Analysis of muscle activation in each body segment in response to the stimulation intensity of whole-body vibration.
Dae-Yeon Lee
PMID 28265155WHAT IT FOUND
Whole-body vibration produced the strongest muscle activation in ten young men when set to the highest amplitude and the lowest frequency of 10 Hz.
Activation was highest in the legs and faded as it reached the trunk and shoulders.
Key findings
01Muscle activation across eight measured muscles changed significantly with vibration intensity, peaking at the lowest tested frequency of 10 Hz rather than increasing with higher frequencies.
02The highest vibration volume produced greater muscle activation than the lower volume setting.
03Vibration stimulation produced stronger muscle activation in the lower extremities than in the trunk, with the effect weakening as it traveled up the body.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only ten healthy young men, so the results may not apply to older adults, women, or people with disabilities. Muscle activation was measured for only 10 seconds per condition, which shows immediate electrical activity but not whether this leads to strength or functional improvement. The study only looked at a standing position, so the effects of different postures or exercises on the machine were not tested. The paper reports no information about funding sources or conflicts of interest.
Declared interests
The paper does not report any funding sources or conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the increased muscle activation as proof that whole-body vibration improves strength or function. This study measured electrical activity in the muscles of ten healthy young men during a 10-second exposure. It did not test whether this leads to any lasting clinical benefit.