Randomized controlled trial of whole body vibration training on lower limb muscle strength in sub elite short track speed skaters

This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) at different frequencies on lower-limb muscular strength in sub-elite short-track speed skaters. This study employed a randomized controlled trial methodology. Subsequent to the screening process, a total of 75 male sub-elite short track speed skaters were selected from the Shenyang Sport University. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 25 per group): 30 Hz WBVT, 50 Hz WBVT, or a non-vibration control group. The intervention was administered twice weekly for four weeks, with three groups participating on each occasion. The intervention lasted four weeks, with an amplitude of 2 mm. Each session comprised 30 s of whole-body vibration training. The control group comprised 25 participants who performed the same duration and posture of semi-squatting movement on the vibration platform, but without additional vibration stimulation. Maximal strength, rapid force, and muscular endurance during concentric contractions of the knee flexors and extensors were assessed using an IsoMed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer system pre- and post-intervention. The results indicate that after four weeks of WBVT, significant improvements were observed in knee flexor and extensor strength among sub-elite short-track speed skaters (p < 0.01). A 50 Hz frequency was more effective than 30 Hz (at 2 mm amplitude) in enhancing maximal and power, particularly for bilateral knee flexors and the left extensor (p < 0.05), and also improved strength endurance, especially in the left knee flexors (p < 0.01).