A BASIC STUDY on the EFFECTS of VIBRATOR-ATTACHED LEG-PRESS on the KNEE and ANKLE JOINT TORQUES

Abstract

In this study, we compare the effects of vibration on the knee and ankle torques after performing leg-press exercises for four weeks. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to a group for leg-press with vibration (VLP group; nine males, one female, 25.8 years old, 172.3cm, and 73.8kg) and another group for regular leg-press (LP group; eight males, two females, 25.6 years old, 169.6cm, and 65kg), wherein they performed exercises for four weeks (four times a week). The frequency and amplitude of vibration applied during the exercise were 30Hz and 1.5mm, respectively. To examine the effects of the exercise, the isometric and isokinetic joint torques of the knee and ankle were measured using Biodex (Biodex Medical Systems, USA) for a total of three times, namely: before exercising and after two and four weeks. The results showed that the isometric and isokinetic joint torques of the knee and ankle improved overall for both groups after four weeks. However, the effects of the leg-press with vibration were not observed. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the method of applying vibration to each muscle and the frequency and amplitude of vibration, as well as the effects of vibration on the elderly and patients under rehabilitation.