Whole body vibration of different frequencies inhibits H-reflex but does not affect voluntary activation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) at a frequency spectrum from 20 to 50 Hz on the Hoffmann (H) reflex and the voluntary motor output of ankle plantar-flexor muscles. A single-group (n: 8), repeated measures design was adopted with four conditions: standing (no vibration), 20, 35 and 50 Hz, each lasting one minute. H-reflex of the soleus muscle, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and central activation ratio (CAR) of the plantar-flexors were evaluated before, 1 and 5 min after each frequency condition. H-reflex decreased by 36.7% at 20 Hz, by 28% at 35 Hz, and by 34.8% at 50 Hz after one minute from WBV compared to baseline. Neither MVC nor CAR changed after WBV at all frequency conditions. The short-term, acute inhibition of the H-reflex after WBV at 20, 35 and 50 Hz suggested that decreased excitability of spinal motoneurons is not frequency dependent. On the other hand, the lack of vibration induced effects on MVC and CAR indicated that a 1-min WBV stimulus is not sufficient to affect the voluntary motor output.

Keywords: Mechanical vibration; Neuromuscular function; Soleus muscle; Stretch reflex.