Abstract
BackgroundWhole-body vibration training (WBV) performed on a vibration platform can significantly improve physical performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has been suggested that an important mechanism of this improvement is based on an improvement in balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV compared to conventional balance training.Methods48 patients with severe COPD (FEV1: 37 ± 7%predicted) and low exercise performance (6 min walk distance (6MWD): 55 ± 10%predicted) were included in this randomized controlled trial during a 3 week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. All patients completed a standardized endurance and strength training program. Additionally, patients performed 4 different balance exercises 3x/week for 2 sets of 1 min each, either on a vibration platform (Galileo) at varying frequencies (5–26 Hz) (WBV) or on a conventional balance board (BAL). The primary outcome parameter was the change in balance performance during a semi tandem stance with closed eyes assessed on a force measurement platform. Muscular power during a countermovement jump, the 6MWD, and 4 m gait speed test (4MGST) were secondary outcomes. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsStatic balance performance improved significantly more (p = 0.032) in favor of WBV (path length during semi-tandem stand: − 168 ± 231 mm vs. + 1 ± 234 mm). Muscular power also increased significantly more (p = 0.001) in the WBV group (+ 2.3 ± 2.5 W/kg vs. − 0.1 ± 2.0 W/kg). 6MWD improved to a similar extent in both groups (WBV: 48 ± 46 m, p < 0.001 vs. BAL: 38 ± 32 m; p < 0.001) whereas the 4MGST increased significantly only in the WBV-group (0.08 ± 0.14 m/s2, p = 0.018 vs. 0.01 ± 0.11 m/s2, p = 0.71).ConclusionsWBV can improve balance performance and muscular power significantly more compared to conventional balance training.Trial registration: Clinical-Trials registration number: NCT03157986; date of registration: May 17, 2017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT03157986&cntry=&state=&city=&dist =
Highlights
Whole-body vibration training (WBV) is a training modality where a subject stands on a vibration platform that induces sinusoidal oscillations to the body which evolve reflex-induced muscle contractions [1]
In a recent study from our workgroup, we found that improvements in exercise performance following a WBV training program were related to improvements in balance performance and muscular power output [9]
Measures of balance performance are recommended by the current American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) pulmonary rehabilitation guidelines to be included in the clinical assessment of patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [15]
Summary
Whole-body vibration training (WBV) is a training modality where a subject stands on a vibration platform that induces sinusoidal oscillations to the body which evolve reflex-induced muscle contractions [1]. In a recent study from our workgroup, we found that improvements in exercise performance following a WBV training program were related to improvements in balance performance and muscular power output [9]. These neuromuscular adaptations seemed to be an important mechanism of improving exercise performance especially in COPD patients with impaired balance performance and low exercise performance [9]. There is a large body of evidence showing that postural control and balance performance are impaired in COPD compared to healthy age-matched controls [10, 11] This leads to an increased risk for falls in COPD [12]. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV compared to conventional balance training
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