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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(9): 610-616
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249618
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Vibration Effects on Static Balance and Strength

S. I. Spiliopoulou1 , I. G. Amiridis1 , G. Tsigganos2 , D. Economides3 , E. Kellis1
  • 1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 2Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Athens, Greece
  • 3Geriatric Unit of Ippokrateio hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 11, 2010

Publication Date:
29 June 2010 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a vibration training protocol and a conventional strength training program consisting of similar exercises on knee extensors and flexors strength and postural sway in middle-aged women. 38 women were randomly assigned into a Vibration Group (n=12, static and dynamic exercises on a vibration plate, frequency: 15–25 Hz, amplitude: 2–12.8 cm), a Strength Group (n=16, same exercises without vibration) and a Control Group (n=10). Both experimental groups trained for 12 weeks (3 sessions/w). Static balance was assessed in 3 tasks of increasing difficulty: Normal Quiet Stance, Sharpened Tandem, and One-Legged Stance. Postural sway was evaluated using the Centre of Pressure variations in the Anterior/Posterior and Medio/Lateral direction. Eccentric and concentric strength of knee extensors and flexors was recorded using a Cybex dynamometer. After vibration training, postural sway significantly decreased in both directions for the vibration group in all tasks (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed for the other groups. Isokinetic strength significantly (p<0.05) increased for both experimental groups at selected angular velocities. It was concluded that side-alternating vibration could have beneficial effects on static balance control for middle-aged women. Gains in isokinetic strength were quite similar for both experimental groups.

Key words

strength training - vibration - posture - isokinetic - knee

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Correspondence

Prof. Ioannis G. AmiridisPhD 

Aristotle University of

Thessaloniki

Department of Physical

Education and Sports Sciences

at Serres

Agios Ioannis

62110 Serres

Greece

Phone: +30/2310/991058

Fax: +30/23210/64806

Email: jamoirid@phed.auth.gr