Comparison of the effects of whole-body vibration training and pilates exercises on physical fitness, fatigue and physical self perception in healthy women

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training and Pilates exercises on physical fitness, fatigue and physical self-perception in healthy women. This study was carried out on 36 healthy sedentary female subjects. Subjects were divided into three groups; Pilates training group, WBV training group and control group. In Pilates group, the exercises were performed with "Reformer®" for eight weeks, twice in a week, one hour per day. In WBV group, the training was given "Power Plate®" for eight weeks, twice in a week and 30 minutes in a day. The control group did not receive any training. The body composition of the subjects was evaluated with body mass index, waist-hip ratio and bioelectrical impedance analysis; functional capacity with Shuttle Run Test; core endurance with lateral bridge test, modified Biering-Sorensen test, trunk flexion test and prone bridge test and functional core strength with sit-ups and modified push-up tests. The stability of the core muscles was also measured with a pressure biofeedback instrument. The Sit and Reach test was used for assess flexibility and Functional Reach Test was used for balance. Fatigue was evaluated with The Fatigue Severity Scale and physical self-perception was assessed with Physical Self Perception Profile. The subjects were evaluated before and after the training. There were significant differences at Borg score of Shuttle Run Test, core endurance tests and Sit and Reach Test scores in Pilates and WBV groups compared with control group (p<0.05). Although there were found differences in body composition, distance parameter of Shuttle Run Test, functional core strength tests, Functional Reach Test, Fatigue Severity Scale and Physical Self Perception Profile scores in Pilates and WBV groups (p<0.05), there was no difference according to control group (p>0.05). In the light of these results; Pilates and WBV training were found to have similar positive effects on fatigue threshold, endurance of core muscles and flexibility. Key Words: Exercise, Physical Fitness, Health, Vibration, Fatigue.