Whole body vibration improves early rate of torque development in individuals with ACL reconstruction.

Author: Pamukoff DN1, Pietrosimone B, Ryan ED, Lee DR, Brown LE, Blackburn JT
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>1Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton, CA, USA 2Department of Exercise and Sport Science, 3Curriculum in Human Movement Science, 4Department of Orthopedics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Strength Cond Res.
Date published: 2016 Nov 19
Other: Word Count: 194


The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) and local muscle vibration (LMV) on early and late quadriceps rate of torque development (RTD), and electromechanical delay (EMD) in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). 20 individuals with ACLR were recruited for this study. Participants performed isometric squats while being exposed to WBV, LMV, or no vibration (control) in a randomized order during separate visits. Quadriceps early and late quadriceps RTD, and EMD were assessed during a maximal voluntary isometric knee extension prior to and immediately following WBV, LMV, or control. There was a significant condition by time interaction for early RTD (p=0.045), but not late RTD (p=0.11), or EMD of the vastus medialis (p=0.15), vastus lateralis (p=0.17), or rectus femoris (p=0.39). Post hoc analyses indicated a significant increase in early RTD following WBV (+5.59 Nm/sec/kg, 95% CI: 1.47 - 12.72, p=0.007). No differences were observed in the LMV or control conditions, and no difference was observed between conditions at posttest. The ability to rapidly produce knee extension torque is essential to physical function. WBV may be appropriate to aid in the restoration of RTD following ACLR.

PMID: 27930453 DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001740