Effects of different whole body vibration frequencies on vertical jump performance

BACKGROUND: Vertical jump (VJ) performance determines success in athletes and teams, and whole-body vibration (WBV) is a training method used to improve VJ performance; however, the optimal frequency and duration of WBV benefits need to be elucidated. METHODS: Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare the effect of four different frequencies on VJ performance after the vibration, at 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Thirty-eight untrained men (22.5 +/- 3.2 years, 172.6 +/- 10.3 cm, and 68.0 +/- 10.5 kg) participated in the study. RESULTS: The 20 Hz and 24 HZ frequencies resulted in significantly greater VJ height (VJH) than the control protocol at Post+1, Post+3, and Post+5 minutes (+8.04% and +6.94%, +6.54% and +7.50%, +6.71% and 9.54, respectively; P<0.05). Beside 20 Hz shown a significant VJH at Post+1 (+6.28%; P=0.003) and Post+5 (+5.58%; P=0.017) compared to Pre. While 24 Hz displayed a significant VJH at Post+1, Post+3 and Post+5 compared to Pre (+5.18%, +6.54% and +8.39%, respectively; P<0.005) and also a significant VJH at Post+5 respect to Post (+6.13%; P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Considering low frequencies, 20 Hz and 24 Hz are effective to improve VJH, an improvement that can last up to 5 minutes, with 24 Hz being more beneficial.