Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hemorheological and Oxidative Stress Parameters: a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Previous studies reported that WBV can increase peripheral blood flow and oxygenation. Investigating the acute effects of a single WBV exercise session on hemorheological parameters, blood glucose levels, balance, flexibility, and oxidative stress markers (total oxidant status [TOS], total antioxidant status [TAS], and oxidative stress index [OSI]) was the goal of this study. All participants engaged in a WBV exercise program consisting of nine exercises, each lasting 60 seconds, for a total of 13 minutes. Flexibility, balance, visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores, heart rate, blood pressure, capillary blood glucose levels, hemorheological parameters, and TOS/TAS were assessed before and immediately after the WBV session. Twelve healthy active male volunteers (mean age: 20.83±2.59 years; mean height: 174.79±5.26 cm; mean weight: 79.21±14.87 kg) participated in the study. Hematocrit values and heart rate significantly increased, while blood glucose levels decreased following the WBV protocol (p<0.05). A single session of WBV exercise did not affect TAS, TOS, or OSI; however, erythrocyte deformability measured at 5.33 and 9.49 Pa significantly increased post-exercise (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the other parameters. A single session of WBV exercise appears to acutely improve erythrocyte deformability while not affecting oxidative stress parameters. © 2025 The Author(s)