Effects of Vibration on Dynamic and Stabiliser Muscle Activities During the Press Up

A pilot study investigating the influence of vibration during press ups on myoelectrical activity of both dynamic and stabiliser muscles. Nine male participants (21.1 ± 3.4 years, 1.68 ± 0.03 m, 72.3 ± 9.5 kg), performed press ups under 3 conditions: without vibration, low amplitude and frequency vibration (30L; 1.2 mm, 30 Hz) high amplitude and frequency vibration (40H; 1.9 mm, 40 Hz). Press ups were completed in a randomised order for a period of 15 s with 3 min rest. 3D motion capture with synchronous surface electromyography (EMG) of dynamic muscles (triceps, pectoralis major) and stabiliser muscles (serratus anterior, lower trapezius muscles). The introduction of vibration to press ups did not result in kinematic changes to exercises. No muscles analysed displayed significant increases in mean EMG amplitude in response to 30L VIB in the eccentric or the concentric phase of the exercise. 40H Vibration significantly increased EMG amplitudes of all muscles (p < 0.05) except the lower trapezius. Greater increases were observed during the concentric phase of movement. These results indicate that vibration influences muscle activity during press up exercises. However, further studies are required including additional information such as the transmission of vibration to the neck and head, should be completed.