The effect of vibration cycle ergometry on pulmonary VO₂ kinetics, isokinetic knee torque, and lower extremity explosive power

Abstract

Whole-body vibration training is useful for eliciting additional training benefits, but whether vibration-based cycle ergometry would elicit similar benefits has been largely unexplored. Thirteen participants were recruited to investigate differences in vibration (VB) cycle ergometry compared to non-vibration (NV) cycle ergometry with regards to oxygen uptake (${\dot{V}O}_2$) kinetics, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), jumping height, and isokinetic knee joint torque at different intensities and cadences. Meaningful ergometer differences (in favour of VB) were evident for maximal steady state ${\dot{V}O}_2$ HR and RPE, but not for the phase II ${\dot{V}O}_2$ time constant. No meaningful changes were observed for jumping height or isokinetic knee joint torque. The noteworthy increases in ${\dot{V}O}_2,$ RPE and HR when using VB ergometry, specifically at higher cadences, and independent of intensity domain, may be linked to changes in muscle fibre recruitment or muscle activation.

Practitioner summary: Traditional vibration training has purported various beneficial effects, but whether such effects transferred to cycling ergometry was under-researched. Vibration-based cycle ergometry may be a viable method of additionally stressing the cardiovascular system at the same relative intensity compared to non-vibration cycling.

Keywords:

• Intensity domains
• oxygen uptake
• post-activation performance enhancement
• vibration cycle ergometry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).