Abstract
Whole body vibration (WBV) training is an increasingly popular training method that
is strongly promoted for weight loss, but scientific data on its effectiveness, particularly
in obese subjects, are sparse. 14 obese women (BMI: 37.4±1.3 kg/m2) randomized to 2 different groups (each n=7) participated in a 6-week endurance training
program that was either combined or not combined with additional WBV training. Anthropometric
measures, phase angle and body composition (assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis;
BIA), and resting energy expenditure (REE) were obtained before and after the training
program. Body weight did not change during the training period (P=0.87), but waist
circumference decreased in both groups (P=0.007; WBV: −3.4±1.4 cm; no-WBV: −1.7±0.7 cm)
independent of WBV training (P=0.29 for group×time interaction). BIA revealed an enhancing
effect of WBV training in comparison to no-WBV training on the phase angle (+0.20±0.12°
vs. −0.19±0.12°; P=0.04) and calculated body cell mass (+0.8±0.2 vs. −0.3±0.4 kg;
P=0.02), while calculated percentage fat mass decreased in both conditions (P=0.05)
to similar extent (P=0.59; WBV: −0.8±0.2%; no-WBV: −0.4±0.5%). REE increased across
the training (P=0.01; WBV: +77±33 kcal/24 h; no-WBV: +68±34 kcal/24 h), with this
increase again not depending on WBV condition (P=0.85). Results of our pilot study
in obese women provide preliminary evidence for a beneficial effect of WBV, when added
to endurance training, on the bioelectrical phase angle, an increasingly recognized
marker of individual’s health status.
Key words
whole body vibration training - obesity - phase angle - bioelectrical impedance analysis
