The immediate effects of whole body vibration on timing parameters in the upper extremity muscles of healthy young women

Background and Aim: Whole Body Vibration (WBV), as a new exercise modality, can improve neuromuscular performance but, there is no study to assess the effects of WBV on the reaction time as an indicator of muscular performance especially in upper extremity muscles. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the immediate effects of WBV on timing parameters of upper extremity muscles. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy young women were randomly assigned in two groups of intervention (with WBV) and control (without WBV). In the intervention group, timing parameters (Reaction time (RT), Premotor time (PMT), Motor time (MT)) were measured by using EMG before and after the vibration (5 sets of 30seconds at 5 mm amplitude and 30 Hz frequency) session. The same protocol but without vibration was used for control group. Results: Whole body vibration did not alter the RT significantly (P=0.253). Premotor time was increased significantly only in the triceps muscle (P=0.006). There was also a significant difference (P=0.003) in MT of the serattus anterior muscle between two groups. Conclusion: It seems that WBV can induce different effects on upper extremity muscles. Whole body vibration has not any significant effects on the total RT. Key words: Whole body vibration, Electromyography, Reaction time, Premotor time, Motor time.