Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVE: Whole body vibration has been studied in populations experiencing neuromuscular
degradation, including the elderly and individuals with neurological disorders, but methodological
standardization is required to clarify its therapeutic effects. The characteristics of the vibrations
actually delivered by commercial platforms are rarely measured or reported. Our objective was to
quantify the vibrations (frequency, amplitude and peak acceleration) produced by several commercial
platforms across different settings.
METHODS: Laser and accelerometer recordings were used to measure the vibrations of 7 vibration
platforms. Four loads (0 kg, 45 kg, 68 kg, 91 kg) and 3 vibration frequencies were used (30 Hz, 40 Hz,
50 Hz), totaling 12 combinations.
RESULTS: In all platforms, vibration amplitude and peak acceleration varied as a function of the load
used (p < 0.001 in all cases). In most platforms, the actual frequency of vibration differed from the
intended frequency (actual/intended ratio ranging from 0.83 to 1.19), as a function of load and
frequency. These results imply that subjects of different weights could be receiving different
vibrations.
CONCLUSION: Investigators should characterize and report the vibrations actually delivered in their
studies, in order to increase the quality of evidence in whole body vibration studies.