Obesity is directly related to arterial dysfunction and negatively associated to muscle strength. High-intensity resistance exercise is the favored modality to offset muscle weakness, yet, adverse effects on arterial function (pulse wave velocity, wave reflection, and aortic and brachial blood pressures) have been observed. Conventional unloaded-whole body vibration training (WBVT) has improved arterial function in overweight/obese women but appears to be low-intensity. Nevertheless, the effects of moderate-intensity (by adding external load) WBVT on arterial and muscle function are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether loaded-WBVT would induce greater benefits than unloaded-WBVT on arterial and muscle function in young overweight/obese women. Furthermore, we examined whether these changes were similar to healthy lean young women.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6 weeks of loaded-WBVT on arterial stiffness, peripheral and aortic blood pressures, wave reflection, endothelial function, and muscle strength in overweight/obese women. The specific aims of the study were: 1. To examine whether 6 weeks of loaded-WBVT was more beneficial than unloaded-WBVT in decreasing cardiovascular risk factors by assessing arterial stiffness (aortic, leg, and systemic), aortic blood pressures and wave reflection, brachial blood pressures, autonomic function, endothelial function, and blood flow (leg and arm). 2. To determine the extent to which 6 weeks of loaded-WBVT improved body composition measured by changes in fat and lean mass utilizing dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and waist circumference. 3. To evaluate the effect of 6 wees of loaded-WBVT on muscle strength by using the one-repetition maximum test (leg press and chest press exercises).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
The unloaded-WBVT intervention consists of four leg exercises performed dynamically over a vibrating platform 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Dynamic movements were performed with controlled movements starting from an upright position into a 90 and 120 degree knee angle, wide-stance squat, and maximal heel elevation. The training volume increased progressively by increasing the intensity of the vibration (30-35 Hz; low-high amplitude), duration of exercise (30-60 sec), number of sets per exercise (2-8), and total during of training session, while decreasing the rest periods (60-30 sec).
The loaded-WBVT intervention consists of four leg exercises performed dynamically over a vibrating platform 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Importantly, an external load was applied to a weight vest to account for the necessary weight to perform a specific number of repetitions (progressed from 15-8 repetitions maximum during the 6 weeks). Dynamic movements were performed with controlled movements starting from an upright position into a 90 and 120 degree knee angle, wide-stance squat, and maximal heel elevation. The training volume increased progressively by increasing the intensity of the vibration (30-35 Hz; low-high amplitude), duration of exercise (30-60 sec), number of sets per exercise (2-8), and total during of training session, while decreasing the rest periods (60-30 sec).
FSU College of Human Sciences
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Arterial Stiffness
Aortic, leg, and systemic pulse wave velocity acquired through non-invasive sensors.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pressure Wave Reflection
Augmentation index acquired through radial tonometry.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Body Composition
Measuring fat mass and lean mass from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle Strength
Using one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test for the leg press and chest press exercises.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Autonomic Function
Heart rate variability through electrocardiogram.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Blood Pressures
Non-invasive measures of brachial and aortic blood pressures.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Endothelial Function
Non-invasive arm and leg blood flow using vascular ultrasound positioned on my skin at rest and during increased blood flow.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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