Comparison of the effect of eight weeks of combined vibration-rope skipping training with two different intensities on the indicators elderly men muscle electrography: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial

Whole body vibration (WBV) exercises appear to be an effective alternative to improving physical function in the elderly. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of whole body vibration exercises and rope skipping training with two different intensities on electromyography indices of elderly men.

36 elderly men (mean age 65.8 ± 4.2 years; height 169.3 ±3.9 cm; mass 77.1 ± 4.6 kg; body mass index 26.9±0.7 kg.m2) were selected by purposive and available sampling method and randomly divided into three groups of high intensity (N=12), low intensity (N =12), and control (N =10). Vibration exercises were performed with a frequency of 40 Hz and 25 Hz, with a range of 3 mm . In rope training, intensity was applied with 30-35 jumps per minute for both groups. Electromyographic indices of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles including activation of the ratio of agonist and antagonist muscles, muscle amplitude, and average muscle power frequency were calculated in the pre-test and at the end of eight weeks.

The electromyographic indices in the high intensity and low intensity training groups showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (p≤0.05). There was no significant difference between the two training groups in any of the variables (p>0.05).

The both the intensity of the combined vibration-rope programs have improved the function of electrical muscle activity in the upper and lower limbs of older men.