Effects of whole body vibration training on neuromuscular performance

Whole body vibration has been developed to prevent to loss of muscle and bone tissues resulting from a non-gravity environment and inactivity in space of astronauts. As a result of these studies, whole body vibration has become available in the fields of training science, physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the process. In this study, our purpose was to examine the effect of whole body vibration on neuromuscular performance with through parameters like Hoffmann reflex, isokinetic strength, electromyographic activity, balance and reaction time. The subjects of this study were of 48 healthy men aged 23.09±2.58 and do not exercise on a regular basis the last 3 years. Subjects performed measurement pretest before 12 weeks of whole body vibration training, interm test after 12 weeks of whole body vibration training and posttest after 15 weeks of detraining period at three different times. These measurements Hoffmann reflex test, isokinetic strength test, static and dynamic balance test, electromyographic activity measurement and visual foot reaction time test. The Hoffmann reflex measurement was performed before and after acute whole body vibration values were recorded. The acquired values of the five parameters? transition were analyzed in terms of time and training. According to results, it is determined that TBW tarining applied to short term and long term significiantly increased Hmax, H/Mmax and Hthreshold values compared to the control group, but did not bring about any significant change in the Hlat and Mmax values. Isokinetic strength and flexion and extension of the 12 week training at the end of TBV was significantly increased (p<0.05), and decreased at the end of the detraining period. It is determined that, after 12 weeks training on isokinetic strength of knee flexion and extension significantly increased at the end of WBV but that values decreased at the end of detraining. However, isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength gained at the end of 12 weeks WBV training were maintained after 15 weeks of detraining. Values of the static and dynamic balance developed significantly after long term WBV training (p<0.05). The Dynamic balance determined that gain has occurred but it hasn?t been determined in static balance. Considering the values of visual foot reaction time, there was significantly decreased after long term WBV training, but there was no significant change after the detraining period (p>0.05).