Effects of Vibration Training on Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Objective(s) This systematic literature review aims to collect the general consensus of data on the effects of whole body vibration training on bone mineral density. Data Sources Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials between 2015-2020 were performed in the databases of PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EBSCO (Medline) between September 10 to October 1, 2020. Study Selection 19 randomized controlled trials (full text available, PEDro score > 6, human subjects, available in English, and conducted within the past 5 years) with a total of 695 subjects met study methodology guidelines using the PEDro scale. Data Extraction A total of 38 articles were screened, and 19 studies were included in the systematic review. With heterogeneity in vibration parameters including dosing and prescription, no meta-analysis was conducted. Data Synthesis A systematic literature review revealed that there were statistically significant improvements reported in terms of improved BMD outcomes in the use of WBV with or without resisted exercise (RE) vs no intervention in 11 of the randomized controlled trials (n= 442). There were no significant differences found between WBV with and without RE vs no intervention in eight of the randomized controlled trials (n= 223). Our results revealed that WBV significantly elicits improvements in BMD in majority of the reviewed studies. Conclusions There is substantial evidence for recommending the use of WBV in improving BMD. Studies to determine effective dosage of vibration to improve BMD are recommended in WBV training. Author(s) Disclosures Both authors have no financial or relevant interests. This systematic literature review aims to collect the general consensus of data on the effects of whole body vibration training on bone mineral density. Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials between 2015-2020 were performed in the databases of PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EBSCO (Medline) between September 10 to October 1, 2020. 19 randomized controlled trials (full text available, PEDro score > 6, human subjects, available in English, and conducted within the past 5 years) with a total of 695 subjects met study methodology guidelines using the PEDro scale. A total of 38 articles were screened, and 19 studies were included in the systematic review. With heterogeneity in vibration parameters including dosing and prescription, no meta-analysis was conducted. A systematic literature review revealed that there were statistically significant improvements reported in terms of improved BMD outcomes in the use of WBV with or without resisted exercise (RE) vs no intervention in 11 of the randomized controlled trials (n= 442). There were no significant differences found between WBV with and without RE vs no intervention in eight of the randomized controlled trials (n= 223). Our results revealed that WBV significantly elicits improvements in BMD in majority of the reviewed studies. There is substantial evidence for recommending the use of WBV in improving BMD. Studies to determine effective dosage of vibration to improve BMD are recommended in WBV training.