Date of Award

2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Jim Dickey

Abstract

Introduction: The transmission of mechanical vibration to the axial skeleton

from a whole body vibration platform was measured across different degrees of knee flexion. Methods: Male subjects (N=12) stood with varying knee flexion angles of 0, 20, and 40 degrees on a whole body vibration platform. Platform frequencies between 20-50 Hz at two amplitude settings (1 and 2 mm) were tested. Transmissibility was measured with triaxial accelerometers at the platform surface, hip, back and head. Results: Changes in peak to peak platform amplitude across vibration frequency and knee angle did not affect transmissibility measurements (p > 0.05). Transmissibility measures varied depending on platform frequency and knee angle (p < 0.05). A significant effect of knee angle on both hip and head transmissibility was found (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The transmissibility of vibration from platform to head during whole body vibration training is reduced with 40 degrees of knee flexion. However, to effectively dampen mechanical energy at the head larger knee angles (>20 degrees) are needed.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.