Dynamic analysis of lower leg muscles response to whole body vibration stimulation at different frequencies and postures: implications for training

AbstractPurposeTo characterise the mechanical and neuromuscular response of lower limb muscles in subjects undergoing Whole Body Vibration (WBV) at different frequencies while holding two static postures.MethodsTwenty-five participants underwent WBV at 15, 20, 25 and 30 Hz while holding a static ‘hack squat’ and on ‘fore feet’ posture. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and soft tissue accelerations were collected from Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL), Soleus (SOL) and Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles.ResultsOnly specific WBV settings led to a significant increase in muscle contraction. Specifically, the WBV-induced activation of SOL and GL was maximal in fore-feet and in response to higher frequencies. Estimated displacement at muscle bellies revealed a resonant pattern never highlighted before. After stimulation starts, muscle oscillation reaches a peak followed by a drop and a further stabilisation (few seconds after the peak) that suggests the occurrence of a neuromuscular activation to reduce the vibration-induced oscillation.ConclusionLower leg muscles need a response time to tune to a vibratory stimulation, which discourages the use of dynamic exercises on vibrating platforms. To maximize calf muscle response to WBVs, a stimulation frequency in the range of 25-30 Hz and an ‘on fore feet’ posture are recommended.

Download Full-text

Effects of stretch reflex on back muscle response during sinusoidal whole body vibration in sitting posture: A model study

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics ◽

10.1016/j.ergon.2019.02.005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 71 ◽

pp. 103-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chaofei Zhang ◽

Xiangjie Meng ◽

Dennis E. Anderson ◽

Wenjun Wang ◽

Xin Tao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stretch Reflex ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Back Muscle ◽

Muscle Response ◽

Sitting Posture ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Model Study

Download Full-text

Older Age Is Associated with Lower Optimal Vibration Frequency in Lower-Limb Muscles During Whole-Body Vibration

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1097/phm.0000000000000193 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 94 (7) ◽

pp. 522-529 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Flaminia Carlucci ◽

Giorgio Orlando ◽

Jonida Haxhi ◽

Luca Laudani ◽

Arrigo Giombini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vibration Frequency ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Older Age ◽

Whole Body ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Lower Limb Muscles ◽

Limb Muscles

Download Full-text

Gravitational forces and whole body vibration: implications for prescription of vibratory stimulation

Physical Therapy in Sport ◽

10.1016/j.ptsp.2003.11.004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 37-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Blair Crewther ◽

John Cronin ◽

Justin Keogh

Keyword(s):

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Vibratory Stimulation ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Gravitational Forces

Download Full-text

Characterization of the Frequency and Muscle Response in the Lumbar and Thoracic Spines During Sinusoidal Vertical Whole Body Vibration

Volume 1B: Extremity; Fluid Mechanics; Gait; Growth, Remodeling, and Repair; Heart Valves; Injury Biomechanics; Mechanotransduction and Sub-Cellular Biophysics; MultiScale Biotransport; Muscle, Tendon and Ligament; Musculoskeletal Devices; Multiscale Mechanics; Thermal Medicine; Ocular Biomechanics; Pediatric Hemodynamics; Pericellular Phenomena; Tissue Mechanics; Biotransport Design and Devices; Spine; Stent Device Hemodynamics; Vascular Solid Mechanics; Student Paper and Design Competitions ◽

10.1115/sbc2013-14055 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Hassam A. Baig ◽

Daniel B. Dorman ◽

Bethany L. Shivers ◽

Arlene Breaux-Waltz ◽

V. Carol Chancey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Low Back ◽

Muscle Response ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Lower Back ◽

The Relationship

Vibration exposure has been linked to chronic neck and lower back pain [1,2]. For example, American male workers operating vibrating vehicles, such as industrial trucks and tractors, have been reported to have a higher prevalence of low back pain than workers whose occupations do not involve vibration exposures [1]. Also, military helicopter aviators report increased pain during deployment compared to pre-deployment, with between 22–37% reporting neck and 39–70% reporting low back pain [2]. It has been suggested that the cyclic muscle response to whole body vibration (WBV) can lead to muscle fatigue, further contributing to the development of low back pain [3]. Although several studies have measured the transmissibility response of the human spine [4,5], studies defining the mechanical effects of whole body vibration in a seated human are limited [4,5] and none have investigated the relationship between the biomechanical and muscle activity responses during such whole body vibration exposures.

Download Full-text