Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of 10 weeks of whole body vibration training
on the bone density of well-trained road cyclists. 15 road cyclists were assigned
to either a vibrating group (n=8), who undertook 15 min of intermittent whole body
vibration at 30 Hz, 3 times per week while continuing with their normal cycling training;
or a control group (n=7), who continued with their normal cycling training for the
10-week period. Cyclists were age, body mass and height matched with 15 sedentary
participants. At baseline, all participants underwent regional dual x-ray absorptiometry
scans, where both cycling groups had lower pelvic (p<0.050) and higher head bone mineral
density (p<0.050) than the sedentary participants with no other differences observed.
After 10 weeks of training, vibrating cyclists showed a significantly greater increase
in hip bone mineral density (0.020±0.010 g.cm − 2 (1.65%), p=0.024) while the control cyclists ( − 0.004±0.001 g.cm − 2 (0%)) showed no change (p>0.050). The control group had a significantly lower spine
bone mineral density (1.027±0.140 g.cm − 2, p=0.020) compared to baseline (1.039±0.140 g.cm − 2). This loss was not observed in the vibrating group. 10 weeks of whole body vibration
training increased hip and preserved spine bone mineral density in road cyclists.
Key words
well-trained road cyclists - dual x-ray absorptiometry - vibration training - bone
mineral density
