Effects Of Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Integrative function of proprioceptive system in the acute effects of whole body vibration on the movement performance in young adults.

The proprioceptive system coordinates locomotion, but its role in short-term integration and recovery of motor activity in imbalance of motor patterns and body remains debated. The aim of this study is investigating the functional role of proprioceptive system in motor patterns and body balance in healthy young adults. 70 participants (aged 20.1 ± 0.3) were divided into experimental groups EG1 (n = 30), EG2 (n = 30), control group (CG, n = 10). EG1 performed single WBV session on Power Plate (7 exercises adapted to Functional Movement Screen (FMS). EG2 performed single session of FMS Exercises (FMSE). CG didn't perform any physical activity. All participants performed pre- and post-session of FMS and stabilometric measurements. FMS total score in EG1 increased by 2.0 ± 0.2 (p0 < 0.001), this was significantly differed (p0 < 0.001) from EG2 and CG. Acute effects of WBV and FMSE on rate of change and standard deviation (SD) of pressure center (COP) were shown in all groups during Static Test (p0 < 0.01). SD increased (p0 < 0.01) in Given Setting Test in EG1 and EG2, and in Romberg Test (p0 < 0.001) in EG1. Length, width and area (p0 < 0.01) of confidence ellipse, containing 95% of the statokinesiogram points, decreased in Static Test in EG1; width and area (p0 < 0.01) decreased in EG2 group. Significant (p0 < 0.01) decrease in Given Setting Test was in EG1, and significant (p0 < 0.01) increase was in Romberg Test (open eyes) in CG. Maximum amplitude of COP oscillations: significantly (p0 < 0.01) decreasing along X and Y axes in EG1 and EG2, and along Y axis in CG during Static Test; along Y axis (p0 < 0.01) in all groups during Given Setting Test. Significant differences were identified (p0 < 0.01) in calculated energy consumption for COP moving during all stabilometric tests. However, inter-group differences in COP after acute WBV and FMSE sessions have not been identified. Acute WBV session eliminates the deficits in motor patterns which is not the case after acute FMSE session, which, according to our integrative movement tuning hypothesis, is due to high activation of integrative function of proprioceptive system. Efficacy of WBV and FMSE on COP performance indicates a high sensitivity of postural control to different levels of proprioceptive system activity.

Frequency Transmission of Oscillation from External Whole-Body Vibration Platform to the Larynx

PurposeThis study investigates (1) the presence of frequency transmission of oscillation from an external whole-body vibration (WBV) platform to the larynx; and (2) the factors that influence this frequency transmission. MethodsThirty participants (mean age = 22.3 years) with normal voice were exposed to four frequency-intensity levels of WBV (10 Hz-10%, 10 Hz-20%, 20 Hz-10%, 20 Hz-20%) and were instructed to produce the natural vowel /a/ three times during each WBV setting. The frequency was extracted from the middle one-second of each electroglottographic (EGG) signal after passing through a Hann band filter with a range of 6-24 Hz. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine the factors that influenced the absolute deviation of the frequency transmission. ResultsAll participants exhibit an extracted EGG frequency that aligns with the external WBV frequency, deviating by -0.6 to 1.2 Hz. The absolute deviation of WBV frequency transmission is consistent for both sexes across various WBV settings, except the 10 Hz-10% setting where men tend to exhibit significantly higher deviations (p = 0.018). ConclusionOscillations at a specific frequency are transmitted from an external WBV platform to the larynx. This study proposes the use of a "spring" system to investigate the effect of WBV on the larynx, and recommends further research to explore the potential of WBV in managing voice disorders.

Effect of whole-body vibration on postural stability in young adults with generalized joint hypermobility: A comparative study.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is being used in rehabilitation and sport. Studies confirm its positive impact on muscle strength and power or regulating muscle hypertension. However, there are some uncertainties regarding its influence on postural stability. This issue seems particularly interesting in the case of individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), for whom proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening exercises are recommended while techniques that decrease muscle tension are not advised. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with GJH. 60 participants were categorized into the groups: 1) hypermobility with vibration (GJH+WBV), 2) hypermobility without vibration (GJH-WBV), 3) control group with vibration (CTRL+WBV), 4) control group without vibration (CTRL-WBV). The first and the third group completed WBV (frequency: 15Hz and 30Hz, amplitude 3mm, 3 × 3min). The second and fourth groups participated only in measurement sessions. GJH was assessed using the Beighton test. Postural stability was measured as the overall stability index (OSI) on the Biodex Balance System on the stable and unstable platform with open and closed eyes. Measurements were taken before and after WBV for two weeks. At a frequency of 15Hz, a significant time effect was observed for measurements Before and After in CTRL-WBV on the stable platform with open eyes (p= 0.012) and on the unstable platform with closed eyes (p= 0.000) for the GJH+WBV and CTRL+WBV groups. There were no significant interactions (p> 0.05) between factors. At a frequency of 30Hz, there was a significant time effect Before and After (p= 0.047) on the stable platform with open eyes, but no interaction was found between factors (p= 0.835). There is no positive acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with and without GJH.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Blood Flow Restriction and Systemic Hypoxia on Body Composition and Physical Performance in Overweight University Students

Study purpose. This study investigated the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) and hypoxic exposure (HYP) on body composition and physical performance in overweight university students. Materials and methods. Twenty-nine male university students with overweight were divided into 3 groups: 1) whole-body vibration (WBV), 2) whole-body vibration plus blood flow restriction (WBV+BFR, 60% of occlusion pressure) and 3) whole-body vibration plus hypoxic exposure (WBV+HYP, FiO₂ = 15.8%). Training included 10 sets of intermittent WBV exercise (30-35 Hz in frequency and high amplitude) 20 min/day and 3 days/week. Body composition along with physical performance was measured before (2-3 days prior) and after (2-3 days post) an 8-week training period. Results. The results of this study were as followed, after training, the maximum strength (1RM) in the leg press and leg curl were significantly increased in the WBV+HYP group (28.31%, p = 0.016 and 13.56%, p = 0.017) compared with the WBV group (17.68% and 2.88) respectively. Similarly, the WBV+HYP group showed a substantial increase in muscle endurance in the leg extension and leg curl (28.57%, p = 0.013 and 34.38% p = 0.049) when compared to the WBV group (5.33% and 13.20%) respectively. Conclusions. Whole-body vibration combined with blood flow restriction and hypoxic exposure were effective in improving body composition and physical fitness. Performing the procedure can also be adjusted according to convenience and suitability for each individual. It is a guideline for preventing, treating, and promoting health among overweight adolescents.

Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Function Parameters in Nursing Home Residents Older Than 80Years: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Loss of functional independence is more likely in older adults who reside in an institution as a consequence of a decline in muscle mass and a loss of force production capacity. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) interventions on the strength, balance, and mobility of nursing home residents older than 80years. An electronic search in MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Randomized controlled trials that involved nursing home residents older than 80years, that investigated WBV interventions compared with nonintervention, usual care, or placebo, and that measured physical function outcomes including strength, balance, gait, and mobility were included. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The standardized mean differences (SMD) between the experimental and control groups were calculated with a random-effects model for each outcome, and subgroup analysis was conducted for different outcomes. In total, 2864 articles were identified; of these, 14 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that WBV significantly increased the lower limb muscle strength (SMD = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.03), mobility (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.81), gait score (SMD = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.51), balance (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.81), and physical performance (SMD = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.33 to 2.33). WBV may be an effective intervention to improve the strength, balance, mobility, walking ability, and physical performance of older nursing home residents. WBV presents a safe, accessible alternative for improving health in this vulnerable population, warranting further research and integration into health care practices.

Good Vibrations: How Whole-Body Vibration Elevates Mood and Offers a New Avenue for Exercise

The correlation between physical exercise and mental wellness has long been established through various studies. This paper extends the discourse to a specific exercise modality—Whole Body Vibration (WBV)—and its potential benefits for mental health. The initial discussion underlines the well-documented positive impact of exercise on mood enhancement and cognitive function. The narrative then transitions to a detailed examination of WBV and its rising prominence as an alternative exercise form, particularly focusing on its ability to improve mental health across different demographics. Notable studies are presented, showcasing the positive effects of WBV on mood, cognitive function, and the autonomic nervous system, especially in elderly populations. A segment is dedicated to analyzing the relationship between Growth Hormone (GH) secretion and mental health, with a special emphasis on how WBV might influence GH levels. Various investigations, differing in methodological approaches and demographics, are highlighted to understand the acute and possibly long-term effects of WBV on GH secretion. The review suggests that WBV could serve as a viable exercise alternative, potentially beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges or those who find traditional exercise regimes daunting. Moreover, the mood-enhancing effects often associated with WBV could partly be attributed to its impact on GH levels. The paper calls for more extensive research to elucidate the underpinning mechanisms and to establish definitive guidelines on WBV application for mental health improvement, which could have broad implications spanning clinical settings, athletic training, and general well-being.

Effects of whole-body vibration on chronic ankle instability: a systematic review.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is one of the most common sports injuries, and whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been used lately as a potential rehabilitation modality for these patients. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether WBV training positively affects patients with CAI. The authors systematically searched four databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, for randomized and non-randomized trials evaluating the effects of WBV on individuals with CAI. The authors used Cochrane RoB2 to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. A meta-analysis was conducted if three or more studies measured the same outcome. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results were retrieved from seven articles encompassing 288 participants who had CAI. The reach distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was regarded as the study's main finding. The authors saw a significant training effect on certain planes of motion on dynamic balance. The findings showed that the post-intervention measurements in the WBV group compared to control groups showed improvements in the posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial directions, respectively. There were also promising results on improvements in muscle activity, strength, and proprioception sense measurements with a great diversity in the reported parameters. The authors observed a significant WBV training effect on dynamic balance over posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial reach distances. These findings suggest future studies on the effects of WBV on muscle activity, strength, and proprioception in addition to dynamic and static balance.

Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Muscle Tone, Function, and Quality of Life in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common nonprogressive neurological condition. One of the important signs of CP is the spasticity which can be treated by different methods. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an example of these treatments. However, its efficacy needs to be accurately studied. This study investigates the effects of WBV on muscle tone, function, and quality of life in children with spastic CP. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. We searched the literature using the following electronic databases: Scopus (via Science Direct), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (EBSCO), PubMed, and PEDro and included articles from the year of their inception up to September 2023. The included articles were randomized controlled trials that used WBV on patients with spastic CP in which the outcomes were spasticity, function, and quality of life. Two reviewers independently selected the included trials. The pooled mean differences (PMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Rev Man software. Ten trials involving 206 CP patients were included in this meta-analysis. All trials were of fair to good methodological quality as per the PEDro scale. Five trials compared the effect of adding WBV to standard physical therapy compared to standard physical therapy alone on motor function measured by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) with both domains D and E. The current meta-analysis showed that the standard physical therapy treatment was statistically significantly better than WBV plus standard physical therapy on both D values (z = 2.39, P = 0.02, PMD = 3.02, CI: 0.54, 5.49) and E values (z = 3.04, P = 0.002, PMD = 4.06, CI: 1.44, 6.68). Adding WBV to the standard physical therapy was not superior to standard physical therapy alone in favor of gross motor function in patients with CP. However, it remains imperative to conduct high-quality research examining the effectiveness of whole-body vibration on children diagnosed with spastic CP exhibiting motor dysfunction and evaluating its impact on their quality of life.

Feasibility of a Sprague-Dawley Rat Model for Investigating the Effects of Seated Whole-body Vibration.

Vehicular whole-body vibration (WBV) can have long-term adverse effects on human quality of life. Animal models can be used to study pathophysiologic effects of vibration. The goal of this study was to assess animal cooperation and well-being to determine the feasibility of a novel seated rat model for investigating the effects of WBV on biologic systems. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The experiment consisted of an acclimation phase, 2 training phases (TrP1 and TrP2), and a testing phase (TeP), including weekly radiographic imaging. During acclimation, rats were housed in pairs in standard cages without vibration. First, experimental (EG; n = 18) and control group 1 (C1; n = 3) rats were placed in a vibration apparatus without vibration, with increasing duration over 5 d during TrP1. EG rats were exposed to vertical random WBV that was increased in magnitude over 5 d during TrP2 until reaching the vibration signal used during TeP (15 min, 0.7 m·s-2 root mean square, unweighted). C1 rats were placed in the vibration apparatus but received no vibration during any phase. Control group 2 (C2; n = 3) rats remained in the home cages. Cooperation was evaluated with regard to rat-apparatus interactions and position compliance. Behavior, weight, and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (fGCM) were used to evaluate animal well-being. We observed good cooperation and no behavioral patterns or weight loss between phases, indicating little or no animal stress. The differences in fGCM concentration between groups indicated that the EG rats had lower stress levels than the control rats in all phases except TrP1. Thus, this model elicited little or no stress in the conscious, unrestrained, seated rats.

Effectiveness of whole-body vibration in patients with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study examined the effects of systemic vibration exercises on cerebral palsy patients. Literature published in Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane library, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and PubMed was reviewed. A total of 2978 studies were initially retrieved. After further reading of the full texts 17 articles were finally included. A quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the risk of bias (RoB) 2.0, and the Funnel plot and the Egger test were conducted to confirm the publication bias. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to the dependent variables, the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF), frequency, treatment period and age. The overall effect size of homogeneity was 0.474 (CI = 0.148-0.801). The analysis of the dependent variables showed the following order of the effect size: balance, muscle strength, spasticity, bone density, range of motion of the joint, gait function, and motor function. In the ICF classification, the effect size was observed to follow the order of body structure and function, activity, and participation. The effect size in the intervention according to the treatment period showed the following order: 7 to 12 weeks, 1 to 6 weeks, and 14 to 24 weeks. The age-dependent classification showed the following order in the effect size: school age, adolescent and adult, and infant and school age. Systemic vibration is the most effective intervention to improve the balance and gait in patients with cerebral palsy and improve the body structure and function according to the ICF.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength in Subjects with Shoulder Instability

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength in Subjects with Shoulder Instability

Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Hind Limb Muscles, Gait and Pain in Lame Dogs with Borderline-to-Severe Hip Dysplasia-A Pilot Study.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on hind limb muscles, gait and pain in lame dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia. Ten lame client-owned dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia, aged from 1.5 to 9.0 years and weighing 14.5 to 53.0 kg, were enrolled. The WBV training program consisted of 15 min sessions three times weekly for 16 weeks. Muscles of the hind limbs were evaluated using measurements of thigh circumference, the cross-sectional thickness of selected hind limb muscles by ultrasound assessment, and vastus lateralis muscle activity determined by surface electromyography (EMG). Lameness and clinical signs of pain were assessed by visual lameness scoring, orthopedic examination and an owner-based questionnaire. Kinetic analysis was performed by using a pressure-sensitive walkway. Manual thigh circumference measurements of both hind limbs showed significant increases over the trial period with a greater degree of change observed after week 8. Ultrasound measurements of the left gluteal muscles and the quadriceps femoris muscles of both hind limbs showed significant increases in the cross-section thickness post WBV. Owner's perception of pain also showed a decrease in signs of pain at week 12 and week 16 compared to baseline. Based on graphs of the EMG activity patterns of the vastus lateralis muscle, 65% of the hind limbs had an improvement after 48 WBV sessions when compared to pre-session patterns. However, no significant differences were observed in visual lameness evaluation and kinetic analysis. Therefore, further studies will help to better clarify the role of WBV in canine rehabilitation protocols.

Whole-body vibration may not affect bone mineral density and bone turnover in persons with chronic spinal cord injury: A preliminary study

Context Spinal-cord injury (SCI) induces bone loss and dramatically increases the risk of fracture. Objectives Determine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on areal bone mineral density (aBMD), whole body composition and bone biological parameters in individuals with chronic-state SCI. Design Randomized study. Setting Centre Neurologique PROPARA. Participants Fourteen subjects were randomly assigned to a WBV or a control group. Interventions WBV (20–45 min, 30–45 Hz, 0.5 g) was performed in verticalized persons twice weekly for 6 months. Outcome Measures aBMD was measured by DXA at baseline and 6 months and bone biological parameters at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months. Results No significant aBMD change was found in either the WBV or control group after 6 months of follow-up. Similarly, periostin, sclerostin and bone turnover markers remained relatively stable throughout follow-up and no difference in variation was observed within-group and between groups. Except for whole-body fat mass, which showed a significant decrease in the WBV group compared to controls, no difference in changes was observed, whatever the localization for fat and lean body mass. Conclusions During the chronic phase, aBMD and bone remodeling reach a new steady state. However, the DXA technique and the bone markers, including sclerostin and periostin, both of which reflect bone cell activity influenced by mechanical strain, showed that the bone tissue of individuals with SCI was insensitive to 6 months of WBV training at the study dose. Nevertheless, results of this preliminary study that was underpowered need to be confirmed and other modalities of WBV may be more effective in improving aBMD of this population. Trials registration N°IDRCB:2011-A00224–37

Combined effects of whole-body vibration and dynamic squats on cardiovascular and salivary biomarker responses in healthy adults.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of combining whole-body vibration with dynamic squats on cardiovascular and salivary bio-marker responses in healthy adults. A randomized crossover design was conducted with 20 healthy adults. Each participant underwent three exercise sessions, with a 2-week washout period between each session. The sessions consisted of: (1) whole-body vibration (VB) at 25 Hz for 2 minutes, with an amplitude of 2 mm, and 2 minutes of rest between sets, for a total of 5 sets; (2) dynamic squats (SQ) performed 15 times within 2 minutes, with a 2-minute rest between sets, for a total of 5 sets; and (3) a combination of whole-body VB and SQ (VB+SQ). The cardiovascular variables and salivary biomarkers related to exercise intensity were assessed. Only the VB+SQ session significantly decreased the unstimulated salivary flow rate, and caused greater changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, rate-pressure product, and heart rate variability compared to VB or SQ alone. Moreover, the VB+SQ session significantly increased the salivary total protein concentration from 0.56±0.05 mg/mL (baseline) to 0.74± 0.06 mg/mL (postexercise condition) and the salivary alpha-amylase activity from 33.83±5.56 U/mL (baseline) to 63.63±12.33 U/mL (postexercise condition) (P<0.05). These changes were recovered at 1-hr postexercise condition. Our findings provide information for designing exercise programs that incorporate VB+SQ to enhance hemodynamic and cardiac autonomic responses in healthy adults and for application during rehabilitation periods.

The Effect of Additional Whole-Body Vibration on Musculoskeletal System in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Nowadays, whole-body vibration (WBV) has become increasingly popular as an additional therapy in the intervention of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the impact of WBV remains a subject of debate. Consequently, a systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to evaluate the effects of WBV on the musculoskeletal system in children with CP. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were sought in the most frequent databases. The intervention studied was WBV combined with conventional physiotherapy (PT) compared with conventional PT as the control; the main outcomes were changes in the musculoskeletal system. Weighted mean differences with 95%CIs were calculated. A random-effects model was applied, and the publication bias was checked using funnel plots. On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles, including 414 patients, were considered in the final analysis. The improvement in walking performance (speed and step length) was statistically significant (p < 0.05), and although there were no significant differences in the further outcomes, a clear positive tendency was visible in the case of improved muscle strength, decreased spasticity, enhanced gross motor functions, and overall stability. Based on the findings, a clear assessment of the usefulness of this intervention cannot be made; nonetheless, due to the promising results, it would be worthwhile to conduct additional RCTs to enhance the available evidence in this field. Due to the wide range of vibration configurations, including varying durations and intensities, it is suggested to establish guidelines and a strategy for the incorporation of this additional treatment.

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Trunk Muscle Strength: A Narrative Review

Mechanical vibration can improve neuromuscular function through postural control strategies, muscle tonic mechanisms, and tonic vibration reflexes. Whole body vibration (WBV) has also been announced to increase bone mineral density, muscle endurance and strength, as well as to enhance proprioceptive system. Moreover, WBV training was found to be a constructivestrategy for improving the physical performance of elite athletes and healthy individuals in terms of muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height. Although there is still no consensus in research in this area, it is argued that certainmolecular mechanisms involved in the physiological adaptations of exercise also emerge during WBV training. Clarifying these physiological mechanisms is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of WBV trainings. Previous studies have examined the effects of WBV and have indicated developments in muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, muscle cross sectional area, bone mineral density and body composition. However, no standard prescription has been established to optimize the effects of WBV, including the determination of vibration frequency and amplitude. In addition, the majority of previous studies have investigated the effects of WBV training on the extremities. There are few publications investigating its effectiveness on trunk and core musclestrength, which is one of the important indicators of athletic performance. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review of the literature, referring to the Cochrane Library and Medline databases, to summarize the most recent scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration on trunk muscle strength. This narrative review concludes that at least 8 weeks of WBV training is more effective on trunk muscle strength than those performing the same exercises without WBV.

Effects of whole body vibration on functional capacity and respiratory functions in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled study.

Management of respiratory-related functional problems using sensory rehabilitation strategies has been poorly researched in patients with stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether whole body vibration (WBV) training has an effect on functional capacity and respiratory functions in patients with stroke. In the randomized-controlled study, 28 participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT; n = 13) and one receiving both NDT and WBV (NDT + WBV; n = 15). The primary outcome measures were 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and pulmonary function test which evaluate functional and respiratory capacity. Secondary outcome included the chest circumference measurement to evaluate the thoracic expansion ability. Both groups showed positive significant changes in walking distance and maximum oxygen consumption volume (VO2max), inspiratory capacity, vital capacity and chest circumference measurement scores (p < 0.05). While the NDT +WBV group showed a significantly greater increase in walking distance and VO2max levels than the NDT group (p < 0.05), there were no significant group differences in respiratory function flow and volume parameters, and chest circumference measurement. The addition of WBV training to the treatment program has some incremental benefits on increasing functional capacity and thoracic expansion, and rehabilitating respiratory dysfunction.

Prediction of the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under multi-axis whole-body vibration using a whole-body finite element model.

Low back pain has been reported to have a high prevalence among occupational drivers. Whole-body vibration during the driving environment has been found to be a possible factor leading to low back pain. Vibration loads might lead to degeneration and herniation of the intervertebral disc, which would increase incidence of low back problems among drivers. Some previous studies have reported the effects of whole-body vibration on the human body, but studies on the internal dynamic responses of the lumbar spine under multi-axis vibration are limited. In this study, the internal biomechanical response of the intervertebral disc was extracted to investigate the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under a multi-axial vibration in a whole-body environment. A whole-body finite element model, including skin, soft tissues, the bone skeleton, internal organs and a detailed ligamentous lumbar spine, was used to provide a whole-body condition for analyses. The results showed that both vibrations close to vertical and fore-and-aft resonance frequencies would increase the transmission of vibrations in the intervertebral disc, and vertical vibration might have a greater effect on the lumbar spine than fore-and-aft vibration. The larger deformation of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc in a multi-axis vibration environment might contribute to the higher susceptibility of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc to injury. The findings of this study revealed the dynamic behaviours of the lumbar spine in multi-axis vehicle vibration conditions, and suggested that both vertical and fore-and-aft vibration should be considered for protecting the lumbar health of occupational drivers.

Meta-analysis of the effect of whole-body vibration training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). An electronic search was performed on the databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SCI-hub, ScienceDirect, Embase, IEEE, Medline, Wiley, ClinicaIKey, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, Chinese Medical Association, and CBM Database from inception to May 2022 to collect randomized controlled studies on whole-body vibration training for patients with Parkinson's disease. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature, then used ReviewManager 5.4 software for quantitative statistical analysis, including heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, risk of bias assessment, combined outcome index effect size and effect size inspection. A total of 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 346 patients, 174 patients in the control group and 172 patients in the observation group. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with conventional physical therapy or drug therapy alone, whole-body vibration reduced the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRSIII) score and significantly improved the motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease [MD=-2.39, 95% CI (-4.41, -0.37), Z=2.14 (p=0.23)]. Moreover, whole-body vibration significantly improved the walking stability of Parkinson's patients [MD=-1.96, 95% CI (-2.71-1.21), Z=1.17 (p=0.03)]. However, its improvement in balance ability [MD=-0.06, 95% CI (-0.77, 0.65), Z=1.07 (p=0.19)] and daily living ability [MD=0.03, 95% CI (-1.68, 0.74), Z=0.24 (p=0.87)] of patients, it was not t statistically significant. Compared with conventional therapy, WBV has certain advantages in improving the balance function and gait performance of PD patients, but the effect on balance ability and daily living ability is not significant. Thus, more high-quality research is required for further verification.

Measuring vibration and shock in power wheelchairs for clinical application

ABSTRACT Research evidence demonstrates the negative effects of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) and correlation between exposure to WBV and detriment to health. ISO Standard 2631-1 (1997) is the accepted standard for human exposure to WBV in vehicle vibration, and provides vibration guidelines for health and comfort. These standards have not been applied to power wheelchairs (PWC), and no clinical tool exists that measures vibration levels during live power wheelchair driving. This study measures WBV and shock levels during PWC driving, considering the impact of terrains, base configurations, and seat cushions. A sensor tag accelerometer was used to measure vibration and shock in three different PWC configurations driven over seven different terrains. Data was collected for two runs per wheelchair, per terrain type, per cushion type. Differences were significant (p < .001) for overall mean and median peak vibration compared across the seven terrains, and for overall mean vibration for basic and enhanced cushions. Differences were also noted in mean and peak vibration in the three different base configurations (p = .0052). Results were compared with ISO 2631-1 guidelines. Mechanical shock on certain terrains created peak vibration levels with likely health risk. Results from this study can inform PWC prescription process.