Whole-body vibration does not influence knee joint neuromuscular function or proprioception

R. Hannah*, C. Minshull, J. P. Folland

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on knee joint position sense and indices of neuromuscular function, specifically strength, electromechanical delay and the rate of force development. Electromyography and electrically evoked contractions were used to investigate neural and contractile responses to WBV. Fourteen healthy males completed two treatment conditions on separate occasions: (1) 5 x 1 min of unilateral isometric squat exercise on a synchronous vibrating platform [30 Hz, 4 mm peak-to-peak amplitude] (WBV) and (2) a control condition (CON) of the same exercise without WBV. Knee joint position sense (joint angle replication task) and quadriceps neuromuscular function were assessed pre-, immediately-post and 1 h post-exercise. During maximum voluntary knee extensions, the peak force (PFV), electromechanical delay (EMDV), rate of force development (RFDV) and EMG of the quadriceps were measured. Twitch contractions of the knee extensors were electrically evoked to assess EMDE and RFDE. The results showed no influence of WBV on knee joint position, EMDV, PFV and RFDV during the initial 50, 100 or 150 ms of contraction. Similarly, electrically evoked neuromuscular function and neural activation remained unchanged following the vibration exercise. A single session of unilateral WBV did not influence any indices of thigh muscle neuromuscular performance or knee joint proprioception.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)96-104
Number of pages9
JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2013

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • explosive strength
  • electrical stimulation
  • EMG
  • sensorimotor performance
  • EXTENSION TORQUE DEVELOPMENT
  • VASTUS LATERALIS MUSCLE
  • RANDOMIZED CROSS-OVER
  • ELECTROMECHANICAL DELAY
  • MAXIMAL VOLUNTARY
  • MUSCULAR PERFORMANCE
  • SENSORIMOTOR SYSTEM
  • HORMONAL RESPONSES
  • EXERCISE
  • FATIGUE

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Whole-body vibration does not influence knee joint neuromuscular function or proprioception'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this