Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio
Published on: October 17, 2018
Whole-body vibration influences lower extremity circulatory and neurological function
1Neuromechanics Research Laboratory and Warrior Research Center, Department of Kinesiology at Auburn University, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. kzg0005@tigermail.auburn.edu
Abstract:
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is currently used to enhance performance and treat injuries even though we lack an understanding of how WBV influences physiological processes. An improved understanding of the physiological effects of WBV could lead to protocols to speed healing or treat pathologies. This study examined the acute effects of WBV on peripheral blood perfusion, muscle oxygenation, motoneuron pool excitability, and sensory nerve conduction velocity. Fourteen healthy participants [9 women (21.7 ± 2.4 years); 5 men (20.8 ± 1.1 years)] completed a 5 min bout of WBV (50 Hz, 2 mm amplitude). Measures were assessed pre-treatment and at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min post-treatment. WBV significantly increased superficial skin temperature (P < 0.0005) and total hemoglobin (P = 0.009), had no effect of oxyhemoglobin (P = 0.186), increased deoxyhemoglobin (P < 0.0005), inhibited the soleus Hoffmann reflex (P = 0.007), and had no effect on sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (P = 0.695). These results suggest that an acute bout of WBV influences physiological processes in both the circulatory and the nervous systems.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
Pulse Assessment Sites
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Varicose Veins I: Introduction
Arteries of Lower Limbs
