Whole-Body Vibration

The purposes of this study were to analyze the impact of 24 weeks of vibratory and multicomponent training (MT) and to determine what type of training creates greater adaptations on body composition and isokinetic strength of the knee and ankle joints in postmenopausal women. Thirty-eight women (60.0 ± 6.3 years) were randomly assigned to whole body vibration group (WBVG), multicomponent training group (MTG), or a control group. A significant decrease in total fat mass was observed in experimental groups. There were no changes in total lean mass and total bone mineral density in both groups. WBVG and MTG showed significant increases in isokinetic strength for knee extensors at 60°/s and at 270°/s. Regarding the ankle joint, there were significant increments in strength for plantar flexion at 60°/s in WBVG and at 120°/s in the two trainings groups. MTG showed a significant increase in strength for dorsiflexion at 60°/s. With respect to eversion and inversion, WBVG and MTG improved strength at 60°/s. Also, the WBVG showed increased strength in the ankle evertors at 120°/s and both groups showed increased strength in the ankle invertors at 120°/s. Twenty-four weeks of whole body vibration or MTs result in positive modifications in total fat mass. These trainings are effective in improving knee extension and stabilizer muscles of the ankle joint strength.