Alterations in the ability to maintain balance as a result of stochastic resonance whole body vibration in women.

Karolina Donocik,Agata Lebiedowska,Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska,Magdalena Hartman-Petrycka,Manabu Sakakibara

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185179

Abstract

PurposeA vertical posture makes it difficult to maintain balance especially in the elderly. Loss of balance leads to falls and injuries. In the present study, we evaluated whether balance maintenance can be improved with the use of stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SR-WBV).MethodsAn examination of balance, involving 187 women aged 19–74 years, was conducted using double-plate posturography pre and post SR-WBV. The SR-WBV trainings were performed using the SRT Zeptor Medical-plus noise device. The entire study lasted 6 weeks, with a total of 12 training sessions, each consisting of nine 45 second series, with a 45 second pause between them.ResultsPost SR-WBV there was a reduction in the value of: the resultant mean velocity (MV) of the movement of COP (centre of pressure) for both lower limbs (B) and in the right lower limb (R) during the test with eyes closed (EC), the mean velocity and mean amplitude (MA) of the movement of COP along the x-axis (ML) of the left lower limb (L) during the test with eyes open (EO) and closed and some additional parameters. Negative correlations between age/index of improvement of MV-EC-B, MV-EC-L and MVML-EC-L, and BMI/index of improvement of MV-EC-B, MVML-EC-B appeared. Height correlated positively with the index of improvement of MV-EC-B and MVML-EC-B.ConclusionsAs a result of SR-WBV, the left leg is more stable along the x-axis and the disproportion between the stability of both legs is reduced. Consequently, body stability is higher. The SR-WBV is more effective in younger, taller and slimmer women. SR-WBV parameters should be optimized so that the training is more beneficial for elderly and shorter women, and for women with a higher BMI.

Highlights

As a result of evolution, man has reached a vertical posture
Post stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SR-WBV) there was a reduction in the value of: the resultant mean velocity (MV) of the movement of centre of pressure (COP) for both lower limbs (B) and in the right lower limb (R) during the test with eyes closed (EC), the mean velocity and mean amplitude (MA) of the movement of COP along the x-axis (ML) of the left lower limb (L) during the test with eyes open (EO) and closed and some additional parameters
Results from Stochastic resonance (SR)-WBV training performed in other programs will be calculated after data from sufficient numbers of participants has been collected for statistical analysis

Summary

Introduction

As a result of evolution, man has reached a vertical posture. Bipedal posture is associated with the release of the upper limbs from their support functions. The centre of gravity moves within and beyond this small base of support, which can cause loss of balance and falls [1]. This problem increases with age and affects 30% of people over 65 years of age and up to 50% after 85 years of age. Injuries from falls are the fifth highest cause of death in the elderly and the highest cause of death among people over 75 years of age [2] They are the most frequent cause of hospitalization and death among all accidents in Poland. For 25% of falls, the circumstances in which the fall occurred are not known [3]

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Conclusion