The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Hemodynamic Variables

While the increased interest in exercise programs combined with whole-body vibration training (WBVT) and those using blood flow restriction (BFR) has prompted various ongoing studies, most of these studies are fragmentary.

The study aims to investigate the effect of WBVT with BFR on lower limb muscle activity and hemodynamic variables to maintain muscle strength and prevent degenerative loss of skeletal muscle.

Twenty-one undergraduate students were randomized into Group I (n=10), performing a squat exercise with WBVT, and Group II, (n=11), performing a squat exercise with WBVT with BFR at the 140-mmHg pressure level. The intervention was applied twice daily and 4 times weekly for 6 weeks. Both groups took the anthropometric, body mass, and lower limb muscle activity measurements before and after the intervention.

In the within-group comparison before and after the intervention, significant differences in rectus femoris muscle (RFM), biceps femoris muscle (BFM), and gastrocnemius muscle activities were found for Groups I (p<0.05) and II (p<0.05). The between-group comparison found significant differences in RFM and BFM activities (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in hemodynamic variables both within and between groups.

The WBVT with BFR increased the RFM and BFM activities for lower limbs, while no variation in hemodynamic parameters was detected. The intervention is thus an effective strategy that can be applied in practice. Based on the findings, the scope of the intervention should be extended to include non-healthy individuals. Further studies of the multidimensional approach should also be conducted with additional variables to provide supporting evidence for the discussion of hemodynamic responses.