Effect of Whole Body Cross-Vibration Stimulation on Ankle Joint Muscle Activity and Plantar Pressure Changes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body cross vibration (WBCV) on ankle joint muscle activation and plantar pressure changes. Method: The study divided participants into two groups: a WBCV group using a vibration plate and an ankle exercise group where they performed heel raises and lowers. The intervention method included a 5-minute warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down, both including rest periods. The main exercise consisted of 5 minutes of exercise followed by 5 minutes of rest, totaling 20 minutes. This was conducted for 30 minutes per session, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in TA (tibialis anterior) and GCM (gastrocnemius) muscle activation (p<.05), Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in forefoot, and rearfoot plantar pressures (p<.05). Conclusion: whole-body vibration training is considered to be adequately applicable in clinical settings for promoting muscle strength improvement and enhancing balance function, particularly in patients experiencing functional impairment of movement due to body misalignment or asymmetry.