Whole body vibration as training modality in selected physical, physiological, haemodynamic, and biochemical parameters

Problem statement and aim: In the Biokinetics practice the safety and effectiveness of whole-body vibration training is frequently queried. Literature supports whole-body vibration exercise and training in terms of improvement in body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and pain. A scarcity of research, however, addresses the training effect of whole-body vibration in variables that influence cardiovascular disease risk. For this reason, the study aimed to investigate the effect of WBVT on body composition, cardiovascular function, blood lipids, blood glucose, and metabolism. Methods and procedures: Baseline testing was performed on two groups, namely an exercise group (N=23) and control group (N=17). Testing included measurement of body composition, cardiovascular function, blood lipids, blood glucose, and metabolism. The exercise group was submitted to a 12-week progressive whole-body vibration exercise intervention program (f=30-40 Hz; A=2-6 mm; t=30-60 s) during which time the control group remained sedentary. After the 12 weeks, baseline tests were repeated and differences determined. Results: Findings that can be attributed to whole-body vibration training comprised improvements in body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, double product, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction and left-ventricular myocardial cell velocities, total cholesterol and LDL, oxygen uptake and fat oxidation. Conclusion: Whole-body vibration training over a period of 12 weeks beneficially influences body composition, the cardiovascular system, the blood lipid profile and metabolism of apparently healthy sedentary men.