Systems Physiology-Neuromuscular PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PERCEPTUAL RESPONSES OF ADDING VIBRATION TO CYCLING

Sperlich B, Kleinoeder H, DE Marees M, Quarz D, Linville J, Haegele M, Mester J. Physiological and perceptual responses of adding vibration to cycling. JEPonline 2009; 12(2):40-46. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of local vibration-induced cycling (at a frequency of 20Hz and amplitude of 4mm) on the cardiopulmonary system and muscle metabolism and perceived responses compared to cycling with no vibration. Twelve healthy men (age: 25.3±1.6 years, weight: 74.2±5.9 kg, height: 181.0±3.7 cm, VO2max: 56.9±5.1 ml/min/kg) performed two incremental cycle ergometer tests with and without vibration until volitional exhaustion on a cycle prototype. Absolute and relative oxygen uptake as well as minute ventilation increased significantly at 250 and 300 Watts with vibration (p<0.05). No statistical differences were found between the tests for lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and perception of muscular effort (p>0.05). The findings show that a superimposed vibration stimulus on cycling compared to cycling without vibration leads to a higher respiratory demand. This phenomenon can result from micro-contractions of the limb muscle due to an enhancement of muscle fiber recruitment and tonic vibration reflex at higher workloads.