The Effect of Three Work-Equivalent Whole-Body Vibration Protocols on Acute Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Trained Adolescent Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVES: The study compared acute neuromuscular responses to three work-equivalent whole-body vibration (WBV) protocols in highly trained adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Thirteen male soccer players (16.2 ± 0.3 years, BMI = 24.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2) completed a counterbalanced crossover study, performing on separate visits three WBV protocols: (P1) 1 x 3 min, (P2) 3 x 1 min, and (P3) 6 x 30 s. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and vastus lateralis EMG (root-mean-square, RMS) were measured at baseline and at 2, 5, and 15 min post-WBV, followed by two CMJ trials at baseline (best retained) and one CMJ trial post-WBV. Time-to-peak torque (TPT), rate of torque development (RTD), and neuromuscular efficiency (NME) were also evaluated. RESULTS: No significant main effects of protocol or protocol-by-time interactions were observed across outcomes. Non-protocol effects were observed for EMGRMS normalized to baseline (%) (time, period, and carryover) and for carryover in RFD0-80 and CMJ power. Estimated effects were small, with wide confidence intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Among highly trained adolescent soccer players, a 3-min, work-equivalent WBV exposure administered as 1 x 3 min, 3 x 1 min, or 6 x 30 s did not produce clear protocol-dependent changes in knee extensor isometric performance, neuromuscular indices, or CMJ performance within 2-15 min post-intervention. Any effects appear minimal relative to inter-individual variability.