Comparison of Active versus Passive Whole-Body Vibration Training on Neuromuscular Activation of Deep Trunk Muscles and Dynamic Postural Stability: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES

This pilot study compared the effects of Active Vibration Exercise (AVE) involving dynamic movements and static Whole-Body Vibration Exercise (WBVE) on deep trunk muscle activation, dynamic balance, and peripheral circulation in healthy adults.

METHODS

Ten participants were randomly assigned to AVE or WBVE groups (n=5 each) for two weeks of twice-daily 5-minute sessions. Primary outcomes measured deep trunk muscle (internal oblique [IO] and multifidus) activation via surface electromyography. Secondary outcomes assessed dynamic balance, peripheral circulation, grip strength, and flexibility.

RESULTS

Within-group comparisons indicated no significant pre-to-post changes for either group. However, between-group change score analysis showed a statistically significant difference in left IO activation (p=0.032, effect size r=0.694), favoring the AVE group. Both groups showed non-significant numerical improvements in skin temperature, balance, and flexibility.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings suggest that integrating dynamic movements with vibration (AVE) may be more effective for specific deep trunk muscle activation than static WBVE. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm AVE's therapeutic value for core stabilization due to this study's limited sample size.