Abstract: This study examined the effects of eight weeks of
whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on vertical and decuple jump
performance in handball athletes. Sixteen collegiate Level I handball
athletes volunteered for this study. They were divided equally as
control group and experimental group (EG). During the period of the
study, all athletes underwent the same handball specific training, but
the EG received additional WBVT (amplitude: 2 mm, frequency: 20 -
40 Hz) three time per week for eight consecutive weeks. The vertical
jump performance was evaluated according to the maximum height of
squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Single factor
ANCOVA was used to examine the differences in each parameter
between the groups after training with the pretest values as a covariate.
The statistic significance was set at p < .05. After 8 weeks WBVT, the
EG had significantly improved the maximal height of SJ (40.92 ± 2.96
cm vs. 48.40 ± 4.70 cm, F = 5.14, p < .05) and the maximal height
CMJ (47.25 ± 7.48 cm vs. 52.20 ± 6.25 cm, F = 5.31, p < .05). 8 weeks
of additional WBVT could improve the vertical and decuple jump
performance in handball athletes. Enhanced motor unit
synchronization and firing rates, facilitated muscular contraction
stretch-shortening cycle, and improved lower extremity
neuromuscular coordination could account for these enhancements.