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

Abstract

Purpose Whole body vibration (WBV) training is purported to improve bone mineral density. Numerous randomized controlled trials present unclear data as to its clinical significance. This systematic literature review aims to collect the general consensus of data on the topic. Data Sources Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials between 2015-2020 were performed in the databases of PubMed, PEDro Database, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, EBSCO (Medline) between September 10 to October 1, 2020. Methods and Data Extraction 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 methodological quality guidelines using the PEDro scale. Results A total of thirty-nine (39) articles were screened, and nineteen (19) studies with a total population of n = 695 were included in the systematic review. With heterogeneity in modality and vibration intensity/frequency including dosing and prescriptions, no meta-analysis was conducted. There were no significant differences found between WBV with and without resistive exercise (RE) vs no intervention in eight (8) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 223). There were statistically significant improvements reported in terms of improved BMD outcomes in WBV with or without RE vs no intervention in eleven (11) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 442), a positive trend towards improvement of BMD in one (1) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 30), and a mixed result of statistically significant improvement of BMD in lumbar spine and no effect towards BMD in femoral neck in one (1) of the randomized controlled trials (n=38). Our results revealed that WBV significantly elicits improvements in bone mineral density in majority of the studies. Conclusion and Recommendations The studies presented substantial evidence for recommending the use of WBV for improving bone mineral density. The use of WBV with and without RE significantly improves BMD when compared to no intervention. Studies to determine effective dosage of vibration to improve BMD are recommended in the field of WBV.