Vibration & Flexibilty Work

Hi all,

I've been doing a lot of research on flexibility of late and came across an interesting article about the use of vibration combined with stretching.

Article here

http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:of ... clnk&gl=au

The Study included Ten young elite male gymnasts (Small sample size) and was assessing their splits proficiency, basically subjects performed a few splits techniques with the aid of a vibration device. The authors concluded a significant improvement in stretching in conjunction with vibration over stretching alone.

For those who don't want to read the whole article they pose a couple of possible reasons:

1) Vibration may increase pain threshold\

2) May increase blood flow

3) Induce relaxation of stretched muscle

4) May help override stretch reflex

5) Vibration may alleviate pain sensation

Anyway I found the whole thing fascinating reading and thought I would share it with people. Has anyone heard much about this before? I was also wondering if Coach Sommer has ever used this technique with his athletes.

Cheers

Here's another interesting article I've found on the use of therabands while performing dynamic kicks, as another way to improve flexibility.

http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/home/publ ... bility.pdf

Enjoy

Demus said:

Hi all,

I've been doing a lot of research on flexibility of late and came across an interesting article about the use of vibration combined with stretching.

Article here

http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:of ... clnk&gl=au

The Study included Ten young elite male gymnasts (Small sample size) and was assessing their splits proficiency, basically subjects performed a few splits techniques with the aid of a vibration device. The authors concluded a significant improvement in stretching in conjunction with vibration over stretching alone.

For those who don't want to read the whole article they pose a couple of possible reasons:

1) Vibration may increase pain threshold\

2) May increase blood flow

3) Induce relaxation of stretched muscle

4) May help override stretch reflex

5) Vibration may alleviate pain sensation

Anyway I found the whole thing fascinating reading and thought I would share it with people. Has anyone heard much about this before? I was also wondering if Coach Sommer has ever used this technique with his athletes.

Cheers

*********** I don't know about flexibility but static holds increased in duration with vibro massage.

Brandon Green

I always massage my legs before stretching because I find it gives better results.

If i had access to vibro massage that would be awesome

To clarify, this was performed on a vibrating plate. There is extensive research showing that working on a vibrating surface with bodyweight can produce strength gains equal to traditional weight training. This is the first time I've heard of a vibrating surface being stretched on, and it sounds like a brilliant idea to me! I want one! Incidentally, vibroplate.com has the best and cheapest vibrating plates. They all hold over 1000 lbs, and I think the most expensive one is still under 2000 dollars. Expensive, and beyond my means at the moment, but totally kick ass! I am possibly going to make my own using an old dual can paint shaker.