Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Exercise Science

First Advisor

Troy Herter

Abstract

PURPOSE: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is reported to be an effective training modality for increasing vertical jump height. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear because limited studies have examined the effects of WBV on kinetic variables underling jump height. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of WBV on jump height (JH), modified reactive strength index (RSImod), and eccentric rate of force development (eRFD) during the countermovement jumps (CMJ) in recreationally-active young adults.

METHODS: Fifteen participants (13 male, 2 female, 21.5±1.89yr, 1.78±0.10m, 80.2±15.0kg) completed three randomly-ordered WBV exposures (0s, 30s, or 60s: 35Hz, 2mm amplitude). Three CMJ were performed immediately before and after each bout of WBV to obtain baseline and post-WBV measures of JH, RSImod, and eRFD. A 15- minute passive recovery period was provided between each WBV exposure.

RESULTS: Linear mixed models were used to examine WBV (0s, 30s, 60s) x Time (Pre, Post) interactions on JH, RSImod, and eRFD (criterion alpha: p < 0.05). No significant WBV x Time interaction was observed for JH, RSImod, or eRFD.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a single session of WBV does not meaningfully enhance lower-body explosive power during CMJ. Further research is needed to determine the effects of multiple session of WBV on jump kinetics and performance. In addition, measures of neuromuscular and kinematic changes may provide further insight into mechanisms underlying the effects of WBV on jump performance.

Keywords: Countermovement Jump, Whole-Body Vibration, Modified Reactive Strength Index, Eccentric Rate of Force Development, Jump Height, Jump Performance

Rights

© 2026, Garrett Reese Evans

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