Enhancement of rowing performance in athletes after focal muscle vibration therapy

Abstract

Muscle vibration has been reported to induce long lasting effects on proprioception when applied on specific body segment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of focal muscle vibration applied on quadriceps and latissimus dorsi muscles in athletes evaluate during rowing test. Sixteen volunteered national level sculling stroke rowers has been randomized in a study group and in a control group (treated with sham vibration). The overall kinematic consistency, joints angular acceleration patterns and performance test has been used as evaluation. Results showed statistical significant values for angular accelerations at the knee and shoulder joints and significant effect of the time course of the trial. Vibration treatment seems to be an useful proprioceptive stimulation in sport activities to improve muscle control and performance