Combined effects of whole body vibration and unstable shoes on balance measures in older adults: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 4 weeks of whole body vibration training on balance in older adults who word two different types of shoes: unstable (unstable group) versus standard shoes (stable group). DesignRandomized, single-blind clinical trial. ParticipantsSeventy eight eligible older adults were initially enrolled; 59 participants (mean age 69.7±5.3 years) completed the program. InterventionParticipants were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group that received whole body vibration with unstable shoes, and a control group that received whole body vibration with standard shoes. Outcome measuresThe Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, preferred gait speed, maximum gait speed, and Fall Efficacy Scale were recorded at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and 1 month after the end of the training program. ResultsBoth groups showed improvement in all outcome measures at 4 weeks (p < 0.01) with no significant between-group differences. In the unstable group, the gains were maintained at follow-up (p < 0.01) whereas the scores returned to baseline values in the stable group. At follow-up, significant between-group differences were found for Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (p < 0.001), preferred gait speed (p = 0.007) and maximum gait speed (p = 0.007), and all were in favor of the unstable group. ConclusionCombining whole body vibration with unstable shoes can be proposed as a beneficial method with relatively long-term effects to improve balance measures in older people.