Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Jump Performance in Young Women

Acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) have recently gained attention for increasing muscle strength and countermovement jump performance in a short time period. WBV stimulates muscles through activation of the tonic vibration reflex and improves muscle performance. The purpose of this study was to compare acute effects of the Power Plate (PP) and Vibraflex (VF) WBV vibration devices on jump performance in recreationally active women, 20-30 years of age. Twelve female participants performed five protocols in a random order, separated by 48 hour washout periods: 1) Control (no vibration); 2) VF 18 Hz; 3) VF 21 Hz; 4) PP 30 Hz; and 5) PP 50 Hz. The low and high frequencies imposed similar G-forces between the devices. Subjects stood barefoot on the platform for five, 60-second bouts separated by 60 seconds rest. Participants performed jump tests immediately after the vibration exposure. A significant condition effect for jump power was found as the VF18 Hz frequency resulted in greater jump power compared to VF 21 Hz (p=0.01). None of the PP conditions were significantly different from the control condition. In conclusion, we demonstrated the side alternating VF platform is a more effective device for increasing jump performance compared to the synchronous PP platform.