Effect of Abdominal Training With Whole-Body Vibration on Erector Spinae Stiffness: A Randomized Trial Using Shear Wave Elastography

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 4 weeks of conventional abdominal training and training combined with whole-body vibration (WBV) on erector spinae (ES) stiffness, assessed using ultrasound shear wave elastography. Methods: Twenty-four healthy university students were randomly assigned to either a WBV or non-WBV group and performed the same exercise on the floor. The participants held a sit-up position for training, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was ES stiffness measured using shear wave elastography. Secondary outcomes included pressure pain threshold of the ES, lumbar proprioception, and maximum lumbar flexion angle. Split-plot ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: There was no significant group × period interaction for ES stiffness. However, the WBV group showed a significant reduction in ES stiffness and an improvement in lumbar proprioception after the intervention. In contrast, the non-WBV group showed a decrease in ES pressure pain threshold. Conclusion: Abdominal training with WBV reduced ES stiffness and enhanced lumbar proprioception in asymptomatic adults. These findings suggest that WBV may improve trunk muscle properties and sensorimotor function.