Hormones

The body releases hormones as a physiological response to any type of training. One clinical study proved that after 10 one-minute repetition sessions of Vibration Training (VT) there was a 460% increase of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), a 7% increase of testosterone and an increase in IGF-1.

These hormones are an important in the growth and repair of cells, especially muscle cells (1). HGH is secreted from the pituitary gland; it promotes growth in cells that influence the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Testosterone is a hormone that has anaebolic properties and in particular directly influences the speedy recovery of fast twitch muscle fibres. These are the main muscle fibres associated with VT and muscle development, strength and power. IGF-1 has anabolic generating properties. It is especially important in muscle, cartilage, bone, nerves and skin.

A surprising find in the above mentioned study was a 27% decrease in cortisol. Cortisol is present in the human body when stress levels are high. Normally with anabolic/ weight training cortisol levels increase substantially. With VT there is a reduction. Not only do you get the benefit of training smart by utilising science and human physiology to train anaerobically but also you get a reduction of stress levels in the process. High levels of cortisol in the blood have also been linked to weight gain (1).

 

There are age related declines in all three of these beneficial hormones. Low levels are linked with heart disease, diabetes and cancer as well as muscle atrophy/wasting (1).

 

VT increases in serotonin: a feel good hormone that helps with the stimulation of smooth muscle and nerve impulses. VT also increases neurotrophine a substance that protects neurons. Its relevance here is the neurons involved in muscle activation that is stimulated by VT.

 

REFERENCES

 

BOSCO, C., R. COLLI, E. INTROINI, M. CARDINALE, O TSARPELA, A. MADELLA, J. TIHANYI, A. VIRU.

Hormonal responses to whole-body vibration in men. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. Apr: 81(6): 449-54


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.