Can Whole-Body Vibration Reduce DOMS?

Attempts to reduce or eliminate delayed-onset of muscle soreness are important as this condition is painful and debilitating.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) massage and stretching exercises at reducing perceived pain among untrained men. Sixteen adult men (age, 36.6 +/- 2.1 yr) volunteered to perform a strenuous exercise session consisting of resistance training and repeated sprints. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 recovery groups: a group performing WBV stretching sessions or a stretching group performing static stretching without vibration. Both groups performed similar stretches, twice per day for 3 days after the workout. The vibration group performed their stretches on the iTonic platform (frequency, 35 Hz; amplitude, 2 mm). Perceived pain was measured at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postworkout. Statistical analyses identified a significantly lower level of reported perceived pain at all postworkout measurement times among the WBV group. No difference existed at the preworkout measurement time. The degree of attenuation of pain ranged from 22-61%.

The results from this study suggest that incorporating WBV as a recovery/regeneration tool may be effective for reducing the pain of muscle soreness and tightness after strenuous training.

Rhea M, Bunker D, Marin P, Lunt K. (2009). Effect of iTonic whole-body vibration on delayed-onset muscle soreness among untrained individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(6): 1677-1682.