Purpose
Use of whole body vibration as an exercise method has rapidly increased over the last decade. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of different amplitudes of whole body vibration training with progressive frequencies on flexibility, vertical jump height, anaerobic power and agility.
Methods
26 healthy male students were randomly divided into three groups: high-amplitude vibration group (n = 9), low-amplitude vibration group (n = 9), and control group (n = 8). The vibration training consisted of 5-week whole body vibration three times a week with amplitudes of 4 or 2 mm and progressive frequencies from 25 Hz with increments of 5 Hz weekly. As outcome measures flexibility, vertical jump height, anaerobic power and agility tests were performed initially and after 5 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using 2-way ANOVA with group × time (3 × 2) as model factors.
Results
The 5-week high-amplitude vibration training caused a significant improvement in agility (p = 0.001) and flexibility (p = 0.004). Vertical jump height showed improvement albeit not significantly (p = 0.054). Low-amplitude vibration training caused a significant improvement in agility (p = 0.02) and flexibility (p = 0.033). However, between groups there was no significant effect on flexibility (p = 0.51), vertical jump height (p = 0.99), anaerobic power (p = 0.98), and agility (p = 0.78).
Conclusion
We recommend taking benefit of low or high WBV training to improve agility and flexibility.