The effects of whole body vibration training on vertical jump height in dancers: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

Dancers must be strong and flexible for a balanced body and great performances. However, dance training and fitness methods are quite divergent between dance styles, dance coaches and teachers. It was verified in the scientific literature that whole-body vibration (WBV) training can improve the vertical jump height (VJH) for dancers from different styles when compared to other interventions or no intervention. The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of WBV training on VJH in dancers, compared to other interventions or no intervention, in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), through a systematic review with meta-analysis. The search used the databases MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, PEDro, Psycinfo and Google Scholar (between 1985 and September, 2019). RCTs that analyzed the effects of WBV training on vertical jump height in dancers, compared to other models of training or no intervention, were included. Four studies met the eligibility criteria; 56 were excluded. The data from the selected studies were extracted by two independent and blind reviewers. Four RCTs that assessed 84 participants in total were included. WBV training promoted significant improvements in VJH, compared to other interventions such as intense stretching, or extra dance classes. WBV training proved to be beneficial even with a short time intervention.