Vibration Training: Myth or the Future of Athletic Performance?

Researchers found that direct vibration does not enhance neuromuscular performance in maximal-effort contractions during or immediately after training.

Fourteen subjects were exposed to four training conditions in random order: exercise with vibration (E + V); exercise with sham vibration (E + SV); no exercise with vibration (NE + V); and no exercise with sham vibration (NE + SV). The exercise comprised three sets of maximal-effort bicep curls with a load of 70% 1RM. A portable vibrator was strapped onto the skin over the bicep tendon to apply vibration. Elbow joint angle and bicep EMG were measured both during training and in pre- and post-training tests. Angular velocity, moment, power, and bicep root mean squared value of EMG (EMGrms) and mean power frequency of EMG (EMGmpf) were determined for the concentric phase of the curl. Results indicated that during training vibration did not enhance mean angular velocity, peak angular velocity, mean moment, peak moment, mean power, peak power, or bicep EMGrms. Similarly, after training there was no enhancement from vibration in the mechanical and EMG output when the muscle was trained or was rested.

Vibration training is becoming a popular mean of "enhancing athletic performance" within health clubs and training facilities throughout the United States. According to this research, vibration training did not demonstrate any improvements in the athletic properties tested.

Moran K, McNamara B, Luo J. (2007). Effect of vibration training in maximal effort (70% 1RM) dynamic bicep curls. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39(3): 526-533.