IMPORTANT ASPECTS ON HOW TO SET UP A VIBRATION TRAINING PROTOCOL (WBVp) FOR ATHLETES

Abstract

Whole-body vibration is considered a training modality, mainly focusing on the physical and functional performances. However, the scientific community and professionals seem to underestimate some of its important aspects in order to establish a proper protocol. When used in athletes, possible incoherencies present in the cause-effect relationship may show up more than in other groups. That is the population considered in the present study. After investigating the available references, it is clear that due to the lack of methodological standard for vibration training, comparisons between the studies and their findings is difficult and sometimes conflicting. Important points observed in conventional protocols are not properly considered on vibration interventions. Moreover, it is not clear the correlation between conventional x vibration training variables and parameters. That should be the first aspect to be observed in order to get a proper vibration training methodology and testing evaluation. Therefore, a change of nomenclature is suggested from WBVT to WBVp. From now on, WBVp will mean “training protocols” whereas WBVT will mean “training interventions”. To change interventions into protocols requires a systematic register of the available information (variables and parameters), what is not normally seen. So, a model spreadsheet is suggested to standardize the training process, so in a future to allow a proper protocol establishment. The suggested spreadsheet will take into consideration all necessary points, aiming the verification of the desired results. Finally, a technical terminology and methodology to be adopted during vibration training is also proposed.