Effect of whole body vibration on intracompartmental pressure in the lower leg

Whole body vibration has important effects on neuromuscular functions. It seems to be a promising tool in the conservative treatment and rehabilitation of compartment syndrome. In the present study we investigated the effect of whole body vibration on intracompartmental pressure in the lower leg during a strenuous static exercise program.

We conducted a cross-over pilot study in which fifteen healthy male subjects participated. They twice performed a 20.5-min static exercise program on the Fitvibe Medical whole body vibration device, once with 27 Hz vibrations and once without. The intracompartmental pressure was measured by two examiners at the superficial posterior compartment of the left and right lower leg, at rest and during the exercise programs.

A general linear model for repeated measures showed a significant difference between the exercise program with vibrations and that without (P = 0.001) and a significant difference in intracompartmental pressure for the factor time of measurement (P < 0.001). Mean intracompartmental pressure was at any point in time lower in the vibrating than in the non-vibrating exercise conditions, though not always significant. In the program with vibrations the exercise pressures showed a non-significant trend to decrease (from 23.5 mmHg to 21.3 mmHg) as the program advanced, while in the non-vibration program, there was a trend to increase (from 24.1 to 27.9 mmHg).

The mean intracompartmental pressure was lower when whole body vibration at 27 Hz was superimposed. Therefore, whole body vibration seems to be a possible tool to lower intracompartmental pressure. Further research is needed to confirm whether these findings are also applicable in patients, athletes, and in dynamic exercises.