Whole body vibration increases hip bone mineral density in road cyclists

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of 10 weeks of whole body vibration training on the bone density of well-trained road cyclists. 15 road cyclists were assigned to either a vibrating group (n=8), who undertook 15 min of intermittent whole body vibration at 30 Hz, 3 times per week while continuing with their normal cycling training; or a control group (n=7), who continued with their normal cycling training for the 10-week period. Cyclists were age, body mass and height matched with 15 sedentary participants. At baseline, all participants underwent regional dual x-ray absorptiometry scans, where both cycling groups had lower pelvic (p<0.050) and higher head bone mineral density (p<0.050) than the sedentary participants with no other differences observed. After 10 weeks of training, vibrating cyclists showed a significantly greater increase in hip bone mineral density (0.020±0.010 g.cm 2 (1.65%), p=0.024) while the control cyclists ( 0.004±0.001 g.cm 2 (0%)) showed no change (p>0.050). The control group had a significantly lower spine bone mineral density (1.027±0.140 g.cm 2, p=0.020) compared to baseline (1.039±0.140 g.cm 2). This loss was not observed in the vibrating group. 10 weeks of whole body vibration training increased hip and preserved spine bone mineral density in road cyclists.