Metabolism

Vibration Training (VT) enhances muscular metabolic power and consequently muscular activity (1). Elevated metabolic power as a product of VT makes muscle activity easier to perform when comparing this activity without the benefit of vibrations (2).

Some simple mathematics will tell you that muscle fibres firing between 10-60 times a second (vibration induced) in different directions will increase metabolic activity. Also as mentioned in detail under the sub-heading of „muscle tone, strength and power‟ this involves the activation of more muscle fibres at a measured increased level of intensity. This intensity increases when you go from isometric/static contractions to dynamic then weight bearing.

In VT an increase of 25% in clinically measured metabolic demand versus traditional resistance training. This in turn initiates an anabolic response (3). Higher rates of muscle tone equate to a higher resting metabolism. Higher rates of muscle and muscle tone equate to higher metabolic demand during training: the cycle continues with VT. The end result is good muscle tone at the expense of body fat.

“A linear increase in specific oxygen uptake (sVO(2)) with an amplitude of only 5mm was measured from frequencies 18 to 34 Hz (p < 0.01). Each vibration cycle evoked an oxygen consumption of about 2.5 micro 1 x kg (- 1). At a vibration frequency of 26 Hz, sVO(2) more than proportionally with amplitudes from 2.5 to 7.5mm. With an additional load of 40% of the lean body mass attached to the waist, sVO(2) like wise increased significantly. A further increase was observed when a load was applied to the shoulders.” This has shown that the metabolic power/consumption/muscle activity is controlled by these parameters: vibration frequency amplitude and external load (4).

REFERENCES

1. RITTWEGER, J., J. EHRIG, K. JUST, M. MUTSCHELKNAUSS, K.A. KIRSCH, D. FELSENBERG. Oxygen uptake during whole-body vibration exercise: influence of vibration frequency, amplitude and external load. Int. J. Sports Med. 23: 428-432. 2002.

2. RITTWEGER, J., Oxygen uptake during whole-body vibration exercise: comparison with squatting as a slow voluntary movement. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 86: 169-173. 2001.

3. RITTWEGER, J., G. BELLER, D. FELSENBERG. Acute physiological effects of exhaustive whole body vibration exercise in men. Clin. Physiol. V20, N2: 134-142.

4. RITTWEGWER, J., J. EHRIG, K. JUST, M. MUTSCHELKNEAUSS, D. FELESENBERG. Oxygen uptake in whole-body vibration exercise: influence of vibration frequency, amplitude, and external load. Int. J. Sports Med. 23(6): 428-432. 2002.