Strength training with superimposed whole body vibration does not preferentially modulate cortical plasticity

Area of Science:

• Neuromuscular Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Whole body vibration (WBV) is increasingly used in conjunction with exercise.
• Its efficacy in augmenting strength training adaptations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if adding WBV to a 4-week leg strength training program enhances corticospinal excitability and short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI).

Main Methods:

• Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) assessed neural adaptations.
• Participants (n=12) were randomized into control (strength training) or WBV (strength training + WBV) groups.
• Both groups underwent 12 squat training sessions over 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both groups demonstrated significant increases in squat strength (P < 0.05).
• Significant improvements in corticospinal excitability and reductions in SICI were observed in both groups (P < 0.05).
• No significant differences were found between the control and WBV groups for any measured variable (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• WBV training does not appear to provide additional benefits to strength training alone regarding strength gains or neurophysiological adaptations.
• These findings suggest that WBV may not be a necessary adjunct for enhancing the neuromuscular response to resistance exercise.