Comparison of Active versus Passive Whole-Body Vibration Training on Neuromuscular Activation of Deep Trunk Muscles and Dynamic Postural Stability: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study compared the effects of Active Vibration Exercise (AVE) involving dynamic movements and static Whole-Body Vibration Exercise (WBVE) on deep trunk muscle activation, dynamic balance, and peripheral circulation in healthy adults. METHODS: Ten participants were randomly assigned to AVE or WBVE groups (n=5 each) for two weeks of twice-daily 5-minute sessions. Primary outcomes measured deep trunk muscle (internal oblique [IO] and multifidus) activation via surface electromyography. Secondary outcomes assessed dynamic balance, peripheral circulation, grip strength, and flexibility. RESULTS: Within-group comparisons indicated no significant pre-to-post changes for either group. However, between-group change score analysis showed a statistically significant difference in left IO activation (p=0.032, effect size r=0.694), favoring the AVE group. Both groups showed non-significant numerical improvements in skin temperature, balance, and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that integrating dynamic movements with vibration (AVE) may be more effective for specific deep trunk muscle activation than static WBVE. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm AVE's therapeutic value for core stabilization due to this study's limited sample size.