Table 1. Evidence for Spinal Reflexes.
Author Participants Vibration Method (type) Exercise
Type
Frequency
(Hz)
Amplitude
(mm)
Duration Results
Armstrong et al., 2008 19 RA (8♂, 11 ♀) VV platform SS 40 2-4mm 1 min There was a significant suppression of the H-Reflex 1 min post-vibration.
Burke et al., 1976 18 H (♂, ♀ = NR) Direct vibration Static 20-220 1.5 4 s Both primary and secondary spindle endings respond with repetitive discharge when vibration was applied to the tendon of the non-contracting muscle. The responses of the primary endings were reduced during muscle vibration
Cochrane et al., 2008 12 RA Young, 12 RA Old (6♂, 6 ♀) VV leg press SS & Jendrassik 30 1 4 mins VV + Jendrassik contractionincreased VO2 by 27.6% for the old and 33% for the young group but there were no significant difference between the groups
Cochrane et al., 2009 9 RA (♂) SV platform
Control
SS
SS
60 3.10 15 s15 s 6 Hz significantly increased muscle-tendon complex, contractile length, and EMG modulation compared to 0 Hz.
Hopkins et al., 2008 11 RA (6♂, 6 ♀)
11 RA (6♂, 6 ♀)
SV platform
Control
SS
SS
260 ~ 40 5 x 1 min0 Vibration did not show any significant changes in quadriceps stretch reflex amplitude or latency.
Melnyk et al., 2008 13 RA (♂, ♀=NR)
11 RA (♂, ♀=NR)
VV platform
Normal activity
SS
NA
30NA 4NA 2 x 1 minNA Vibration significantly decreased tibial translation and significantly increased short latency response o lateral and medial hamstring muscles.
Nishihiraet al., 2002 17 HP (♂, ♀=NR) SV platform SS 25 NR 3 x 3mins The H/M ratio was significantly greater post-vibration compared to pre values.
Rittweger et al., 2003 19 RA (9♂, 10♀) SV platform DSto exhaustion 260 60 349 s515 s Immediately post-vibration tendon patellar tendon reflex amplitude was significantly greater compared to exhaustive dynamic squatting without vibration.
Ritzmann et al., 2010 10 RA ♀ (5♂, 5♀) SV platform
Ankle Ergometer
SS
Standing
upright
5-30NA 4NA 10 s The ankle ergometer used to evoke the stretch reflex latency of tricep surae was almost identical to the latency of the same muscle group that received vibration, supporting the idea that vibration induces stretch reflexes.
Roll et al., 1989 27 H (♂, ♀ = NR) Direct vibration Static 10-200 0.2-0.5 20 s Muscle spindle primary endings were the most sensitive to the vibration.
= Recreationally active; = Healthy;= Side alternating vibration; = Vertical vibration; = Dynamic squat; = Static squat; = Not Applicable; = Not reported