Whole Body Vibration on the Neuromuscular Performance of Elderls: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercising on a vibratory platform on older adults' lower limb performance, muscle activation and balance. Design: A total of 44 volunteers exercised on a vibratory platform. For half of them (random assignment), the platform vibrated at 40Hz with 4mm displacements and for the other half, the platform was off. Lower limb isokinetic performance, neuromuscular activity and balance were assessed before and after exercise protocol. Results: A significant increase was observed in 3 of the 4 dynamometric variables evaluated along with increased soleus muscle activation, with no difference between the groups. Conclusion: Squatting exercises had immediate effects on neuromuscular performance, muscle activation and balance. However, whole body vibration did not magnify the effects of squatting exercises on older adults.