Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The optimal whole body vibration frequency effects on postural responses in soccer players

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Sport Sciences for Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To verify if pre-performance vibration exposure could negatively affect the postural control in soccer players.

Methods

Twenty-eight participants, 12 male soccer players (aged 22.4 ± 1.0 years) and 16 sedentary males (aged 26.8 ± 2.7 years), underwent two test sessions: in the first one, the optimal vibration frequency (OVF) was determined for each participant, and in the second one, postural sways, with open and closed eyes, were assessed at baseline, immediately, 10, 20 min after the WBV exposure. The vibration exposure consisted in five sets of 1 min each one, at OVF, with 1-min rest between each set.

Results

The elliptical area, containing the 95% of the centre of pressure (COP), displacements (AREA), the total linear distance covered by the COP (LENGTH), the average distance between the assessed COP position and the ideal COP position (AV-DIST) and variance of speed of the COP displacements (VAR-SPEED), have been analysed. RM-ANOVA did not show significant differences among the times of assessment. Significant differences in all the dependent variables, between the groups, especially in closed eyes condition, were found. Athletes with closed eyes showed a significantly smaller COP AREA (p = 0.00004), minor AV-DIST (p = 0.0001), which are good indicators of an optimal postural control.

Conclusion

An acute bout of WBV at the OVF did not modify the COP parameters and may be used before the performance, with no side effect on balance. Athletes have developed a postural strategy on non-visual afferent inputs that could be enhanced by the WBV chronic exposure.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Cardinale M, Lim J (2003) Electromyography activity of vastus lateralis muscle during whole-body vibrations of different frequencies. J Strength Cond Res 17:621–624. https://doi.org/10.1519/1533-4287

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Ritzmann R, Gollhofer A, Kramer A (2013) The influence of vibration type, frequency, body position and additional load on the neuromuscular activity during whole body vibration. Eur J Appl Physiol 113(1):1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Di Giminiani R, Masedu F, Padulo J, Tihanyi J, Valenti M (2015) The EMG activity–acceleration relationship to quantify the optimal vibration load when applying synchronous whole-body vibration. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 25(6):853–859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.09.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Dickin DC, McClain MA, Hubble RP, Doan JB, Sessford D (2012) Changes in postural sway frequency and complexity in altered sensory environments following whole body vibrations. Hum Mov Sci 31(5):1238–1246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2011.12.007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Di Giminiani R, Tihanyi J, Safar S, Scrimaglio R (2009) The effects of vibration on explosive and reactive strength when applying individualized vibration frequencies. J Sports Sci 27(2):169–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410802495344

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Mesumeci G (2017) The use of vibration as physical exercise and therapy. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2(2):17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Cochrane D (2013) The sports performance application of vibration exercise for warm-up flexibility and sprint speed. Eur J Sport Sci 13(3):256–271. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2011.606837

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Rittweger J (2010) Vibration as an exercise modality: how it may work, and what its potential might be. Eur J Appl Physiol 108:877–904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1303-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Erskine J, Smillie I, Leiper J, Ball D, Cardinale M (2007) Neuromuscular and hormonal responses to a single session of whole body vibration exercise in healthy young men. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 27(4):242–248. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-097X.2007.00745.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Padulo J, Di Giminiani R, Ibba G, Zarrouk N, Moalla W, Attene G, Migliaccio GM, Pizzolato F, Bishop D, Chamari K (2014) The acute effect of whole body vibration on repeated shuttle-running in young soccer players. Int J Sports Med 35(1):49–54. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1345171

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Despina T, Dallas G, Tsiganos G, Sotiris P, di Cagno A, George K, Maria R, Stavros K (2014) Short-term effect of whole-body vibration training on balance, flexibility and lower limb explosive strength in elite rhythmic gymnasts. Hum Mov Sci 33:149–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2013.07.023

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. di Cagno A, Fiorilli G, Iuliano E, Aquino G, Giombini A, Battaglia C, Piazza M, Tsopani D, Calcagno G (2014) Time-of-day effects on static and dynamic balance in elite junior athletes and untrained adolescents. Int J Sports Sci Coach 9(4):615–625. https://doi.org/10.1260/1747-9541.9.4.615

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Piazza M, Battaglia C, Fiorilli G, Innocenti G, Iuliano E, Aquino G, Calcagno G, Giombini A, Di Cagno A (2014) Effects of resistance training on jumping performance in pre-adolescent rhythmic gymnasts: a randomized controlled study. Ital J Anat Embryol 119(1):10–19. https://doi.org/10.13128/ijae-14635

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Erkmen N, Suveren S, Göktepe A (2012) Effects of exercise continued until anaerobic threshold on balance performance in male basketball players. J Hum Kinet 33:73–79. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0046-0

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Hammami R, Behm DG, Chtara M, Othman AB, Chaouachi A (2014) Comparison of static balance and the role of vision in elite athletes. J Hum Kinet 41(1):33–41. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2014-0030

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. McBride JM, Nuzzo JL, Dayne AM, Israetel MA, Nieman DC, Triplett NT (2010) Effect of an acute bout of whole body vibration exercise on muscle force output and motor neuron excitability. J Strength Cond Res 24(1):184–189. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819b79cf

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Fernandes IA, Kawchuk G, Bhambhani Y, Gomes PSC (2013) Does whole-body vibration acutely improve power performance via increased short latency stretch reflex response? J Sci Med Sport 16(4):360–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2012.08.010

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Munn J, Sullivan SJ, Schneiders AG (2010) Evidence of sensorimotor deficits in functional ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport 13(1):2–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.03.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. di Cagno A, Giombini A, Iuliano E, Moffa S, Caliandro T, Parisi A, Borrione P, Calcagno G, Fiorilli G (2017) Acute effect of whole body vibration on postural control in congenitally blind subject: a preliminary evidence. Disab Rehabil 40(22):2632–2636. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1353650

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Weston M, Batterham AM, Castagna C, Portas MD, Barnes C, Harley J, Lovell RJ (2011) Reduction in physical match performance at the start of the second half in elite soccer. Int J Sport Physiol 6(2):174–182

    Google Scholar 

  21. Mohr M, Krustrup P, Nybo L, Nielsen JJ, Bangsbo J (2004) Muscle temperature and sprint performance during soccer matches–beneficial effect of re-warm-up at half-time. Scand J Med Sci Sports 14(3):156–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2004.00349.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Lovell RJ, Kirke I, Siegler J, McNaughton LR, Greig MP (2007) Soccer half-time strategy influences thermoregulation and endurance performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 47:263–269

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Naka M, Fujiwara K, Kiyota N (2015) Postural responses to various frequencies of vibration of the triceps surae and forefoot sole during quiet standing. Perception 44(1):39–51. https://doi.org/10.1068/p7738

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Karim A, Roddey T, Mitchell K, Ortiz A, Olson S (2019) Immediate effect of whole body vibration on saute height and balance in female professional contemporary dancers a randomized controlled trial. J Dance Med Sci 23(1):3–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Fiorilli G, Iuliano E, Mitrotasios M, Pistone EM, Aquino G, Calcagno G, di Cagno A (2017) Are change of direction speed and reactive agility useful for determining the optimal field position for young soccer players? J Sports Sci Med 16(2):247–253

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Lowrey CR, Strzalkowski ND, Bent LR (2010) Skin sensory information from the dorsum of the foot and ankle is necessary for kinesthesia at the ankle joint. Neurosci Lett 485:6–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2010.08.033

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Schlee G, Reckmann D, Milani TL (2012) Whole body vibration training reduces plantar foot sensitivity but improves balance control of healthy subjects. Neurosci Lett 506(1):70–73

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Ritzmann R, Kramer A, Bernhardt S, Gollhofer A (2014) Whole body vibration training-improving balance control and muscle endurance. PLoS ONE 9(2):e89905

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Pistone EM, Laudani L, Camillieri G, Di Cagno A, Tomassi G, Macaluso A, Giombini A (2016) Effects of early whole-body vibration treatment on knee neuromuscular function and postural control after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med 48(10):880–886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Piecha M, Krol P, Juras G, Sobota G, Polak A, Bacik B (2013) The effect of short-and long-term vibration training on postural stability in men. Acta Bioeng Biomech 15(3):29–35

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Goble DJ, Coxon JP, Van Impe A, Geurts M, Doumas M, Wenderoth N, Swinnen SP (2011) Brain activity during ankle proprioceptive stimulation predicts balance performance in young and older adults. J Neurosci 31(45):16344–16352. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4159-11.2011

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Diener HC, Dichgans J, Guschlbauer B, Mau H (1984) The significance of proprioception on postural stabilization as assessed by ischemia. Brain Res 296(1):103–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(84)90515-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Kavounoudias A, Roll R, Roll JP (2001) Foot sole and ankle muscle inputs contribute jointly to human erect posture regulation. J Physiol 532(3):869–878. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.0869e.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Kirialanis P, Dallas G, Di Cagno A, Fiorilii G (2015) Knee injuries at landing and take-off phase in gymnastics. Sci Gymnast J 7(1):17–25

    Google Scholar 

  35. Di Giminiani R, Masedu F, Tihanyi J, Scrimaglio R, Valenti M (2013) The interaction between body position and vibration frequency on acute response to whole body vibration. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 23(1):245–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Scoppa F, Capra R, Gallamini M, Shiffer R (2013) Clinical stabilometry standardization: definitions–acquisition interval–sampling frequency. Gait Posture 37(2):290–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Ruhe A, Fejer R, Walker B (2010) The test–retest reliability of centre of pressure measures in bipedal static task conditions–a systematic review of the literature. Gait Posture 32(4):436–445

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Doyle RJ, Hsiao-Wecksler ET, Ragan BG, Rosengren KS (2007) Generalizability of center of pressure measures of quiet standing. Gait Posture 25(2):166–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.03.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Billot M, Handrigan GA, Simoneau M, Teasdale N (2015) Reduced plantar sole sensitivity induces balance control modifications to compensate ankle tendon vibration and vision deprivation. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 25:155–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2014.06.003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Padulo J, Filingeri D, Chamari K, Migliaccio GM, Calcagno G, Bosco G, Annino G, Tihanyi J, Pizzolato F (2014) Acute effects of whole-body vibration on running gait in marathon runners. J Sports Sci 32(12):1120–1126. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.889840

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Cloak R, Nevill A, Wyon M (2016) The acute effects of vibration training on balance and stability amongst soccer players. Eur J Sport Sci 16(1):20–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2014.973912

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Siu PM, Tam BT, Chow DH, Guo JY, Huang YP, Zheng YP, Wong SH (2010) Immediate effects of 2 different whole-body vibration frequencies on muscle peak torque and stiffness. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 91(10):1608–1615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2010.07.214

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Pollock KM (2010) The star excursion balance test as a predictor of lower extremity injury in high school football players. Theses University of Toledo

  44. Sañudo B, Feria A, Carrasco L, de Hoyo M, Santos R, Gamboa H (2012) Does whole body vibration training affect knee kinematics and neuromuscular control in healthy people? J Sports Sci 30(14):1537–1544

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Giagazoglou P, Amiridis IG, Zafeiridis A, Thimara M, Kouvelioti V, Kellis E (2009) Static balance control and lower limb strength in blind and sighted women. Eur J Appl Physiol 107:571–579. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1163-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Han J, Waddington G, Adams R, Anson J, Liu Y (2016) Assessing proprioception: a critical review of methods. J Sport Health Sci 5(1):80–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2014.10.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Cochrane DJ (2011) Vibration exercise: potential benefit. Int J Strength Sport Med 32:75–99. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1268010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Sundstrup E, Jakobsen MD, Andersen JL, Randers MB, Petersen J, Suetta C, Aagaard P, Krustrup P (2010) Muscle function and postural balance in lifelong trained male footballers compared with sedentary elderly men and youngsters. Scand J Med Sci Sports 20(s1):90–97. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01092.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. di Cagno A, Battaglia C, Giombini A, Piazza M, Fiorilli G, Calcagno G, Pigozzi F, Borrione P (2013) Time of day - effects on motor coordination and reactive strength in elite athletes and untrained adolescents. J Sports Sci Med 12(1):182

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The experiments comply with the current Italian laws. The Study was carried out with no external financial supports.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Via de Sanctis 1, Campobasso, Italy

    Giovanni Fiorilli, Andrea Buonsenso & Giuseppe Calcagno

  2. Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy

    Enzo Iuliano

  3. Department of Movement Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza L de Bosis, 15, Rome, Italy

    Arrigo Giombini, Federica Fagnani, Federico Quinzi, Fabio Pigozzi & Alessandra di Cagno

  4. Italian Sport Medicine Federation, Rome, Italy

    Maurizio Casasco

  5. Sport Medicine Unit, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00197, Rome, Italy

    Alessandra di Cagno

Authors
  1. Giovanni Fiorilli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Enzo Iuliano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Arrigo Giombini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Maurizio Casasco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Federica Fagnani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Federico Quinzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Andrea Buonsenso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Fabio Pigozzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Alessandra di Cagno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Giuseppe Calcagno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by GF, EI, AB, FQ, and MC. The first draft of the manuscript was written by AC, GC, AG, and FP commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alessandra di Cagno.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This study, designed and conducted according to the ethical principles of the 2008 Declaration of Helsinki, was approved by the local Ethics Committee (CAR 30/2020).

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fiorilli, G., Iuliano, E., Giombini, A. et al. The optimal whole body vibration frequency effects on postural responses in soccer players. Sport Sci Health 16, 435–442 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-020-00621-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-020-00621-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation