Immediate effects of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular performance of quadriceps and oscillation of the center of pressure: A randomized controlled trial

• This study evaluated the immediate effects of whole-body vibration at different frequencies.
• The whole-body vibration does not change the neuromuscular performance of the quadriceps.
• The whole-body vibration does not change the oscillation of the center of pressure.
• The results of this study do not support that the whole-body vibration promotes performance improvement.

BackgroundWhole body vibration has become a popular practice in training and rehabilitation centers. Although proposed as a useful adjunct to improve various aspects of musculoskeletal function, its real benefits and immediate physiological responses are still uncertain.ObjectivesThis study analyzed the immediate effects of whole-body vibration with two distinct frequencies on neuromuscular performance of the quadriceps femoris and in the postural control of healthy subjects.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsSixty physically active women were submitted to an evaluation of the oscillation of the center of pressure through baropodometry and isokinetic performance of quadriceps femoris muscle of the non-dominant limb, associated with the electromyographic amplitude assessment of vastus lateralis muscle. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: control group – performed an exercise protocol with the vibrating platform off; 30 and 50 Hz groups – conducted the exercise protocol with the platform on, with a frequency of 30 and 50 Hz, respectively.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the time of peak torque in three evaluated groups (p < 0.001), with no differences between the groups (p = 0.586). There were no significant differences in pressure center oscillation, peak torque normalized for body weight, total work, and average power nor in the value of the root mean square in any of the groups.ConclusionThis study suggests that the exercise protocol on the vibrating platform does not change neuromuscular performance or the pressure center oscillation of healthy women.ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02416362.