Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Resting Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilisation in Healthy Women

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Whole-body vibration induces a number of physiological responses and is used both in physical training, and in the treatment of patients with various diseases. Whole-body vibration increases blood flow, skin temperature, bone density, muscle strength and affects the functions of the nervous system. The effect of whole-body vibration on metabolism is interesting. It has been suggested that whole-body vibration shifts energy metabolism towards carbohydrate utilisation and that this may increase post-exercise oxygen uptake. Increased resting metabolism (increased energy expenditure) during whole-body vibration may indicate that whole-body vibration can be used as an adjunct to treatment programs for overweight or metabolic disorders. ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of single-whole-body vibration (WBV) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and carbohydrate–lipid profile of blood in young, healthy women. The participants, in a randomised controlled crossover study, participated in two trials: WBV and a vibration simulation (placebo). The WBV was performed in the prone position and cycloidal-oscillatory vibration was used. The RMR measurement (calorimetry) was performed: before the WBV, during WBV, immediately after the completion of WBV, and 1 h after the completion of WBV. For biochemical analyses, venous blood was collected. During WBV, there was a significant increase in RMR compared to baseline. Immediately after and 1 h following the end of the WBV, RMR was close to baseline levels (p > 0.05). The increased energy expenditure resulted from the increased utilisation of carbohydrates and proteins during the vibration. In the placebo condition, there were no significant changes over time in the level of the studied indices during calorimetry. The WBV had no significant effects on the level of glucose in the blood. The applied vibration did not significantly affect the concentration of the analysed lipid indices, which were within the physiological norms for all measurements. Results indicate the need for further research to establish the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects of WBV on resting metabolic rate.