Effects of whole-body vibration-based trunk training on lumbar motor control: A randomized controlled trial

Lumbar motor control is an important factor for the prevention and improvement of low back pain and the enhancement of sports performance. Interventions for lumbar motor control are complex and difficult; however, training with whole-body vibrations has the potential to be simple and effective. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the effects of 4 weeks of trunk training with whole-body vibrations on each component of lumbar motor control. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial recruited 24 healthy university students (12 males and 12 females) who were randomized to undergo either whole-body or non-whole-body vibration training. The lumbar motion angle and angular jerk cost were measured during each lumbar motor control task (pelvic tilting, ball-catching, and quadruped rocking). There was a significant group × period interaction for the lumbar spine motion angle in the anterior pelvic tilt; however, no significant group × period interaction was observed in the other tasks. Regarding the comparison of pre- and post-intervention outcomes in the whole-body vibration training group, the lumbar spine motion angle of the anterior pelvic tilt was significantly smaller post-intervention than pre-intervention. In the ball-catching task, the lumbar spine motion angle was significantly smaller post-intervention than pre-intervention. Backward rocking resulted in a significantly greater lumbar spine motion angle post-intervention than pre-intervention. In conclusion, whole-body vibration enhances the control of decreasing lumbar motion. However, it does not improve all components of lumbar motor control and should be considered based on the target component.