Whole-body vibration training in middle-aged females: improving muscle flexibility and the power of lower limbs

Purpose: Physical inactivity in conjunction with biological aging may lead to a decline in flexibility and neuromuscular function, contributing to physical frailty and an increased risk of injuries. Although, whole-body vibration has gained popularity as an alternative mode of exercise for improving physical fitness, only few studies examined the effects of WBV training on fitness parameters in middle-aged individuals and the outcomes are not clear. This study investigated the effects of a 2-month whole-body vibration training (WBVT) program using a side-to-side vibration mode on flexibility, on power of lower limbs and on isokinetic peak torque of middle-aged women. Methods: Twenty-four middle-aged untrained females (43.96 ± 3.28 years) were assigned to a vibration (WBVG) or a control group (CG). The WBVT program consisted of twenty-four sessions on a side-to-side vibration platform (frequency 20–25 Hz, amplitude 6 mm, duration 6–8 min). Flexibility, vertical jumping performance (VJ), and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) were measured prior to and 2 days following the completion of WBVT. Results: Post-training values of flexibility and VJ were significantly higher vs. pre-training values in WBVG (p < 0.001–p < 0.01); they remained unchanged in CG. Post-training flexibility and VJ values were significantly greater in WBVG vs. CG (p < 0.001–p < 0.05). The WBVT program had no effect on isokinetic peak torque of KE and KF. Conclusions: An 8-week WBVT program improved flexibility and VJ in middle-aged untrained females and should be used by health and fitness professionals for counteracting the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyle on flexibility and power of lower limbs. © 2015 Springer-Verlag Itali