Studies have shown that Whole Body Vibration increases lower body strength.  But what are the best frequency, displacement, and duration to use to accomplish the best acute response?  A study was completed to determine a protocol to obtain the greatest improvement in power from the use of Whole Body Vibration. 

For this study, 40 men and women participated.  They used 8 different combinations of 30, 35, 40 and 50 HZ with 2mm and 5 mm displacements over a period of 3 days.  For all protocols subjects underwent 30 seconds of Whole Body Vibration while holding an isometric squat.  Power was measured by countermovement jumps.  The participants performed 3 jumps before WBV, immediately afterward, and at 1, 5, and ten minutes later.

Significant effects were seen for time and frequency.  Analysis showed that 30 HZ produced a higher normalized peak power than 35-40 HZ, but not 50 HZ.   One minute post treatment also showed a significantly higher normalized peak power than any other time points. 

The data showed that using Whole Body Vibration can significantly increase power output at 1 minute post-treatment at all frequencies and displacements.  However, it was found that 30 HZ appears to have the greatest effect on power output.