21st Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Muscle Vibration on Isometric Contraction Strength
Alison M. Hays*, Ambrose Serrano, Katie Fowler, Christen Lauer, and George A. Totura
Dr. Jeremy Houser, Faculty Mentor
This study examined if bilateral vibration of the distal bicep brachii tendons increases performance on a maximal effort bicep curl. Vibration stimulates a reflexive feedback loop system, which initiates muscle contraction. Twenty-seven (10 male, 17 female) uninjured college students were asked to perform six maximal effort isometric bicep curls for three seconds using the Jackson Strength Evaluation System. The equipment was set to measure peak and average force of an isometric bicep curl with the elbows set at 90 degrees. Three control trials were performed without vibration. Three trials were with vibration using the Techno Concept Vibration System, set at 40 Hz. No significant difference was found between vibration and control trials for both peak and average force (R2 =0.90; R2 =0.99, respectively). Thus, bilateral vibration of a single muscle tendon does not improve force production. However, different frequencies or increased muscle groups may change this outcome.
Keywords: vibration, isometric, strength, muscle
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-13
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15