Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Dec 6;17(12):e0278637.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278637. eCollection 2022.

Effect of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular activation and explosive power of lower limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhen Wang  1   2 , Zhen Wei  1 , Xiangming Li  1 , Zhangqi Lai  3 , Lin Wang  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effect of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular activation and explosive power of lower limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhen Wang et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objective: The review aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on neuromuscular activation and explosive power.

Methods: Keywords related to whole-body vibration, neuromuscular activation and explosive power were used to search four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and EBSCO-MEDLINE) for relevant studies published between January 2000 and August 2021. The methodology of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used. The eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis were based on PICOST principles. Methodological assessment used the Cochrane scale. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by I2 index and funnel plots, respectively. The WBV training cycle is a random effect model. Publication bias was also assessed based on funnel plots. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021279439).

Results: A total of 156 participants data in 18 studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis for quantitative synthesis. Results of the meta-analysis showed significant improvements in lower limb neuromuscular activation immediately after WBV compared with the baseline (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.76; p<0.001), and no significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 38%, p = 0.07). In addition, the highest increase in lower limb explosive power was observed (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.52; p = 0.002), and no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.80) was noted.

Conclusions: WBV training could improve neuromuscular activation and explosive power of the lower limb. However, due to different vibration conditions, further research should be conducted to determine standardized protocols targeting performance improvement in athletes and healthy personnel experienced in training.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow chart of study selection process.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Methodological quality assessment of the included studies with Cochrane scale.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Funnel plots of included studies.
(A) Neuromuscular activation post vibration versus previbration. (B) Explosive power post vibration versus previbration.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Meta-analysis of the acute effects of WBV on neuromuscular activation.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Meta-analysis of the acute effects of WBV on explosive power.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Taylor G H. Bibliographical notices paralysis, and other affections of the nerves: their cure by vibratory and special movements. J The Bos Med Surgical 1880; 84(26): 434–434. doi: 10.1056/nejm187106290842609 - DOI
    1. Despina T, George D, George T, et al. Short-term effect of whole-body vibration training on balance, flexibility and lower limb explosive strength in elite rhythmic gymnasts. Hum Mov Sci, 2014; 33: 149–158. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2013.07.023 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Iodice P, Ripari P, Pezzulo G. Local high-frequency vibration therapy following eccentric exercises reduces muscle soreness perception and posture alterations in elite athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2019; 119(2): 539–549. doi: 10.1007/s00421-018-4026-5 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Dolny D G, Reyes G F. Whole body vibration exercise: training and benefits. Curr Sports Med Rep, 2008; 7(3): 152–157. doi: 10.1097/01.CSMR.0000319708.18052.a1 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Kosar A C, Candow D G, Putland J T. Potential beneficial effects of whole-body vibration for muscle recovery after exercise. J Strength Cond Res, 2012; 26(10): 2907–2911. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318242a4d3 - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

Substances