Improvement of stance control and muscle performance induced by focal muscle vibration in young-elderly women: a randomized controlled trial.
Filippi GM, Brunetti O, Botti FM, Panichi R, Roscini M, Camerota F, Cesari M, Pettorossi VE. Improvement of stance control and muscle performance induced by focal muscle vibration in young-elderly women: a randomized controlled trial.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a particular protocol of mechanical vibration, applied focally and repeatedly (repeated muscle vibration [rMV]) on the quadriceps muscles, on stance and lower-extremity muscle power of young-elderly women.


METHODS
Double-blind randomized controlled trial; 3-month follow-up after intervention.


METHODS
Human Physiology Laboratories, University of Perugia, Italy.


METHODS
Sedentary women volunteers (N=60), randomized in 3 groups (mean age +/- SD, 65.3+/-4.2y; range, 60-72).


METHODS
rMV (100Hz, 300-500microm, in three 10-minute sessions a day for 3 consecutive days) was applied to voluntary contracted quadriceps (vibrated and contracted group) and relaxed quadriceps (vibrated and relaxed group). A third group received placebo stimulation (nonvibrated group).


METHODS
Area of sway of the center of pressure, vertical jump height, and leg power.


RESULTS
Twenty-four hours after the end of the complete series of applications, the area of sway of the center of pressure decreased significantly by approximately 20%, vertical jump increased by approximately 55%, and leg power increased by approximately 35%. These effects were maintained for at least 90 days after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
rMV is a short-lasting and noninvasive protocol that can significantly and persistently improve muscle performance in sedentary young-elderly women.
Filippi
Guido M
GM
Institute of Human Physiology, Catholic University, Rome. filippi@fastwebnet.it
Brunetti
Orazio
O
Botti
Fabio M
FM
Panichi
Roberto
R
Roscini
Mauro
M
Camerota
Filippo
F
Cesari
Matteo
M
Pettorossi
Vito E
VE
D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D014732:Vibration