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Effects of local vibration therapy on various performance parameters: a narrative literature review

Darrin Germann, Amr El Bouse, Jordan Shnier, Nader Abdelkader, Mohsen Kazemi
chiropractic; local muscle vibration; performance; vibration.
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Key takeaways
  1. 01Review the effects of vibration applied directly to specific muscles or tendons
  2. 02Observe improvements in muscle activation, strength, power, and flexibility across most studies
  3. 03Highlight the tonic vibratory reflex as a key mechanism for enhancing performance
  4. 04Note significant heterogeneity in vibration frequencies ranging from 5 to 300 Hz
  5. 05Call for standardized protocols to determine optimal settings for clinical application

Local vibration therapy may enhance muscle strength and flexibility, though optimal protocols for frequency and duration remain to be standardized.

Abstract

Introduction: The therapeutic effects of local muscle vibration (LMV) remain controversial due to a lack of specific protocols. This review was conducted to better understand the effects of various LMV application protocols.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed based on title and abstract and a set of predetermined inclusion criteria. Study quality was then evaluated via the PEDro scale.

Results: 23 articles were returned initially, and 21 studies were evaluated. The average PEDro score was 5.97/10. Reported outcome measures included muscle activation, strength, power, and range of motion / flexibility. The frequency and amplitude of LMV ranged from 5 - 300 Hz and 0.12-12 mm respectively, and duration from 6 seconds - 30 minutes.

Conclusion: Most studies found that LMV elicits beneficial changes in the mentioned outcome measures. However, the methodological procedures used are quite heterogeneous. Further research is needed to understand the optimal application of LMV.

Cite this study
APA
Darrin Germann, Amr El Bouse, Jordan Shnier, Nader Abdelkader, & Mohsen Kazemi (2018). Effects of local vibration therapy on various performance parameters: a narrative literature review. https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/effects-of-local-vibration-therapy-on-various-performance-parameters-a-narrative-literature-review/
MLA
Darrin Germann, et al. "Effects of local vibration therapy on various performance parameters: a narrative literature review." 2018, https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/effects-of-local-vibration-therapy-on-various-performance-parameters-a-narrative-literature-review/.
Chicago
Darrin Germann et al. 2018. "Effects of local vibration therapy on various performance parameters: a narrative literature review.". https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/effects-of-local-vibration-therapy-on-various-performance-parameters-a-narrative-literature-review/