Hormonal Changes with Whole Body Vibration
Hormones are chemical messengers which are released from various glands throughout the body. They transmit signals to organs or systems in the body to achieve a particular outcome or response. Growth hormone (GH) stimulates protein synthesis and helps to strengthen muscles, bones, cartilage and other tissues. It also influences the metabolism of stored body fat. GH is released by the pituitary gland and production tends to be elevated when the intensity of exercise is increased. During exercise, GH helps decrease the use of glucose and increases the use of fat as fuel, thereby improving the body’s metabolic efficiency. Though GH is produced naturally, it is also pharmaceutically synthesized and used for variety of therapeutic interventions. In some cases, it has been used by athletes as a performance enhancer. While there is a concern that GH therapy may increase an individual’s risk for certain types of cancer, research remains debatable. One particular study did not find any “excessive cancer risk” for individuals treated with GH, but continued surveillance of subjects was encouraged 1. Another anabolic hormone is testosterone which is released by the ovaries and testes in women and males, respectively. Testosterone plays an important role in the maintenance of muscular strength, increases in metabolic rate and a reduction in body fat. During exercise, testosterone tends to be release at approximately 20 minutes into a routine, and remains elevated for a few hours following the activity. A catabolic hormone Cortisol, is released by the adrenal gland in response to stress and anxiety. Its main function is to increase the blood sugar (glucose) and storage of glucose in the liver as glycogen (stored glucose). It also acts as an immune system suppressor.
Several studies have looked at the effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on various hormones in the body. Most of the studies have been in healthy young men with the exception of one study which used individuals whose median age was 70 years. The hormones typically analyzed in these studies were testosterone, GH and Cortisol.
Depending on the type of exercise, different hormonal responses may occur. Overall the benefits of exercise done at an appropriate intensity and duration for an individual’s fitness level usually outweigh any potential risks. Given the similar responses of hormone production to exercise and WBV, WBV may act as a possible alternative to traditional modes of exercise.
Regardless of an individual’s health status it is important that in conjunction with a health care practitioner or physician that he/she find a exercise program to maintain cardiovascular health, a healthy body weight, adequate bone density, and help prevent/delay several other diseases processes. If there is any concern over an individual’s health status it is important that he/she discuss the addition
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of WBV to his/her exercise routine with a physician before beginning. It is essential that the physician understands WBV so they can determine if the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
References
1. Sklar CA, 2004. Growth hormone treatment: cancer risk, Hormone Research, 62, 30-4.
2. Kvorning T, Bagger M, Caserotti P, Madsen K. 2006. Effects of vibration and resistance training on neuromuscular and hormonal measures, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 96(5), 615-25.
3. Bosco C, Iacovelli M, Tsarpela O, Cardinale M, Bonifazi M, Tihanyi J, Viru M, De Lorenzo A, Viru A. 2000. Hormonal responses to whole-body vibration in men, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 81(6), 449-54.
4. Di Loreto C, Ranchelli A, Lucidi P, Murdolo G, Parlanti N, De Cicco A, Tsarpela O, Annino G, Bosco C, Santeusanio F, Bolli GB, De Feo P. 2004. Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on the endocrine system of healthy men, Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 27(4), 323-7.
5. Erskine J, Smillie I, Leiper J, Ball D, Cardinale M. 2007. Neuromuscular and hormonal responses to a single session of whole body vibration exercise in healthy young men, Clincial Physiology and Functional Imaging, 27(4), 242-8.
6. Cardinale M, Leiper J, Erskine J, Milroy M, Bell S. 2006. The acute effects of different whole body vibration amplitudes on the endocrine system of young healthy men: a preliminary study, Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 26(6), 380-4.
7. Cardinale M, Soiza RL, Leiper JB, Gibson A, Primrose WR. 2010. Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(4), 284-8.
8. Weltman A, Weltman JY, Pritzlaff Roy C, Wideman L, Patrie J, Evans WS, Veldhuis JD. 2006. Growth hormone response to graded exercise intensities is attenuated and the gender difference abolished in older adults, Journal of Applied Physiology, 100, 1623-1629.
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