Effect of Focal Vibration Technique on Lower Limb Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance capabilities of amateur soccer players using a focal vibration protocol at 120 Hertz combined with stationary bicycle pedaling at 80-90 revolutions per minute for 10 min, in one session per week for three consecutive weeks, to analyze its impact on five countermovement jumps (CMJ). A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted at soccer clubs in the province of Tarragona involving a sample of 107 soccer players. The main outcome measures included CMJ height, electrical muscle activation of the vastus medialis of the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius muscles, and jump, power, velocity, and strength. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in the intervention group: CMJ height (p = 0.04; d = 4.38; power = 0.97), vastus medialis quadriceps (p = 0.001; d = 0.28; power = 0.95), tibialis anterior (p = 0.02; d = 0.24; power = 0.95), internal gastrocnemius (p = 0.005; d = 0.28; power = 0.95), power (p = < 0.001; d = 0.16; power = 0.95), and velocity (p = 0.03; d = 0.39; power = 0.95). These findings demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in CMJ performance following the application of a focal vibration protocol combined with stationary bicycle pedaling at 80-90 revolutions per minute for 10 min, in one session per week for three consecutive weeks, compared to a simulated focal vibration protocol. The results suggest that focal vibration is a valuable tool in the world of football, a high-impact and high-power sport.