Effects of two different types of whole body vibration on neuromuscular performance and body composition in postmenopausal women: results of the controlled and randomized ELVIS-II-study

Effects of two different types of whole body vibration on neuromuscular performance and body composition in postmenopausal women: results of the controlled and randomized ELVIS-II-study Purpose: The effects of different types of whole body vibration (WBV) training on neuromuscular performance and body composition were determined in postmenopausal women. Methods: In the Erlangen Longitudinal Vibration Study II (ELVIS-II-Study) 108 postmenopausal women between 60 and 75 years of age (average 65.8 +/- 3.5 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two WBV training-groups (n = 36 each), each performing an identical program thrice a week for 15 min on two different types of vibration plates for one year: 1. vertical vibrating, 35 Hz, 1.7 mm (VG); 2. rotational vibrating 12.5 Hz, 12 mm (RG). A control group (n = 36) conducted a low intensity gymnastic and relaxation program. Muscular strength and power were assessed, body composition was determined by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and pain intensity was assessed by a questionnaire. Results: Maximum leg strength (VG: 24.4%; RG: 26.6%; KG: 6.2%; p < 0.001) and maximum trunk flexion strength (VG: 12.2%; RG: 11.5%; KG: -5.5%; p = 0.01) significantly increased in both vibration groups. No changes were found for body composition parameters (lean body mass, appendicular muscle mass, fat mass). Pain intensity in the big joints (p < 0.05) decreased in both vibration groups, in the lumbar spine region this was not significant. There was no difference between vibration types. No vibration-related side effects were observed. Conclusion: The study results suggest that WBV might be an alternative to classic training contents to increase maximum strength and reduce pain.