Effects of whole body vibration on lower- extremity flexibility in healthy young women

Flexibility is an important component of the normal musculoskeletal system function. Therefore, flexibility exercises as a basic component of athletes’ warm–up programs are generally recommended before training or participating in sports competitions. Due to the controversy in use of stretching in the warm-up programs, as well as the use of whole body vibration (WBV) in improving flexibility, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of WBV on lower extremity muscles flexibility in healthy young women.
A total of 25 healthy young women with an average of age 20/76±1/09 years old participated in the present study. Their flexibility were measured using passive knee extension test, hip flexion, test and modified sit and reach test before and after the intervention. Participants stood on WBV equipment (f=30 Hz, Amp=2mm 5×60s hold ⭺) in semi squat position.
After WBV, the flexibility of the hamstring and hip flexor as well as general flexibility significantly increased (P=0/000). The results showed that, before WBV, there was significant differences in hamstring and hip flexors flexibility between the two legs (P≤0/05), but after WBV, no significant difference was observed in hip flexors flexibility (P=0/14).
The findings of the study indicate that the WBV seems to be a suitable training method for improving lower extremity muscular flexibility.