Although whole-body vibration (WBV) affects neuromuscular performance, it remains unclear whether the effects are due to spinal reflex potentiation or inhibition, or differ between muscle groups. This study aimed to identify the effect of WBV on measures of spinal reflex excitability (H-reflex) and homosynaptic depression (HD) in the soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. H-reflex ...

BACKGROUND Fatigue or lack of interest can reduce the feasibility of intensive physical exercise in nursing home residents. Low-volume exercise interventions with similar training effects might be an alternative. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate the feasibility of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) in institutionalised elderly, and its impact on functional capacity and mus...

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been proposed as an alternative exercise stimulus to produce adaptive responses similar to resistance exercise. Few studies have analysed acute hormonal responses to WBV. Purpose To evaluate neuromuscular and hormonal responses to an acute bout of isometric half-squat exercise with and without superimposition of WBV. Methods Seven healthy males (22.3+/-2.7 years) ...

The large cellular volume of erythrocytes and the increased plasma concentration of proteins in elephants are factors which potentially affect blood rheology adversely. To verify blood rheology, routine hemorheologic variables were analyzed in four African elephants (Loxodonta africana), housed in the zoo of Vienna. Whole blood viscosity at three different shear rates (WBV at low shear rate: WB...

This study examined the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on knee joint position sense and indices of neuromuscular function, specifically strength, electromechanical delay and the rate of force development. Electromyography and electrically evoked contractions were used to investigate neural and contractile responses to WBV. Fourteen healthy males completed two treatment conditions o...

OBJECTIVES As adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are surviving longer, interventions are needed to reduce spasticity and increase strength to improve mobility and life quality. Adults with CP are lacking a form of independent exercise that allows them to maintain or improve their ambulation skills. A new approach to increase muscle strength and flexibility called whole-body vibration (WBV) was ass...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate efficacy of a whole-body vibration (WBV) intervention on functional performance of community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. SETTING The setting was in community centers. SUBJECTS There were 37 total subjects (21 women and 16 men) (age 69 +/- 8 years; mean +/- standard deviation...

OBJECTIVES To examine the post-exercise cross-transfer effects of acute whole body vibration (WBV). METHODS Seventeen healthy male volunteers (20.8 ± 1.2 y) performed three unilateral vibration conditions in a randomized order: 1) WBV-50 Hz [high amplitude]; 2) WBV-30 Hz [low amplitude]; and 3) a control no WBV condition (Sham) applied to the dominant leg. Each condition involved maximal volu...

Patients with low back pain (LBP) often present with impaired proprioception of the lumbopelvic region. For this reason, proprioception training usually forms part of the rehabilitation protocols. New exercise equipment that produces whole body, low frequency vibration (WBV) has been developed to improve muscle function, and reportedly improves proprioception. The aim of this pilot study was to...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of high-frequency whole-body vibration (WBV) on balancing ability in elderly women. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to either the WBV intervention or the no-treatment control group. SETTING Community-living elderly women. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-nine elderly women aged 60 or above without habitual exercise. INTERVENTION Side ...