2) with post hoc tests indicating a significant Panobinostat cost increase in the vibration group (p < 0.05) ( Fig. 3). There was no time × group interaction for the 505 agility test (p > 0.05) although, similar to the DJH data, there was a trend towards the vibration intervention

having a greater negative effect on agility (increased time) than the other interventions. The current study is the first to look at the effects that the addition of WBV to the FIFA 11+ has on RSI and 505 agility. The aim of the present research was to investigate the benefits of including an acute bout of vibration stimulus following the FIFA 11+ in collegiate soccer players. A well established and successful warm-up has not only benefits to subsequent performance,5, 6 and 7 but also injury prevention.8 The FIFA 11+ has been recognised as a well-established tool for reducing injury Paclitaxel order rates amongst soccer players, however performance improvements following its intervention have not been reported as clearly.1, 9 and 10 From the present results the addition of acute vibration to well-established warm-up has shown positive results in RSI through a decrease in CT, however there

was no improvement in 505 agility amongst participants. Factors such as reactive strength have been strongly correlated to change of direction efficiency and speed,37 as well as a key distinguishing characteristic between elite and non-elite soccer players.38 Such acute improvements in these characteristics should therefore welcomed by players and coaches. The determination of physiological mechanisms responsible for the significant acute changes that took place following different warm-up protocols is beyond its scope of the present study as no direct neuromuscular responses were measured. The changes in RSI however indicate that there has been a neuromuscular response due to WBV which will be discussed and suggestions made to why this may have occurred. As identified in previous

research one potential explanation for the improvements in RSI (through a reduction in contact time) is due to increased efficiency in the stretch shortening cycle (SSC).24 In particular an improvement in the short-latency stretch reflex would mean a significant reduction in CT, as this corresponds Astemizole to the reflex after ground contact.39 Vibration training as a mechanical stimulus has been linked to an improvement in latency stretch reflex post vibration.40 and 41 Increased muscle spindle sensitivity and a decrease in recruitment threshold of motor units could also be suggested as a key factor for the decreases in CT,42 with an increase in spindle sensitivity improving detection on landing and a lowering of recruitment threshold meaning an increase in the velocity of contraction.42 The above argument however, of an increase in short-latency stretch reflex and a decrease in recruitment threshold are questioned by the current findings. Such neuromuscular changes could also benefit the 505 agility time but this was not the case.