Tag Archives: Galileo neuromuscular responses

Galileo Neuromuscular Responses

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Jan;113(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2402-0.

The influence of vibration type, frequency, body position and additional load on the neuromuscular activity during whole body vibration

Ritzmann R, Gollhofer A, Kramer A.

Source

Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117 Freiburg, Germany. ramona.ritzmann@sport.uni-freiburg.de

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the influence of different whole body vibration (WBV) determinants on the electromyographic (EMG) activity during WBV in order to identify those training conditions that cause highest neuromuscular responses and therefore provide optimal training conditions. In a randomized cross-over study, the EMG activity of six leg muscles was analyzed in 18 subjects with respect to the following determinants:

  1. Vibration type: side-alternating vibration (SV) Galileo vs. synchronous vibration (SyV) Power Plate
  2. Frequencies (5-10, 15-20, 25-30 Hz)
  3. Knee flexion angle (10°, 30°, 60°)
  4. Stance condition (forefoot vs. normal stance)
  5. Load variation (no extra load vs. additional load equal to one-third of the body weight)

The results are:

  1. Neuromuscular activity during SV (Galileo) was enhanced compared to SyV (Power Plate)   (P < 0.05)
  2. A progressive increase in frequency caused a progressive increase in EMG activity (P < 0.05)
  3. The EMG activity was highest for the knee extensors when the knee joint was 60° flexed (P < 0.05)
  4. The plantar flexors in the forefoot stance condition was best (P < 0.05)
  5. Additional load caused an increase in neuromuscular activation (P < 0.05)

In conclusion, large variations of the EMG activation could be observed across conditions. However, with an appropriate adjustment of specific WBV determinants, high EMG activations and therefore high activation intensities could be achieved in the selected muscles.

The combination of high vibration frequencies with additional load on the SV platform (Galileo) led to highest EMG activities. Regarding the body position, a knee flexion of 60° and forefoot stance appear to be beneficial for the knee extensors and the plantar flexors, respectively.

EMG Activity Galileo (black) vs Power Plate (white)

EMG Activity Galileo (black) vs Power Plate(white)

EMG Activity Galileo (black) vs Power Plate(white)

 

Galileo Well Tolerated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Vibration therapy tolerated in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a pilot study.
Pediatr Neurol. 2014 Jul;51(1):126-9
Myers KA1, Ramage B2, Khan A3, Mah JK4.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive muscular dystrophy. Clinical management primarily involves rehabilitation strategies aimed at preserving functional mobility as long as possible. Side-alternating vibration therapy is a rehabilitation intervention that has shown promise in a number of different neuromuscular disorders, and has the potential to preserve strength, functional mobility, and bone mass. There has been little research regarding the tolerance to side-alternating vibration therapy in muscle diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

METHODS:
Four patients were recruited for a pilot study assessing the safety and tolerance of side-alternating vibration therapy in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. All patients participated in a 4-week training period involving side-alternating vibration therapy sessions three times per week. Serum creatine kinase was measured, and adverse effects reviewed at each session with functional mobility assessed before and after the training period.

RESULTS:
All patients tolerated the training protocol well, and there were no major changes in functional mobility. One patient had a transient increase in creatine kinase during the study; however, levels of this enzyme were stable overall when comparing the pretraining and posttraining values. Some patients reported subjective improvement during the training period.

CONCLUSIONS:
Side-alternating vibration therapy is well tolerated in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and may have potential to improve or maintain functional mobility and strength in these patients.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy; rehabilitation; safety; side-alternating vibration therapy; whole-body vibration therapy
PMID: 24830767 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]