The effect of whole body vibration on lower body resistance detraining

This study explored the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) with magnitudes between 2.56 g and 7.68 g on detraining of the 5-repetition maximum (5RM) squat, extensors and flexors of the knee and the flexors and extensors of the ankle. All participants were trained using a lower body resistance lifting program. Exercises performed included the squat, hang cleans, knee extensions, hamstring curls, toe presses and dorsiflexion exercises. All participants were trained one to three times per week for 6 weeks. At the end of the program (Week 6), they were randomized onto either a control group which performed no further training or a WBV group which performed a progressive static WBV program. Data was collected at week 0 at the commencement of the resistance training program; Week 6; Week 8; Week 10; and Week 12 at the end of the detraining period. Data were analyzed using a two-way (condition vs. time) factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the squat, and a two way (condition vs. time) factorial MANOVA for the plantar flexion, dorsiflexion and knee flexion variables. The interaction null hypothesis for condition and time was rejected for the 5RM squat. The means for the control group (in pounds) were 89.5 + 59.7, 148 + 46.9, 143 + 47.3, 135.5 + 47.34 and 132 + 47.7 for Weeks 0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 respectively, while the respective WBV group means were 62.5 + 43.9, 155 + 22.48, 152.5 + 28.6, 144 + 23.8 and 137 + 28.7. Although the WBV group appeared to maintain strength in the 5RM from Week 6 through Week 8 and the control group had a significantly lower 5 RM in Week 8 from Week 6, there were no differences in 5RM squat between the groups at Week 8. There were no differences between either group at any of the time points for knee flexion torque, dorsiflexion torque or plantar flexion torque. For the resistance training program used in this study, static whole body vibration using accelerations between 2.56 g and 7.68 g does not appear to attenuate detraining of the flexors and extensors of the knee and ankle after 6 weeks.