The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training and detraining periods on neuromuscular performance in older men

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks whole body vibration training (WBVT) and detraining periods on neuromuscular performance in healthy older men. Thirty elderly male subjects (70±9.6 yrs) randomized in to two groups of WBVT and control (n=15 per groups). Timed Up & Go and 5-Chair stand tests, as they are indicator of neuromuscular performance in older subjects, were taken as pretest and posttest and after four, six, and eight weeks of detraining as well. Results of Repeated-measure ANOVA and one-way ANOVA showed that neuromuscular performance improved significantly in WBVT group (P ≤ 0.05). There were also significant differences between posttest and six and eight week of detraining periods in this group (P ≤ 0.05). Due to results, WBVT could affect neuromuscular performance among healthy elderly subjects and reduce the probability of falling among them. Moreover, the effects of this training are not persistent, and the effects of this training received to early levels after six weeks of detraining. Hence, it is possible that WBVT can be recommended as safe balance training for elderly subjects.