Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Vastus Lateralis Activation During Isometric and Dynamic Squatting
Tomás, R.
;
Lourenço, A.
;
Silva, H.
; Lee, V.
; Going, S.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Vol. , Nº 49, pp. 139 - 140, July, 2011.
ISSN (print): 1650-1977
ISSN (online):
Scimago Journal Ranking: 1,13 (in 2011)
Digital Object Identifier:
Abstract
Exercising on a whole-body vibration (WBV) platform is thought to enhance neuromuscular activation and therefore potentially increase muscle strength gains. This study analyzed the effect of whole-body vibration on muscle activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) during different squatting exercises in comparison to no vibration. Additionally, for each exercise, different vibration frequencies were tested; muscle activation was assessed using surface electromyography. There was wide variability in VL activation with whole-body vibration. The largest impact was seen in exercises with a smaller absolute muscle activation (simple standing), with less gains in squatting exercises. The addition of WBV to three simple weight-bearing exercises increased lower body muscle activity. WBV exercise may be an alternative modality for strength enhancement in rehabilitation and training protocols.