title: Effect of Segment-Body Vibration on Strength Parameters.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we examine the biomechanical advantage of combining localized vibrations to hamstring muscles involved in a traditional resistance training routine.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six male and female participants with at least 2 years of experience in resistance training were recruited from the German Sport University Cologne. The participants were randomized into two training groups: vibration training group (VG) and traditional training group (TTG). Both groups underwent a 4-week training phase, where each participant worked out at 70 % of the individual 1 repeat maximum (RM-maximum load capacity of a muscle for one lift to fatigue) (4 sets with 12 repetitions each). For participants in the VG group, local vibration was additionally applied directly to hamstring muscles during exercise. A 2-week examination phase preceded the pretests. After the pretests, the subjects underwent a prescribed training for 4 weeks. At the conclusion of the training, a 2-week detraining was imposed and then the study concluded with posttests and retest.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The measured parameters were maximum isometric force of the hamstrings and maximum range of motion and muscle tension at maximum knee angle. The study revealed a significant increase in maximum isometric force in both training groups (VG = 21 %, TTG = 14 %). However, VG groups showed an increase in their range of motion by approximately 2 %. Moreover, the muscle tension at maximum knee angle increased less in VG (approximately 35 %) compared to TG (approximately 46 %).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that segment-body vibrations applied in resistance training can offer an effective tool to increase maximum isometric force, compared to traditional training. The cause for these findings can be attributed to the additional local vibration stimulus.
authors.affiliation: Sport Science Program, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Ruben Tobias
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Goebel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kleinöder
authors.affiliation: The German Research Center, Center of Elite Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Zengyuan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA.
authors.forename: Ranajay
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gosh
authors.affiliation: Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mester
keywords: Maximum isometric force; Maximum muscle tension; Maximum range of motion; Segment-body vibration; Strength training