Fernanda Santin-Medeiros

A comparison of training intensity between whole-body vibration and conventional squat exercise

The aim of this study was to investigate surface electromyographic activity (sEMG) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during semi-squat exercise on vibration platform compared with semi-squat exercise performed on a Smith machine. Twenty-three recreationally active students (15 males and 8 females) were exposed to six different loads in one of both exercise modes: vibration or Smith machine. The subject performed a squat in six experimental conditions; the load differed per experimental condition. For each subject the exercise mode (n=2) and the different loads per mode (n=6) were assigned in a random order to check the influence of vibration magnitude (acceleration: ms(-2)) as well as weight (kg) on sEMG and RPE. Two-way ANOVA for RPE, lumbar and lower-body sEMG revealed a significant weight main effect (P<0.01) and a significant acceleration main effect (P<0.01). The results from this study demonstrate that the training stimulus resulting from an isometric semi-squat exercise on a vibration platform (acceleration: from 12 to 89 ms(-2)) is similar to the training stimulus of an isometric semi-squat exercise on Smith machine (weight: from 20 to 70 kg) according to lower-body sEMG and RPE. However, the impact of semi-squat on vibration platform exercise for lumbar muscle is relatively small compared with semi-squat on Smith machine.

Effects of Eight Months of Whole-Body Vibration Training on the Muscle Mass and Functional Capacity of Elderly Women.

Abstract Santin-Medeiros, F, Rey-López, JP, Santos-Lozano A, Cristi-Montero, CS, and Garatachea Vallejo, N. Effects of eight months of whole-body vibration training on the muscle mass and functional capacity of elderly women. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 1863–1869, 2015—Few intervention studies have used whole-body vibration (WBV) training in the elderly, and there is inconclusive evidence about its health benefits. We examined the effect of 8 months of WBV training on muscle mass and functional capacity in elderly women. A total of 37 women (aged 82.4 ± 5.7 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a vibration group (n = 19) or a control group (n = 18). The vibration group trained on a vertical vibration platform twice a week. The control group was requested not to change their habitual lifestyle. The quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. All participants were evaluated by a battery of tests (Senior Fitness Test) to determine their functional capacity, as well as handgrip strength and balance/gait. General linear repeated-measure analysis of variance (group by time) was performed to examine the effect of the intervention on the outcomes variables. After 8 months, nonstatistically significant differences in the quadriceps CSA (pre-training: 8,516.16 ± 1,271.78 mm2 and post-training: 8,671.63 ± 1,389.03 mm2) (p > 0.05) were found in the WBV group (Cohens d: −0.12), whereas the CON group significantly decreased muscle mass (pre-training: 9,756.18 ± 1,420.07 mm2 and post-training: 9,326.82 ± 1,577.53 mm2), with moderate effect size evident (Cohens d: 0.29). In both groups, no changes were observed in the functional capacity, handgrip strength and balance/gait. The WBV training could prevent the loss of quadriceps CSA in elderly women.

Effects of eight months of whole body vibration training on hip bone mass in older women

OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to examine the effect of 8 months of whole-body vibration training on bone mass in octogenarian women. METHOD Thirty-seven women (aged 82.4 [SD=5.7] years) voluntarily participated in this study. The vibration group (n=19) trained on a vibration platform twice a week (20 Hz and 2 mm) whereas controls (n=18) did not participate in any training program. Bone mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the hip region. General linear repeated measures ANOVA (group by time) was used to examine the effect of whole body vibration on bone mass changes. RESULTS After the intervention, in all the hip regions (total hip, femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, Wards area), no statistically significant changes in bone mass were found. CONCLUSION eight months of whole body vibration training (twice a week) in elderly women do not produce osteogenic effects.

Effect of 8 months of whole-body vibration training on quality of life in elderly women

ABSTRACT Whole-body vibration (WBV) training in elderly may improve muscle strength, muscle power and postural control. However, knowledge about the effect of WBV training in elderly on measures of health as a multidimensional construct (health-related quality of life, HRQoL) is scarce. The present study aimed to determine the effects of WBV training on HRQoL in elderly women. A total of 37 women (aged 82.4 ± 5.7 years) were recruited and were assigned to either the WBV group or to the control (CON) group. After 8 months of training, the WBV group showed non-significant changes on HRQoL and additional health-related outcomes (fall risk, life satisfaction or cognitive status). Our findings are in disagreement with previous studies of shorter duration (6 weeks), which reported positive significant changes in HRQoL in elderly people. Discrepancies among studies may be partly attributed to methodological differences, but the existence of publication bias in previous studies cannot be discarded.

Efectos musculoesqueléticos del entrenamiento con vibraciones en ancianos

A vibration platform is increasingly being used in geriatric centers for exercise in older people. Studies centered on the effects of vibration training recommend this exercise mode as a therapeutic alternative for prevention and/or improvement of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Nowadays, neither the physiological mechanisms involved on adaptive responses of exposure to vibration are not well defined nor the parameters of vibration more indicated to maximizing the benefits. This paper presents a review of the main studies centered on the effects of vibration training on the musculoskeletal system.