Paradisis, G., Tziortzis, S., & Zacharogiannis, E. (2005). The effects of six-week whole body vibration training on sprinting. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 992.

Physical education student volunteers (N = 26) were assigned randomly to a vibration or control (no vibration) group. Ss stood on a whole-body vibration platform three times per week for six weeks. Maximum strength of leg extensors and flexors, maximum vertical height and power of a squat jump, and time for 60-m sprint were measured before and after the experimental period.

Vertical squat jump improved significantly but its power did not [suggesting an improvement in skill rather than physical performance capacity]. Performance in the 60-m sprint improved significantly in the vibration group. Maximum strength of the leg extensors and flexors did not change in either group.

Implication. Whole-body vibration training could improve performance in sprinting and power activities in students. Whether that improvement would be reflected in athletes remains to be demonstrated.

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