AIMS: To assess the effect of whole body vibration on oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production among overweight and obese women. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, anthropometric measurements were taken in 20 adult overweight women. Ventilation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and heart rate were measured using a portable gas-analysis system. After each exercise, a Borg's scale score was assessed. Exercises were performed on a vibration platform with a frequency of 35 Hz and with the intensity set on "high" (amplitude of 4 mm). Two dynamic exercises (squatting and calf raises) and one static exercise (standing) were performed during 3 minutes with and without vibration in a randomized order, with 10 minutes rest between exercises. Mean values of the third minute of exercise were compared. RESULTS: Ventilation of oxygen and carbon dioxide were consistently, significantly higher in the exercises with vibration compared with the exercises without vibration. Borg's scale scores only showed a significant difference between calf raises with and without vibration. CONCLUSION: The addition of whole body vibration to both static and dynamic exercises appears to significantly increase oxygen uptake in overweight and obese women. More research is needed to determine the physiological pathway and clinical relevance of this increase.
Abstract reprinted with permission from The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved.

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