Effects of vibration training on muscle strength: a meta-analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to attempt to gain a clear picture of the magnitude of strength improvements expected after acute and chronic vibration training and to identify specific factors that influence the treatment effects. Studies employing a strength training intervention and containing data necessary to calculate effect size (ES) were included in the analysis. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criterion. Analysis of ES demonstrated that the type of vibration platform employed is a moderator of the treatment effect of vibration on strength development. Differences were noted in both acute and chronic changes in muscle strength when vertical vibration platforms are compared with oscillating platforms. Vertical platforms elicit a significantly larger treatment effect for chronic adaptations (ES = 1.24) compared with oscillating platforms (ES = -0.13). However, oscillating platforms elicit a greater treatment effect for acute effects (ES = 0.24) compared with vertical platforms (ES = -0.07). The data also show that gender, training status, and exercise protocol are moderators of the response to vibration exercise for strength development (vertical platforms). Based on the overall analysis, it is apparent that vibration exercise can be effective at eliciting chronic muscle strength adaptations. The vibration exercise can be used by exercise professionals to enhance muscular strength.