Superimposed vibration on suspended push-ups

Background. Superimposition of vibration has been proposed in sports training using several devices and methods to enhance muscle activation and strength adaptations. Due to the popularity of suspension training, vibration systems have recently been developed to increase the effects of this training method. The present cross-sectional study aims to examine the effects of superimposing vibration on one of the most popular exercises in strength and conditioning programs: push-ups. Methods. Twenty-eight physically active men and women executed push-ups in three suspended conditions (non-vibration, vibration at 25 Hz, and vibration at 40 Hz). OMNI-Res scale was registered, and surface electromyographic signals were measured for the activity of the right and left external oblique, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, sternal, and clavicular heads of the pectoralis major. Results. A linear mixed model indicated a significant fixed effect for vibration at 25 Hz and 40 Hz on muscle activity. Suspended push-ups with superimposed vibration (25 Hz and 40 Hz) showed a significant higher activity on left (25 Hz: p = 0.036, d = 0.34; 40 Hz: p = 0.003, d = 0.48) and right external oblique (25 Hz: p = 0.004, d = 0.36; 40 Hz: p = 0.000, d = 0.59), anterior deltoid (25 Hz: p = 0.032, d = 0.44; 40 Hz: p = 0.003, d = 0.64), and global activity (25 Hz: p = 0.000, d = 0.55; 40 Hz: p = 0.000, d = 0.83) compared to non-vibration condition. Moreover, OMNI-Res significant differences were found at 25 Hz (6.04 ± 0.32, p = 0.000 d = 4.03 CI = 3.27, 4.79) and 40 Hz (6.21 ± 0.36 p = 0.00 d = 4.29 CI = 3.49, 5.08) compared to the non-vibration condition (4.75 ± 0.32). Conclusion. Superimposing vibration is a feasible strategy to enhance the muscle activity of suspended push-ups.