The effects of vibration on explosive and reactive strength when applying individualized vibration frequencies.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of whole-body vibrations on explosive and reactive leg strength. Thirty-three physically active students took part in the study and were randomly assigned to an individualized-vibration group, a fixed-vibration group or a control group. The frequency of vibration was set to 30 Hz for the fixed-vibration group, whereas the frequency for the individualized-vibration group was determined by monitoring the participants' EMGrms activity. The participants in the two vibration groups were exposed three times a week for 8 weeks to a series of 10 x 1-min whole-body vibrations with a 1-min pause between series of vibrations and a 4-min pause after the first five series of vibrations. Jump height in the squat jump increased significantly in all three groups (by 11% for the individualized-vibration group, p=0.001; by 3% for the fixed-vibration group, p=0.011; and by 2% for the control group, p=0.006), but countermovement jump height was not affected. In continuous rebound jumps by the individualized-vibration group, jumping height increased by 22% (p=0.006) and power increased by 18% (p=0.002). The results of this study suggest that the use of an individualized vibration frequency produces a greater response from the neuromuscular system and is more beneficial than vibrations at a fixed pre-selected frequency.
Di Giminiani
Riccardo
R
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. digi.e@tiscali.it
Tihanyi
Jozsef
J
Safar
Sandor
S
Scrimaglio
Renato
R
D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D014142:Track and Field; D014732:Vibration; D055815:Young Adult