Deviations in frequency and mode of vibration in whole-body vibration training devices with long-term and regular use.


Author: Kaeding TS1, Moghaddamnia S2, Kück M3, Stein L3

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. Electronic address: Tobias@mh-hannover.de.

<sup>2</sup>Institute of Communications Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstraße 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany.

<sup>3</sup>Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
Conference/Journal: Med Eng Phys.
Date published: 2017 Nov 16
Other:
  Pages: S1350-4533(17)30277-1   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.10.013. [Epub ahead of print]   ,  Word Count: 214  
    Research regarding whole body vibration training (WBVT) and its practical use may be hindered by the fact that WBVT devices generate frequencies and/or modes of vibration different from their preset adjustments. This research aimed to clarify whether prolonged regular use can generate such deviations in frequency and mode of vibration. Three WBVT devices, each used for approximately 13 months in two research projects, were tested with an accelerometer before start of the 1st study, after four months, and after 13 months (the completion of the 2nd study). Divergences between the preset and measured frequencies were calculated for all measurements. Furthermore, the total harmonic distortion (THD), an index for signal deviations from a perfect sine wave, and the sum signal-to-modulation-noise-ratio (SMNR), an indicator of fidelity, were recorded. One device had a significantly larger machine run time than the other two, and it displayed the most pronounced signs of impaired function concerning frequency, mode of vibration, and random variability (SMNR) after prolonged use. These results indicate that prolonged use will result in divergences between the preset and actual applied frequencies as well as in the mode of vibration and other accuracy measurements.



Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.



KEYWORDS: Accuracy; Frequency; Mode of vibration; Prolonged use; Whole body vibration training



PMID: 29153539  DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.10.013