Effects of whole-body vibration with or without localized radiofrequency on anthropometry, body composition, and motor performance in young nonobese women.

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) alone and in association with localized radiofrequency on fat deposits in young nonobese subjects.

METHODS

Forty-four (44) healthy, nonobese women aged 25.3±5.26 years, body-mass index (BMI) 21.7±2.47 kg/m(2) were randomly assigned to an 8-week trial of WBV (2 sessions per week) or WBV plus localized radiofrequency (WBV+RF) in the abdominal, buttock, and thigh region. Anthropometry, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DXA), and motor performance were assessed before and after the trial. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or ANOVA for repeated measures (group×time).

RESULTS

Valid data were obtained for 36 women (WBV, n=18; WBV+RF, n=18). Body mass and BMI did not change after trial. Body circumferences were unchanged or slightly reduced, with no difference between groups. Skinfold thickness was significantly reduced at several sites in the whole study population (n=36), reduction being higher at the thigh site in the WBV+RF group. According to DXA analysis, total body lean mass increased (p=0.009) and total body fat mass decreased (p=0.036) in the whole study population after trial with no significant difference between the WBV and WBV+RF group in spite of larger absolute changes in the latter. Standing long jump improved after trial with no change in flamingo balance test.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8-week WBV training is effective in inducing positive body composition changes as well as increased muscle strength in women; it could be recommended as an alternative/complementary tool in physical activity or fitness programs as it is well tolerated. The current data give limited support to the association of localized RF treatment and WBV training as synergistic in inducing body fat mass loss; such a beneficial effect should be further investigated in subject with larger subcutaneous fat deposits (i.e., overweight or obese).