The Effects of Vibration Therapy as a Recovery Tool after Intense Exercise

Background: A variety of recovery aids are used by athletes, including compression garments, cold water immersion, etc. An additional recovery strategy is the application of vibration therapy (VIB). Although it has been suggested to have several benefits, the efficacy of VIB for promoting recovery has been tested in only a small number of studies, with equivocal results.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of VIB as a recovery tool on the ability to perform repeated exertion.

Methods: Thirteen participants arrived to the laboratory on two different occasions. On both visits, a gradual stress test was performed until exhaustion, followed by a ten-minute recovery period, in which different recovery methods were used: active recovery (AR) or VIB. Immediately following the recovery period, the participants performed three counter-movement jumps (CMJ) and a 30sec jump test. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La) levels were monitored during the recovery periods.

Results: HR levels declined significantly faster when VIB was used. There were no significant differences in La decline between the two recovery methods. Mean CMJ height was significantly higher following VIB. There were no significant differences in any of the 30sec jumps variables between the two recovery methods.

Discussion: In this preliminary study, VIB was found to be effective for reducing HR and La levels following an intense effort. It may be concluded that using VIB for lower extremities is an efficient mode of recovery from intense exertions.