• Miyachi R
• Nishimura T
• Madokoro S
• Yamazaki T

• Affiliation / Hokuriku University. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
• Affiliation / Kanazawa University. Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences. Faculty of Health Sciences
• Affiliation(G) / Japan / Ishikawa / Kanazawa
• Back Muscles
• Elasticity Imaging Techniques
• Students
• Vibration

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 4 weeks of conventional abdominal training and training combined with whole-body vibration (WBV) on erector spinae (ES) stiffness, assessed using ultrasound shear wave elastography.  

Methods:  Twenty-four healthy university students were randomly assigned to either a WBV or non-WBV group and performed the same exercise on the floor. The participants held a sit-up position for training, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was ES stiffness measured using shear wave elastography. Secondary outcomes included pressure pain threshold of the ES, lumbar proprioception, and maximum lumbar flexion angle. Split-plot ANOVA was used to analyze the data.

Results: There was no significant group × period interaction for ES stiffness. However, the WBV group showed a significant reduction in ES stiffness and an improvement in lumbar proprioception after the intervention. In contrast, the non-WBV group showed a decrease in ES pressure pain threshold.

Conclusion: Abdominal training with WBV reduced ES stiffness and enhanced lumbar proprioception in asymptomatic adults. These findings suggest that WBV may improve trunk muscle properties and sensorimotor function.

Author Keywords: Back Muscles; Vibration; Elasticity Imaging Techniques

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Clinical Trial: University Hospital Medical Information Network ClinicalTrialsRegistry(UMIN000055698).   

https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000063646