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

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.

Distribution of health-related physical fitness in Slovak population.

Purpose of the study was to examine relationship between distribution of healthy fitness zone standards of high school students and their type of housing or area of residence. Study sample consisted of 684 students (284 boys, 400 girls) from urban and rural areas of the region Presov in the eastern part of Slovakia. Physical fitness was assessed by four tests: back-saver sit and reach, shoulder stretch, curl-ups and 90° push-ups. Differences by place of residence and types of housing were examined by correspondence analysis of two-dimensional tables with computing Chi square value at significance level p < 0.05. Urban students performed higher level of flexibility, abdominal and upper strength and endurance than rural ones. Boys and girls living in a flat reached higher level of flexibility and abdominal strength/endurance however, they performed worse in upper strength and endurance than those living in a house. Slovak adolescents seem to have a healthier profile in abdominal muscular fitness and upper body flexibility than in lower body flexibility. The relationship between distribution of healthy fitness zone standards and residence area or housing type was revealed only in lower body flexibility, upper strength and endurance of urban and rural girls.