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Cardiovascular disease begins to develop in childhood. Physical activity positively impacts cardiovascular health and lowers cardiovascular disease risk in school-aged children and adults; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effects of physical activity on cardiovascular health during early childhood. The specific dose of physical activity required for favourable cardiovascular health in this age group is also unknown. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the relationships between physical activity and cardiovascular health indicators during early childhood. In the first study, we found that physical activity engagement has beneficial effects on cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, autonomic function, and arterial stiffness during early childhood. We then determined in the second study that to avoid unfavourable cardiovascular health, preschool-aged children should engage in at least 240 minutes of activity at any intensity, 80 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or 8700 steps per day. Finally, in the third study we evaluated a novel technique for examining arterial wall properties, carotid artery longitudinal wall motion, and determined that it was weakly associated with an established indicator of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) in early childhood. These findings highlight that the benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health begin in early childhood and the minimal amount of activity to avoid unfavourable cardiovascular health is higher than current recommendations. For the most part, physical activity benefited boys and girls similarly, although it is unclear if the physical activity targets apply equally to boys. We also determined that carotid artery longitudinal wall motion may not be an indicator of arterial stiffness in young children. Future studies should determine if the favourable effects of physical activity on cardiovascular health during early childhood carry over to later years and if achieving the physical activity targets determined in this thesis are associated with additional health benefits. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Heart disease develops slowly over time, starting in childhood. This thesis explored if physical activity can begin to prevent heart disease even in preschoolers, and how much physical activity preschoolers need in order to keep their hearts and blood vessels healthy. We found that preschool-aged children who were more active had better heart health, including better blood vessel health and higher fitness. While all activity was good, more intense, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (sometimes called energetic play) was more beneficial and slowed down the stiffening of their blood vessels as the children grew. We determined that preschool-aged children should engage in at least 4 hours of physical activity at any intensity or 80 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day to avoid poor heart health. The findings in this thesis highlight the importance of regular physical activity participation to promote heart health even in preschool-aged children.

Background: Cheap and effective tools for measuring patients’ physical activity (PA) level are needed. The first aim in this thesis was therefore to assess the validity of two PA -questions, and their three associated answer modes, that are used within the Swedish health care system. Sitting, light intensity PA (LIPA), and moderate and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), are associated with health and longevity, but detailed population data assessed with objective methods is needed. The second aim was thus to assess the above with motion sensor technology, in a middle-aged Swedish sample. Low self-perceived health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, but this association may vary over time with changes in the society and our lifestyle. The third aim was to assess secular trends in the interrelations between self-perceived health, physical fitness, and selected covariates. The effects of PA on prescription (PAP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight adults are unclear, thus the fourth aim was to explore this. Methods: All data was collected in the Swedish population. Data from the PA -questions and accelerometers, aerobic fitness, counter movement jump, and balance tests, blood samples, and self-rated general health were collected in 365 participants, 21–66 yrs. The PA pattern was assessed in 948 individuals, 50‒64 yrs, from the SCAPIS pilot study. Self-perceived physical health, and measured aerobic fitness, counter movement jump height, and balance, and demographic and lifestyle data, was assessed in three independent samples from 1990, 2000 and 2013, including 3564 adults, 20‒65 yrs. The effects of Swedish PAP on HRQoL was assessed in a randomized controlled trial including 101 men and women, 67‒68 yrs, that were inactive, overweight (BMI>25 kg/m2), and had a waist circumference ≥102 cm (men) or ≥88 cm (women), who were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Results: The multiple choice answer mode of the two PA -questions was found to have the strongest validity, compared with the two other (an open mode, and one where PA minutes is specified per weekday). The validity is in line with many other established PA-questionnaires, but the open mode has limitations. The assessment of PA pattern showed that 61% of motion sensor wear time represented sitting, 35% LIPA, and 4% MVPA. Only 7% of the sample met the PA recommendations. The odds for describing perceived health as good was found to increase by 5% per each increment of 1 ml/kg/min in VO2max. This was stable across genders and all three LIV-samples (i.e. over time). Waist circumference, chronic disease, sleep problems, and level of satisfaction with one’s life, were also important correlates. The Swedish PAP group improved significantly more, and more participants displayed clinically relevant improvements (OR 2.43), in mental aspects of HRQoL, compared to the controls. Physical aspects of HRQoL improved in the PAP group, but not in the control group. Conclusions: The multiple choice answer mode has the strongest validity and Open mode the weakest. The PA -questions may be used in populations, or in individuals to determine appropriateness for treatment. The questions’ advantages and limitations must be considered and further reliability and validity studies are needed. The results regarding sitting, LIPA, MVPA and fulfillment of PA recommendations, are of high clinical relevance. A great challenge remains to further implement methods to increase the level of PA in the Swedish population. Physical fitness is related to self-perceived health independently of changes in society and lifestyle over time, and simple questions may be useful for the clinical assessment of physical fitness. Swedish PAP has a positive effect on mental aspects of HRQoL, measured by the SF-36. This finding supports the clinical use of the Swedish PAP model. / LIV 2013

New analytical and technological tools have the potential to yield unprecedented insights into the life histories of migratory species. I used Bayesian population models and Global Positioning System-acceleration tracking devices to understand the demographic mechanism and likely drivers underpinning the Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) population decline. I used a 27-year capture-mark-recapture dataset from the main wintering site for these birds (Wexford, Ireland) to construct multistate models that estimated age- and sex-specific survival and movement probabilities and found no sex-bias in emigration or ‘remigration’ rates (chapter 2). These formed the foundation for an integrated population model, which included population size and productivity data to assess source-sink dynamics through estimation of age-, site-, and year-specific survival and movement probabilities, the results of which suggest that Wexford is a large sink and that a reduction in productivity (measured as recruitment rate) is the proximate demographic mechanism behind the population decline (chapter 3). Low productivity may be due to environmental conditions on breeding areas in west Greenland, whereby birds bred at youngest ages when conditions were favourable during adulthood and the breeding year (chapter 4), and possibly mediated by links with the social system, as birds remained with parents into adulthood, forfeiting immediate reproductive success, although a cost-benefit model showed the ‘leave’ strategy was marginally favoured over the ‘stay’ strategy at all ages (chapter 5). Foraging during spring does not appear to limit breeding, as breeding and non-breeding birds did not differ in their proportion of time feeding or energy expenditure (chapter 6). Two successful breeding birds were the only tagged individuals (of 15) to even attempt to nest, suggesting low breeding propensity has contributed to low productivity. Although birds wintering in Ireland migrated further to breeding areas than those wintering in Scotland, there were no differences in feeding between groups during spring migration (chapter 7). These findings suggest that Greenland White-fronted Geese are not limited until arrival on breeding areas and the increasingly poor environmental conditions there (chapter 8). More broadly, these findings demonstrate the application of novel tools to diagnose the cause of population decline.

The primary objective of this PhD program was to investigate the impact of training at a constant-load moderate-intensity (FATmax) compared to work-matched high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on the metabolic, physiological and psychosocial health profiles of sedentary overweight and obese men. This study was unique in that it was the first time the effect of exercise intensity had been investigated to examine concurrently the components of whole-body energy metabolism and body composition as measured using gold standard techniques. Based upon the positive alterations in blood lipids, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and substrate oxidation, it appears that training at FATmax can positively impact health parameters as well as, or if not better than, high-intensity training. Furthermore, there are ramifications for public health messages and obesity management strategies arising from these findings, primarily attributable to the increased exercise adherence and the reduction in health risks stemming from the significant loss of abdominal visceral adipose tissue after FATmax training.

O estímulo vibratório gerado pela utilização das plataformas vibratórias tem sido aplicado como método eficaz para promover desempenho esportivo e também na reabilitação de pacientes com diversificadas disfunções. Acredita-se que a vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) é capaz de diminuir os déficits de ativação muscular voluntária através de reflexos de estiramento neuromuscular, tornando-se um meio eficaz e de fácil aplicabilidade para pacientes com maiores incapacitações. Resultados controversos na literatura, com relação aos benefícios dos estímulos vibratórios, tornam a escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento (frequência, amplitude, tempo de exposição e modo de vibração) um desafio na obtenção dos melhores resultados. Assim, o objetivo desta tese visa a avaliação dos efeitos fisiológicos agudos da vibração de corpo inteiro (sensibilidade cutânea tátil e dolorosa, equilíbrio, temperatura superficial da pele, transmissibilidade da vibração) e a construção de um mapa de percepção corporal da VCI. Foram utilizados diferentes parâmetros e marcas desses equipamentos. Para investigar cada variável, quatro diferentes estudos foram realizados separadamente. O primeiro estudo investigou os efeitos da VCI na sensibilidade cutânea vibratória medidos a 30 Hz (corpúsculos de Meissner) e 200Hz (corpúsculos de Pacini) e de toque-pressão dos pés de 20 sujeitos normais e o tempo de duração dos efeitos da vibração nesses receptores. Como principais resultados, foram constatadas que as descargas aferentes dos mecanorreceptores de adaptação rápida foram fortemente afetadas pela vibração assim como a sensibilidade de toquepressão. Após 10 min de exposição à VCI o tempo de recuperação para a sensibilidade voltar aos limiares basais nos pés foi entre 2 e 3 h. Para continuar elucidando os efeitos agudos pós-exercício com vibração, um segundo estudo foi realizado avaliando variáveis fisiológicas em quatro diferentes frequências de exposição de VCI (30, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Foram avaliadas pressão arterial, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura axilar e a temperatura cutânea através de termografia por infravermelho dos membros inferiores dos 24 participantes avaliados. Por fim, o equilibro desses indivíduos foi avaliado através das análises dos deslocamentos, da velocidade e da área do centro de pressão (COP), em uma plataforma de força. Os dados do segundo estudo mostraram que, para as frequências de 40 e 44 Hz do equipamento, houve uma alteração significativa para as variáveis velocidade e comprimento ântero-posterior do centro de pressão. Além disso, durante a vibração e 10 min após, a temperatura dos membros inferiores foi reduzida, provavelmente em virtude da vasoconstrição gerada. Na investigação da sensibilidade dolorosa um terceiro estudo foi proposto, tendo em vista que as vias dos mecanorreceptores de sensibilidade cutânea tátil diferem daqueles relacionados com a sensibilidade dolorosa. Um modelo de dor crônica com ratos Wistar foi realizado e os animais foram tratados com VCI, esteira e a combinação de esteira com VCI. Como principais resultados deste estudo, os grupos tratados com VCI mostraram redução significativa da sensibilidade de toque-pressão após todas as sessões em comparação aos demais grupos. Efeitos analgésicos através do tempo de latência medidos com o hot plate foram encontrados após o terceiro dia de tratamento com 5 min de exposição por dia à VCI, nos primeiros 5 dias e 10 min nos 5 dias subsequentes. Como finalização das variáveis de interesse, o último estudo combinou dados quantitativos advindos da acelerometria (com medições na cabeça, quadril e tíbia) com dados qualitativos através da escala de Borg. Sessenta e cinco adultosjovens foram avaliados e este estudo propôs um método para escolher os diversificados parâmetros da plataforma vibratória, para alcançar os efeitos desejados na reabilitação ou desempenho esportivo. Este estudo mostrou que os índices de percepção de severidade medidos através da escala de Borg corresponderam com os dados quantitativos da acelerometria e assim os parâmetros do equipamento podem ser escolhidos com base na sensação subjetiva proveniente da escala de Borg. Os níveis de desconforto no equipamento podem estar relacionados com a frequência de ressonância das diferentes partes do corpo. Futuros estudos devem considerar aplicações clínicas da plataforma vibratória em pacientes com dor crônica musculoesquelética utilizando o modelo para escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento proposto nesta tese. / The vibratory stimuli generated by the use of vibrating platforms have been used as an effective method to promote sports performance and also in the rehabilitation of patients with several dysfunctions. It is believed that the whole body vibration (WBV) is able to decrease the deficits in voluntary muscle activation by neuromuscular stretch reflexes making it an efficient and easy exercise method applied to patients with greater disabilities. Controversial results in the literature regarding the benefits of the vibratory stimuli make the choice of the equipment parameters (frequency, amplitude, time of exposure and vibration mode) a challenge in getting the best results. The goal of this dissertation involves the evaluation of the acute physiological effects of whole body vibration (skin tactile and pain sensitivity, balance, skin temperature and vibration transmissibility) and the construction of a WBV perception body map. Parameters settings and different brands of these devices were used. To investigate each variable, four different studies were conducted separately. The first study investigated the effects of WBV on fast adapting mechanoreceptors measured at 30 Hz (Meissner corpuscles) and 200Hz (Pacinian corpuscles) and touch-pressure sensitivity from the right foot of 20 health subjects and the duration of the vibration effects on these receptors. The main results show that the afferent discharges of the fast adapting mechanoreceptors are strongly affected by vibration and sensitivity of touch-pressure was also impaired. After a single 10 minutes exposure to WBV, the time required to recover baseline tactile sensitivity on the feet was between 2 and 3 hours. To further elucidate the acute postexercise vibration effects, a second study was conducted assessing physiological variables at four different WBV frequencies (31, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, skin temperature and balance were measured. Skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermography of the lower limbs of 24 subjects. Balance was accessed with a force plate through the analysis of the center of pressure (COP) velocity, area and displacements variables. The results from this study show that for 40 and 44 Hz of the device’s frequencies, a significant decrease in balance was found for the center of pressure variables velocity and anterior-posterior displacement. Also, during WBV exposition and 10 minutes post vibration, the temperature of the lower limbs was reduced, probably due to vasoconstriction. To investigate the variable "pain", a third study was proposed, considering that the pathways and receptors of the cutaneous touch-pressure and vibration sensitivity differ from those related to pain sensitivity, the C and A fibers. A chronic pain model was applied in male Wistar rats and the animals were treated with WBV exercise (vibration platform), a low intensity exercise (treadmill) and a combined treatment involving both. The main results show that the groups treated with WBV showed a significant reduction in sensitivity to touchpressure after every session compared to the other groups. Analgesic effects through the time latency measured by the hot plate were found after the third treatment day with 5 min of exposure to WBV during the first 5 days and 10 min next 5 days. As completion of the fourth variable of interest, the last study by deriving quantitative data from accelerometry (with measurements on the head, hip and tibia) was combined with qualitative data arising from the Borg scale. Sixty five health young adults were measured and the study proposes a method for choosing the parameters settings of the vibrating platform, to achieve the desired goals in rehabilitation or sports performance. Discomfort perception ratings measured by the Borg scale corresponded well with the measured acceleration magnitudes and so the parameters settings of the device can be chosen based on the subjective sensation from the Borg scale. The level of discomfort ratings might be related to the frequency resonance phenomena of body parts. Future clinical applications with vibration platform in patients with muscle-skeletal chronic pain should be considered applying the model for choosing the parameter settings of the device proposed in this dissertation.

O estímulo vibratório gerado pela utilização das plataformas vibratórias tem sido aplicado como método eficaz para promover desempenho esportivo e também na reabilitação de pacientes com diversificadas disfunções. Acredita-se que a vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) é capaz de diminuir os déficits de ativação muscular voluntária através de reflexos de estiramento neuromuscular, tornando-se um meio eficaz e de fácil aplicabilidade para pacientes com maiores incapacitações. Resultados controversos na literatura, com relação aos benefícios dos estímulos vibratórios, tornam a escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento (frequência, amplitude, tempo de exposição e modo de vibração) um desafio na obtenção dos melhores resultados. Assim, o objetivo desta tese visa a avaliação dos efeitos fisiológicos agudos da vibração de corpo inteiro (sensibilidade cutânea tátil e dolorosa, equilíbrio, temperatura superficial da pele, transmissibilidade da vibração) e a construção de um mapa de percepção corporal da VCI. Foram utilizados diferentes parâmetros e marcas desses equipamentos. Para investigar cada variável, quatro diferentes estudos foram realizados separadamente. O primeiro estudo investigou os efeitos da VCI na sensibilidade cutânea vibratória medidos a 30 Hz (corpúsculos de Meissner) e 200Hz (corpúsculos de Pacini) e de toque-pressão dos pés de 20 sujeitos normais e o tempo de duração dos efeitos da vibração nesses receptores. Como principais resultados, foram constatadas que as descargas aferentes dos mecanorreceptores de adaptação rápida foram fortemente afetadas pela vibração assim como a sensibilidade de toquepressão. Após 10 min de exposição à VCI o tempo de recuperação para a sensibilidade voltar aos limiares basais nos pés foi entre 2 e 3 h. Para continuar elucidando os efeitos agudos pós-exercício com vibração, um segundo estudo foi realizado avaliando variáveis fisiológicas em quatro diferentes frequências de exposição de VCI (30, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Foram avaliadas pressão arterial, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura axilar e a temperatura cutânea através de termografia por infravermelho dos membros inferiores dos 24 participantes avaliados. Por fim, o equilibro desses indivíduos foi avaliado através das análises dos deslocamentos, da velocidade e da área do centro de pressão (COP), em uma plataforma de força. Os dados do segundo estudo mostraram que, para as frequências de 40 e 44 Hz do equipamento, houve uma alteração significativa para as variáveis velocidade e comprimento ântero-posterior do centro de pressão. Além disso, durante a vibração e 10 min após, a temperatura dos membros inferiores foi reduzida, provavelmente em virtude da vasoconstrição gerada. Na investigação da sensibilidade dolorosa um terceiro estudo foi proposto, tendo em vista que as vias dos mecanorreceptores de sensibilidade cutânea tátil diferem daqueles relacionados com a sensibilidade dolorosa. Um modelo de dor crônica com ratos Wistar foi realizado e os animais foram tratados com VCI, esteira e a combinação de esteira com VCI. Como principais resultados deste estudo, os grupos tratados com VCI mostraram redução significativa da sensibilidade de toque-pressão após todas as sessões em comparação aos demais grupos. Efeitos analgésicos através do tempo de latência medidos com o hot plate foram encontrados após o terceiro dia de tratamento com 5 min de exposição por dia à VCI, nos primeiros 5 dias e 10 min nos 5 dias subsequentes. Como finalização das variáveis de interesse, o último estudo combinou dados quantitativos advindos da acelerometria (com medições na cabeça, quadril e tíbia) com dados qualitativos através da escala de Borg. Sessenta e cinco adultosjovens foram avaliados e este estudo propôs um método para escolher os diversificados parâmetros da plataforma vibratória, para alcançar os efeitos desejados na reabilitação ou desempenho esportivo. Este estudo mostrou que os índices de percepção de severidade medidos através da escala de Borg corresponderam com os dados quantitativos da acelerometria e assim os parâmetros do equipamento podem ser escolhidos com base na sensação subjetiva proveniente da escala de Borg. Os níveis de desconforto no equipamento podem estar relacionados com a frequência de ressonância das diferentes partes do corpo. Futuros estudos devem considerar aplicações clínicas da plataforma vibratória em pacientes com dor crônica musculoesquelética utilizando o modelo para escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento proposto nesta tese. / The vibratory stimuli generated by the use of vibrating platforms have been used as an effective method to promote sports performance and also in the rehabilitation of patients with several dysfunctions. It is believed that the whole body vibration (WBV) is able to decrease the deficits in voluntary muscle activation by neuromuscular stretch reflexes making it an efficient and easy exercise method applied to patients with greater disabilities. Controversial results in the literature regarding the benefits of the vibratory stimuli make the choice of the equipment parameters (frequency, amplitude, time of exposure and vibration mode) a challenge in getting the best results. The goal of this dissertation involves the evaluation of the acute physiological effects of whole body vibration (skin tactile and pain sensitivity, balance, skin temperature and vibration transmissibility) and the construction of a WBV perception body map. Parameters settings and different brands of these devices were used. To investigate each variable, four different studies were conducted separately. The first study investigated the effects of WBV on fast adapting mechanoreceptors measured at 30 Hz (Meissner corpuscles) and 200Hz (Pacinian corpuscles) and touch-pressure sensitivity from the right foot of 20 health subjects and the duration of the vibration effects on these receptors. The main results show that the afferent discharges of the fast adapting mechanoreceptors are strongly affected by vibration and sensitivity of touch-pressure was also impaired. After a single 10 minutes exposure to WBV, the time required to recover baseline tactile sensitivity on the feet was between 2 and 3 hours. To further elucidate the acute postexercise vibration effects, a second study was conducted assessing physiological variables at four different WBV frequencies (31, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, skin temperature and balance were measured. Skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermography of the lower limbs of 24 subjects. Balance was accessed with a force plate through the analysis of the center of pressure (COP) velocity, area and displacements variables. The results from this study show that for 40 and 44 Hz of the device’s frequencies, a significant decrease in balance was found for the center of pressure variables velocity and anterior-posterior displacement. Also, during WBV exposition and 10 minutes post vibration, the temperature of the lower limbs was reduced, probably due to vasoconstriction. To investigate the variable "pain", a third study was proposed, considering that the pathways and receptors of the cutaneous touch-pressure and vibration sensitivity differ from those related to pain sensitivity, the C and A fibers. A chronic pain model was applied in male Wistar rats and the animals were treated with WBV exercise (vibration platform), a low intensity exercise (treadmill) and a combined treatment involving both. The main results show that the groups treated with WBV showed a significant reduction in sensitivity to touchpressure after every session compared to the other groups. Analgesic effects through the time latency measured by the hot plate were found after the third treatment day with 5 min of exposure to WBV during the first 5 days and 10 min next 5 days. As completion of the fourth variable of interest, the last study by deriving quantitative data from accelerometry (with measurements on the head, hip and tibia) was combined with qualitative data arising from the Borg scale. Sixty five health young adults were measured and the study proposes a method for choosing the parameters settings of the vibrating platform, to achieve the desired goals in rehabilitation or sports performance. Discomfort perception ratings measured by the Borg scale corresponded well with the measured acceleration magnitudes and so the parameters settings of the device can be chosen based on the subjective sensation from the Borg scale. The level of discomfort ratings might be related to the frequency resonance phenomena of body parts. Future clinical applications with vibration platform in patients with muscle-skeletal chronic pain should be considered applying the model for choosing the parameter settings of the device proposed in this dissertation.

O estímulo vibratório gerado pela utilização das plataformas vibratórias tem sido aplicado como método eficaz para promover desempenho esportivo e também na reabilitação de pacientes com diversificadas disfunções. Acredita-se que a vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) é capaz de diminuir os déficits de ativação muscular voluntária através de reflexos de estiramento neuromuscular, tornando-se um meio eficaz e de fácil aplicabilidade para pacientes com maiores incapacitações. Resultados controversos na literatura, com relação aos benefícios dos estímulos vibratórios, tornam a escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento (frequência, amplitude, tempo de exposição e modo de vibração) um desafio na obtenção dos melhores resultados. Assim, o objetivo desta tese visa a avaliação dos efeitos fisiológicos agudos da vibração de corpo inteiro (sensibilidade cutânea tátil e dolorosa, equilíbrio, temperatura superficial da pele, transmissibilidade da vibração) e a construção de um mapa de percepção corporal da VCI. Foram utilizados diferentes parâmetros e marcas desses equipamentos. Para investigar cada variável, quatro diferentes estudos foram realizados separadamente. O primeiro estudo investigou os efeitos da VCI na sensibilidade cutânea vibratória medidos a 30 Hz (corpúsculos de Meissner) e 200Hz (corpúsculos de Pacini) e de toque-pressão dos pés de 20 sujeitos normais e o tempo de duração dos efeitos da vibração nesses receptores. Como principais resultados, foram constatadas que as descargas aferentes dos mecanorreceptores de adaptação rápida foram fortemente afetadas pela vibração assim como a sensibilidade de toquepressão. Após 10 min de exposição à VCI o tempo de recuperação para a sensibilidade voltar aos limiares basais nos pés foi entre 2 e 3 h. Para continuar elucidando os efeitos agudos pós-exercício com vibração, um segundo estudo foi realizado avaliando variáveis fisiológicas em quatro diferentes frequências de exposição de VCI (30, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Foram avaliadas pressão arterial, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura axilar e a temperatura cutânea através de termografia por infravermelho dos membros inferiores dos 24 participantes avaliados. Por fim, o equilibro desses indivíduos foi avaliado através das análises dos deslocamentos, da velocidade e da área do centro de pressão (COP), em uma plataforma de força. Os dados do segundo estudo mostraram que, para as frequências de 40 e 44 Hz do equipamento, houve uma alteração significativa para as variáveis velocidade e comprimento ântero-posterior do centro de pressão. Além disso, durante a vibração e 10 min após, a temperatura dos membros inferiores foi reduzida, provavelmente em virtude da vasoconstrição gerada. Na investigação da sensibilidade dolorosa um terceiro estudo foi proposto, tendo em vista que as vias dos mecanorreceptores de sensibilidade cutânea tátil diferem daqueles relacionados com a sensibilidade dolorosa. Um modelo de dor crônica com ratos Wistar foi realizado e os animais foram tratados com VCI, esteira e a combinação de esteira com VCI. Como principais resultados deste estudo, os grupos tratados com VCI mostraram redução significativa da sensibilidade de toque-pressão após todas as sessões em comparação aos demais grupos. Efeitos analgésicos através do tempo de latência medidos com o hot plate foram encontrados após o terceiro dia de tratamento com 5 min de exposição por dia à VCI, nos primeiros 5 dias e 10 min nos 5 dias subsequentes. Como finalização das variáveis de interesse, o último estudo combinou dados quantitativos advindos da acelerometria (com medições na cabeça, quadril e tíbia) com dados qualitativos através da escala de Borg. Sessenta e cinco adultosjovens foram avaliados e este estudo propôs um método para escolher os diversificados parâmetros da plataforma vibratória, para alcançar os efeitos desejados na reabilitação ou desempenho esportivo. Este estudo mostrou que os índices de percepção de severidade medidos através da escala de Borg corresponderam com os dados quantitativos da acelerometria e assim os parâmetros do equipamento podem ser escolhidos com base na sensação subjetiva proveniente da escala de Borg. Os níveis de desconforto no equipamento podem estar relacionados com a frequência de ressonância das diferentes partes do corpo. Futuros estudos devem considerar aplicações clínicas da plataforma vibratória em pacientes com dor crônica musculoesquelética utilizando o modelo para escolha dos parâmetros do equipamento proposto nesta tese. / The vibratory stimuli generated by the use of vibrating platforms have been used as an effective method to promote sports performance and also in the rehabilitation of patients with several dysfunctions. It is believed that the whole body vibration (WBV) is able to decrease the deficits in voluntary muscle activation by neuromuscular stretch reflexes making it an efficient and easy exercise method applied to patients with greater disabilities. Controversial results in the literature regarding the benefits of the vibratory stimuli make the choice of the equipment parameters (frequency, amplitude, time of exposure and vibration mode) a challenge in getting the best results. The goal of this dissertation involves the evaluation of the acute physiological effects of whole body vibration (skin tactile and pain sensitivity, balance, skin temperature and vibration transmissibility) and the construction of a WBV perception body map. Parameters settings and different brands of these devices were used. To investigate each variable, four different studies were conducted separately. The first study investigated the effects of WBV on fast adapting mechanoreceptors measured at 30 Hz (Meissner corpuscles) and 200Hz (Pacinian corpuscles) and touch-pressure sensitivity from the right foot of 20 health subjects and the duration of the vibration effects on these receptors. The main results show that the afferent discharges of the fast adapting mechanoreceptors are strongly affected by vibration and sensitivity of touch-pressure was also impaired. After a single 10 minutes exposure to WBV, the time required to recover baseline tactile sensitivity on the feet was between 2 and 3 hours. To further elucidate the acute postexercise vibration effects, a second study was conducted assessing physiological variables at four different WBV frequencies (31, 35, 40, 44 Hz). Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, skin temperature and balance were measured. Skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermography of the lower limbs of 24 subjects. Balance was accessed with a force plate through the analysis of the center of pressure (COP) velocity, area and displacements variables. The results from this study show that for 40 and 44 Hz of the device’s frequencies, a significant decrease in balance was found for the center of pressure variables velocity and anterior-posterior displacement. Also, during WBV exposition and 10 minutes post vibration, the temperature of the lower limbs was reduced, probably due to vasoconstriction. To investigate the variable "pain", a third study was proposed, considering that the pathways and receptors of the cutaneous touch-pressure and vibration sensitivity differ from those related to pain sensitivity, the C and A fibers. A chronic pain model was applied in male Wistar rats and the animals were treated with WBV exercise (vibration platform), a low intensity exercise (treadmill) and a combined treatment involving both. The main results show that the groups treated with WBV showed a significant reduction in sensitivity to touchpressure after every session compared to the other groups. Analgesic effects through the time latency measured by the hot plate were found after the third treatment day with 5 min of exposure to WBV during the first 5 days and 10 min next 5 days. As completion of the fourth variable of interest, the last study by deriving quantitative data from accelerometry (with measurements on the head, hip and tibia) was combined with qualitative data arising from the Borg scale. Sixty five health young adults were measured and the study proposes a method for choosing the parameters settings of the vibrating platform, to achieve the desired goals in rehabilitation or sports performance. Discomfort perception ratings measured by the Borg scale corresponded well with the measured acceleration magnitudes and so the parameters settings of the device can be chosen based on the subjective sensation from the Borg scale. The level of discomfort ratings might be related to the frequency resonance phenomena of body parts. Future clinical applications with vibration platform in patients with muscle-skeletal chronic pain should be considered applying the model for choosing the parameter settings of the device proposed in this dissertation.