Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(1): 1-5
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45238
Rapid Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag · Stuttgart · New York

Effects of 24 Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Training on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Untrained Females

M. Roelants1 , C. Delecluse1 , M. Goris1 , S. Verschueren2
  • 1Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
  • 2Laboratory of Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: October 10, 2003

Publication Date:
29 January 2004 (online)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effect of 24 weeks “whole body vibration” training and fitness training on body composition and on muscle strength. Forty-eight untrained females (21.3 ± 2.0 yr) participated in the study. The whole body vibration group (N = 18) performed unloaded static and dynamic exercises on a vibration platform (35 - 40 Hz, 2.5 - 5.0 mm; Power Plate®). The fitness group (N = 18) followed a standard cardiovascular (15 - 40 min) and resistance training program including dynamic leg press and leg extension exercises (20 - 8 RM). Both groups trained 3 times weekly. The control group (N = 12) did not participate in any training. Body composition was determined by means of underwater weighing. Additionally 12 skinfolds were assessed. Isometric (0°/s) and isokinetic (50°/s, 100°/s, 150°/s) knee-extensor strength was measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer (Technogym®). Over 24 weeks there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in weight, in percentage body fat, nor in skinfold thickness in any of the groups. Fat free mass increased significantly in the whole body vibration group (+ 2.2 %) only. A significant strength gain was recorded in the whole body vibration group (24.4 ± 5.1 %; 5.9 ± 2.1 %; 8.3 ± 4.4 %; 7.6 ± 1.5 %) and in the fitness group (16.5 ± 1.7 %; 12.0 ± 2.7 %; 10.4 ± 2.3 %; 10.2 ± 1.9 %), at 0°/s, 50°/s, 100°/s and 150°/s respectively. In conclusion, 24 weeks whole body vibration training did not reduce weight, total body fat or subcutaneous fat in previously untrained females. However, whole body vibration training induces a gain in knee-extensor strength combined with a small increase in fat free mass. The gain in strength is comparable to the strength increase following a standard fitness training program consisting of cardiovascular and resistance training.

References

  • 1 American College of Sports Medicine .Health appraisal, risk assessment and safety of exercise and exercise prescription. Franklin BA, Whaley MH, Howley ET ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Health Appraisal, Risk Assessment and Safety of Exercise and Exercise Prescription. Baltimore, US; Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2000: 135-161
  • 2 Cardinale M, Bosco C. The use of vibration as an exercise intervention.  Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2003;  31 3-7
  • 3 Delecluse C, Roelants M, Verschueren S. Strength increase following whole-body vibration compared to resistance training.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1033-1041
  • 4 Kraemer W J, Fleck S J, Evans W J. Strength and power training: physiological mechanisms of adaptation.  Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 1996;  24 363-397
  • 5 Poehlman E T, Denino W F, Beckett T, Kinaman K A, Dionne I J, Dvorak R, Ades P A. Effects of endurance and resistance training on total daily energy expenditure in young women: a controlled randomised trial.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;  87 1004-1009
  • 6 Probst M, Goris M, Vandereycken W, Van Coppenolle H. Body composition of anorexia nervosa patients assessed by underwater weighing and skinfold-thickness measurements before and after weight gain.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;  73 190-197
  • 7 Rittweger J, Beller G, Felsenberg D. Acute physiological effects of exhaustive whole-body vibration exercise in man.  Clin Physiol. 2000;  20 134-142
  • 8 Rittweger J, Ehrig J, Just K, Mutschelknauss M, Kirsch K A, Felsenberg D. Oxygen uptake in whole-body vibration exercise: influence of vibration frequency, amplitude and external load.  Int J Sports Med. 2002;  23 428-432
  • 9 Torvinen S, Pekka K, Sievänen H, Järvinen T, Pasanen M, Kontulainen S, Järvinen T, Järvinen M, Oja P, Vuori I. Effect of four-month vertical whole body vibration on performance and balance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;  34 1523-1528

Ph.D. Christophe Delecluse

Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy

Tervuursevest 101

3001 Leuven

Belgium

Phone: + 3216329076

Fax: + 32 16 32 91 97

Email: christophe.delecluse@flok.kuleuven.ac.be

    >