Resumen de Acute Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Power, One-Repetition Maximum, and Muscle Activation in Power Lifters

Bent R. Ronnestad, Geir Holden, Lars E. Samnøy, Goran Paulsen

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of whole-body vibration with a frequency of 50 Hz (WBV50Hz) on peak power in squat jump (SJ), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in parallel squat, and electromyography (EMG) activity and compare them with no-vibration conditions in power lifters. Twelve national level male power lifters (age 24 ± 5 years, body mass 110 ± 24 kg, height 179 ± 7 cm) tested peak power in SJ and 1RM in parallel squat while they were randomly exposed to WBV50Hz or to no vibration. These tests were performed in a Smith Machine. Peak power output was higher while performed with a WBV50Hz compared with the no-WBV condition (p < 0.05). This increase in power output was accompanied by higher EMG starting values and EMG peak values of the investigated thigh muscles during WBV50Hz (p < 0.05). There was no difference between adding WBV50Hz and no-vibration conditions in 1RM parallel squat. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the application of WBV50Hz acutely increases peak power output during SJ in well strength trained individuals such as power lifters. This increase in power was accompanied by an increased EMG activity in the quadriceps muscles. However, in 1RM parallel squat, there was no difference between WBV50Hz and no-vibration conditions. Therefore, adding WBV50Hz has no acute additive effect on 1RM parallel squat in power lifters and, based on the present findings, may thus not be recommended in the training to improve 1RM in power lifters. However, WBV50Hz seems to have an acute additive effect on peak power output and may be used in well strength trained individuals for whom a high power output is important for performance.