The effect of whole-body vibration training with different amplitudes on bone mineral density in elderly women

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) with same frequency and different amplitudes on bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly is not reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 45-Hz WBVT with different amplitudes on the BMD in elderly women. METHODS: Age-, height-, and weight-matched patients were assigned to a low-amplitude group (n= 19, amplitude of 2 mm), medium-amplitude group (n= 18, amplitude of 3 mm), high-amplitude group (n= 19, amplitude 4 mm), and control group (n= 20). The WBVT was conducted for 24 weeks in the three amplitude groups. The BMD at lumbar vertebrae L2-4 and the proximal femur was measured at 0 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The BMD at lumbar vertebrae L2-4 was higher in the high-amplitude group than in the low-amplitude and middle-amplitude groups, and the BMD of the greater trochanter was significantly higher than that in the low-amplitude group (p< 0.05). The BMD of the greater trochanter was significantly higher in the middle- than low-amplitude group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: A higher amplitude should be considered when WBVT is performed in elderly patients to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.