EFFECTS OF VIBRATION AND ISOMETRIC TRAINING ON THE LOWER LIMBS EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of the two 10 week training programs on the explosive strength parameters change, as well as to determine whether possible effects  were caused by the vibration stimulation of the muscles or the isometric training. The research  sample comprised  60 male subjects,  aged 21 ± 6 months,  randomly  divided into three subsamples: First experimental group (n=15) comprised subjects included in a specially  designed  low frequency vibration training with Flexi-bar, second experimental group  (n=15) comprised subjects included in a specially  designed  isometric training and the third, control group comprised subjects not included in any specially  designed training (n=30). All subjects were tested at the beginning and in the end of the experimental program by explosive strength estimation test on the tensiometric platform. Statistical methods applied in this research to investigate the effects of the trainings were univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Analyzing the obtained results it was determined that neither vibration training with Flexi-bar nor isometric training exhibited statistically significant influence on the change of the lower limbs explosive strength values, but that there were changes in the mean values of the observed  parameters. Measurements of the explosive strength parameters of the upper limbs and the parameters of the explosive strength of the lower limbs will be administered in all three groups of subjects.  Experimental program did not yield expected results but points out to further research to investigate the effects of the vibration stimulation of muscles by Flexi-bar applying some different exercises as well as the investigation of the effects on other types of strength.