Abstract
The use of whole-body vibration (WBV) for therapeutic purposes is far from being standardized and an empirical foundation for reporting guidelines for human WBV studies has only very recently been published. Controversies about safety and therapeutic dosage still exist. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic and mechanical effects of low-intensity WBV according to the ISO 2631 norm on subjects with obesity. Forty-one obese subjects (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in a 3-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program including fitness training and WBV training. During WBV the posture was monitored with an optoelectronic system with six infrared cameras (Vicon, Vicon Motion System, Oxford, UK). The primary endpoints were: variation in body composition, factors of metabolic syndrome, functional activity (sit-to-stand and 6-min walking test), muscle strength, and quality of life. The secondary endpoints were: modification of irisin, testosterone, growth hormone, IGF1 levels. We observed significant changes in salivary irisin levels, Group 2 (p < 0.01) as compared to the control group, while muscle strength, function, and other metabolic and hormonal factors did not change after a 3-week low-intensity WBV training with respect to the control group. Future studies are needed to further investigate the potential metabolic effect of low-intensity WBV in managing weight.
Highlights
The success rate of therapy for obesity is very low: dieting may work in the short term, but severe dietary restriction alone reduces muscle mass and leads to a decline in physical fitness [4]; traditional exercise, such as aerobic and resistance training, improves heart rate variability, physical strength, and body composition
Our preliminary results showed that lowintensity whole-body vibration (WBV) does not appear effective in improving strength or function in subjects with obesity
The current findings reveal, the ability of salivary irisin to respond acutely to WBV bouts and parallel similar results obtained on serum irisin in healthy females subjected to acute vibrating exercise [25]
Summary
Excessive body weight increases mechanical stress to the joints and tissues and induces physical limitations and pain [1], leading to a reduction in physical activity that contributes to the loss of muscle mass and strength. Weight loss is conventionally achieved through dietary modifications [2] behavioral correction, and/or exercise prescription [3]. The success rate of therapy for obesity is very low: dieting may work in the short term, but severe dietary restriction alone reduces muscle mass and leads to a decline in physical fitness [4]; traditional exercise, such as aerobic and resistance training, improves heart rate variability, physical strength, and body composition. Aerobic or resistance exercise can be associated with increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries, reducing adherence to exercise prescription [5]
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