Whole body vibration improves body mass, flexibility and strength in previously sedentary adults

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) training for promoting healthrelated physical fitness in sedentary adults. Design. A non-randomised sampling technique was used with an equivalent match-pair comparison group, pre- and posttest design. Volunteers were gathered through a combination of accidental and snowball sampling and divided into either the experimental (n=32) or control group (n=30). Dependent variables included body mass, hamstring flexibility as measured by the sit-and-reach test, upper-body strength as measured by a grip strength dynamometer, abdominal and upper-body muscular endurance as measured by 1-minute timed sit-up and push-up tests, respectively. The standardised YMCA fitness battery was used as the evaluation protocol. The WBV experimental group participated in a progressive 3 times/week training programme for a maximum duration of 30 minutes/session for 12 consecutive weeks. The control group remained sedentary. Results. Significant improvements in all five of the selected dependent parameters were measured. Conclusion. WBV training 3 times weekly for 30 minutes/session provides an effective method of exercise intervention for health promotion in sedentary adults over a 12-week period.