The effects of whole-body vibration training on gait and walking ability – A systematic review comparing two quality indexes

Abstract

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been introduced in the last decade and become a popular training method and may increase muscle performance. Objectives: To evaluate the evidence degree of the effect of WBV training on gait and walking ability by a critical examination of scientific studies. In addition, a minor objective was to compare two quality indexes. Method: Literature search in Scopus; quality assessments with The Risk of Bias and The PEDro Scale; and evidence appraisal according to GRADE. Result: Ten studies with varying populations using gait-related measurements after at least 1-month WBV intervention were included. Only two studies report significant positive effects. This is defined as low-quality evidence. Eighty percent and 90% of the studies were rated as high quality according to The PEDro Scale and The Risk of Bias, respectively. Discussion: The low-quality evidence indicates a need for further research. A standardized training protocol would make comparisons and conclusions of WBV training more reliable and feasible. Conclusion: There is low-quality evidence for WBV training having effects on gait and walking ability. Further research is needed. The evidence did not alter between the quality indexes.