power in the WBV (5.20%) as compared with the REST (0.55%) group. These data suggest an immediate increase in the rate of force production after the use of WBV. Although further research is warranted to examine the appropriate dose for such an application of WBV and the physiological rationale for such an improvement, strength and conditioning professionals should consider the implementation of WBV as a preexercise before resistance training exercises for power development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, AT Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA. mrhea@atsu.edu
authors.forename: Matthew R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Rhea
authors.forename: Joseph G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Kenn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry; D004576:Electromyography; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011336:Probability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D054159:Torsion, Mechanical; D014495:Universities; D014732:Vibration; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult