Biomechanical effects of whole body vibration on spinal ligaments: A potential mechanism of tissue damage

There is little known about how vibration loading affects the biomechanical and physiological response of tissues of the spine, especially the ligaments. This study investigated the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on the thoracic facet capsular ligaments using a rat model of vibration. Ligaments were tested in tension after a WBV exposure. There was no difference detected in the failure properties compared to control specimens. However, tensile stiffness was significantly increased over the control group. Increases in stiffness may develop in response to WBV in order to provide increased spinal stability, but may also be a mechanism for subsequent tissue damage.