Examination of the Effect of Short-term Whole Body Vibration Training on Flexibility, Endurance and Dynamic Balance In Healthy Young People: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of short-term (3 weeks) whole body vibration training (WBVT) in healthy young people. Materials and Methods: Seventy six healthy individuals (mean age=22.55±1.22 years, 41 females and 35 males) were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as WBVT group (n=41) and control group (n=35). WBVT, consisting of 14 exercises for the trunk and lower extremities, was applied to the WBVT group 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not receive any training. Flexibility, lower extremity endurance, trunk endurance and dynamic balance respectively; measured with sit and reach test, sit and stand test, Biering Sorensen tests, lateral bridge and shuttle, Y balance test. All measurements were made at baseline and at the end of the 3rd week. Results: After 3 weeks, in WBVT group, curl up test (p=0.023), chair stand test (p=0.015) and Y balance test were perfomed on right anterior (p=0.003), right posteromedial (p=0.001), right posterolateral (p=0.001), left anterior (p=0.001), left posterolateral (p=0.000), and left posteromedial (p=0.000) aspects were significant. In the control group, the results in the right anterior (p=0.019) and left anterior (p=0.025) aspects of the Y balance test were significant. When the delta values were compared, the difference in the right (p=0.018) and left (p=0.006) posterolateral directions of the Y balance test; it was significant in favor of the WBVT group. Conclusion: It was observed that short-term whole body vibration training had positive effects on trunk flexor endurance and dynamic balance in healthy young people. New insights into the use of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports training programs can be provided by WBVT. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of whole-body vibration training by comparing different loads, volumes and types.