Vibrations are often experienced in the workplace and may influence performance and executive function. Research has shown that vibrations may have an affect effect on drowsiness and tests related to inhibitory control. Previous work investigating whole body vibrations (WBV) and their effect was evaluated to inform the decisions for this study. WBV effects on cognitive abilities were examined and the different tests used in these studies were identified and compared. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and event related potentials (ERP) were selected to be used to measure inhibitory and cognitive processes. The N2 ERP, which reflects inhibitory control processes, was examined as well as the dominant frequency of the Fourier fast transform (FFT). A total of 94 participants between the ages of 18-55 (Mage = 20.49 SDage = 1.68) completed this study (51 female, 38 male and 5 with no gender listed). A go/no-go task was used to elicit the N2 ERP after WBV and a simultaneous EEG recording while the participants experienced WBV was used to gather the needed data. Stimulus frequencies used for the N2 ERP included 15 Hz, 20 Hz, and 40 Hz. During the simultaneous recording stimulus frequency varied every 30 seconds by 10 Hz from 20 Hz to 110 Hz. Data were analyzed using both a linear mixed effects model for normally distributed data and a generalized linear mixed effects model for data taken as percentages. It was hypothesized that there would be an effect on performance as measured in the raw go/no-go results, that this change in performance showing improved accuracy would be linked to inhibitory control, and be seen as a decrease in the magnitude of the N2 ERP. It was also hypothesized that the exploratory FFT portion of the study would produce a shift from a higher to a lower frequency in the dominant waveform . The results show that there were no main effects in either the behavioral performance or in the N2 ERP of the participants but that there was a significant interaction at 40 Hz with improved simple go trial activity and decreased no-go inhibition. The results also show that there was a statistically significant shift in neural oscillation activity but that this shift was not real-world relevant within the context of this study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was firstly to investigate whether 8 weeks of whole body vibration (WBV) training was an acceptable form of exercise for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and secondly what effect it may have on measures of functional capacity. Methods: Fifteen participants with MS volunteered for WBV training three times a week on a commercialised Galileo Sport™ vibration machine with an oscillating platform. Training consisted of two four week blocks based on an increasing stimulus training programme (overload principle). The first fours weeks involving five sets of 1-min WBV with 1-min rest in between with increasing vibration frequency (15-25Hz, 2.6mm-4.1mm amplitude); the second four weeks training increased to eight sets of 1-min WBV (15-20Hz, 6.1mm amplitude). Functional performance measures (Timed up and Go, Standing Balance, Functional Reach and Timed walk) and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) were conducted prior to training, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 2 weeks (10wk) following the completion of the training. Results: The 10m walk test showed significant improvements at the 2m, 8m and 10m measure between pre vs. 8wk (P<0.05) and pre vs.10wk (P<0.05). Timed up and Go demonstrated a significant time effect (P<0.05). Standing balance showed significant improvements at pre and 4 week (p<0.05) and pre and 10 week (p<0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate WBV as an exercise training modality for MS patients. It was shown that not only is WBV training safe, well tolerated by MS patients but it also improved standing balance and walking speed in MS patients.

No description available.