Effects Of Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Effects of whole-body vibration on motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AbstractObjective:To review the effects of whole body vibration for patients with Parkinson’s disease.Design:Randomized clinical trials comparing whole body vibration with no vibration or conventional physical therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease were searched up to July 31, 2019.Results:Seven studies with 196 patients were included for quantitative analysis. No significant difference was found between groups in motor score of unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS-III) (WMD [weighted mean difference] = −1.75, 95% CI, −5.40 to 1.90, I2 = 45.8%), functional reach test (SMD [standardized mean difference] = 0.21, 95% CI, −0.29 to 0.71; I2 = 0%), and other balance tests (including Berg balance test and Tinetti score) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.80; I2 = 0%). No statistical difference was detected in walking velocity as well (WMD = −0.05, 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.06; I2 = 0%). In contrast, the pooled analysis from four studies on the Time Up and Go test showed favorable results for whole body vibration (WMD = −1.59, 95% CI, −2.90 to −0.28, I2 = 0%).Conclusion:Whole body vibration may not be beneficial over placebo or conventional physical therapy in overall motor function, balance, and walking velocity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, it might have positive effects on sit to stand transitions or turning.

Whole body vibration training improves depression-like behaviors in a rat chronic restraint stress model

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that brings great harm and burden to both patients and society. This study aimed to examine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on a chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced depression rat model and provide an initial understanding of related molecular mechanisms. Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: a) control group, b) depressive disorder group, and c) depression with WBV training treatment group. Daily food intake, body weight, sucrose preference test, open field test, elevated plus maze, forced swimming test, and Barnes maze task tests were performed. Immunofluorescence staining and ELISA analysis were used to assess neuronal damage, synaptic proteins, glial cells, and trophic factors. The data of behavioral tests and related biochemical indicators were statistically analyzed and compared between groups. Rats undergoing CRS showed increased anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment, along with synaptic atrophy and neuronal degeneration. WBV could reverse behavioral dysfunction, inhibit the degeneration of neurons, alleviate the damage of neurons and the pathological changes of glial cells, enhance trophic factor expression, and ameliorate the downregulation of dendritic and synaptic proteins after CRS. The effect of WBV in rats may be mediated via the reduction of hippocampal neuronal degeneration and by improving expression of synaptic proteins. WBV training exerts multifactorial benefits on MDD that supports its use as a promising new therapeutic option for improving depression-like behaviors in the depressive and/or potentially depressive.

EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION ON MUSCLE STRENGTH, BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a type of degenerative syndrome that causes impaired physical function, decreased walking, imbalance, spasticity, sensory impairment, muscle weakness, fatigue, and demyelination of the central nervous system. The purpose of this review was to critically examine available studies on the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) in patients with MS during rehabilitation training to increase strength, balance, and functional mobility. An organized literature search was performed on databases from various sources, including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE, to identify relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Eight studies were finally selected based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. Attempts were made to identify factors affecting the improvement in muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility in MS patients as a result of WBV. A meta-analysis was performed if two or more studies measured the same outcome of interest. The meta-analysis found that the WBV intervention showed significant improvement over control groups in Body Balance Score (BBS) (MD = [Formula: see text]2.86, 95%CI = [Formula: see text]5.29 [Formula: see text] 0.43; [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], heterogeneity ([Formula: see text]%). In addition, walking endurance (6MWT) favored control groups over WBV intervention (MD [Formula: see text], 95%CI [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 99.41; [Formula: see text] = 2.97, [Formula: see text]). Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ([Formula: see text]) had no significant effect on WBV. Restoration of balance and functional mobility appeared to respond better to WBV with additional exercise protocols compared to WBV alone. Although there is evidence of an overall effect of WBV on strength and some measures of balance and mobility, its impact remains inconclusive. Therefore, more robust RCTs examining exposure to WBV on balance and functional mobility in patients with MS are warranted.

Time course of the effects of vibration on quadriceps function in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Quadriceps dysfunction is a common, chronic complication following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) that contributes to aberrant gait biomechanics and poor joint health. Vibration enhances quadriceps function in individuals with ACLR, but the duration of these effects is unknown. This study evaluated the time course of the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) and local muscle vibration (LMV) on quadriceps function. Twenty-four volunteers with ACLR completed 3 testing sessions during which quadriceps isometric peak torque, rate of torque development, and EMG amplitude were assessed prior to and immediately, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min following a WBV, LMV, or control intervention. WBV and LMV (30 Hz, 2g) were applied during six one-minute bouts. WBV increased peak torque 5–11% relative to baseline and control at all post-intervention time points. LMV increased peak torque 6% relative to baseline at 10 min post-intervention and 4–6% relative to control immediately, 10 min, and 20 min post-intervention. The interventions did not influence EMG amplitudes or rate of torque development. The sustained improvements in quadriceps following vibration, especially WBV, suggest that it could be applied at the beginning of rehabilitation sessions to “prime” the central nervous system, potentially improving the efficacy of ACLR rehabilitative exercise.

Effects of whole-body vibrations on neuromuscular fatigue: a study with sets of different durations.

BackgroundWhole body vibrations have been used as an exercise modality or as a tool to study neuromuscular integration. There is increasing evidence that longer WBV exposures (up to 10 minutes) induce an acute impairment in neuromuscular function. However, the magnitude and origin of WBV induced fatigue is poorly understood.PurposeThe study aimed to investigate the magnitude and origin of neuromuscular fatigue induced by half-squat long-exposure whole-body vibration intervention (WBV) with sets of different duration and compare it to non-vibration (SHAM) conditions.MethodsTen young, recreationally trained adults participated in six fatiguing trials, each consisting of maintaining a squatting position for several sets of the duration of 30, 60 or 180 seconds. The static squatting was superimposed with vibrations (WBV30, WBV60, WBV180) or without vibrations (SHAM30, SHAM60, SHAM180) for a total exercise exposure of 9-minutes in each trial. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), level of voluntary activation (%VA), low- (T20) and high-frequency (T100) doublets, low-to-high-frequency fatigue ratio (T20/100) and single twitch peak torque (TWPT) were assessed before, immediately after, then 15 and 30 minutes after each fatiguing protocol.ResultInferential statistics using RM ANOVA and post hoc tests revealed statistically significant declines from baseline values in MVC, T20, T100, T20/100 and TWPT in all trials, but not in %VA. No significant differences were found between WBV and SHAM conditions.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the origin of fatigue induced by WBV is not significantly different compared to control conditions without vibrations. The lack of significant differences in %VA and the significant decline in other assessed parameters suggest that fatiguing protocols used in this study induced peripheral fatigue of a similar magnitude in all trials.

Acute effect of whole-body vibration on acceleration transmission and jumping performance in children

BackgroundWhole-body vibration (WBV) has emerged as a potential intervention paradigm for improving motor function and bone growth in children with disabilities. However, most evidence comes from adult studies. It is critical to understand the mechanisms of children with and without disabilities responding to different WBV conditions. This study aimed to systematically investigate the acute biomechanical and neuromuscular response in typically developing children aged 6–11 years to varying WBV frequencies and amplitudes. MethodsSeventeen subjects participated in this study (mean age 8.7 years, 10 M/7F). A total of six side-alternating WBV conditions combining three frequencies (20, 25, and 30 Hz) and two amplitudes (1 and 2 mm) were randomly presented for one minute. We estimated transmission of vertical acceleration across body segments during WBV as the average rectified acceleration of motion capture markers, as well as lower-body muscle activation using electromyography. Following WBV, subjects performed countermovement jumps to assess neuromuscular facilitation. FindingsVertical acceleration decreased from the ankle to the head across all conditions, with the greatest damping occurring from the ankle to the knee. Acceleration transmission was lower at the high amplitude than at the low amplitude across body segments, and the knee decreased acceleration transmission with increasing frequency. In addition, muscle activation generally increased with frequency during WBV. There were no changes in jump height or muscle activation following WBV. InterpretationWBV is most likely a safe intervention paradigm for typically developing children. Appropriate WBV intervention design for children with and without disabilities should consider WBV frequency and amplitude.

A terapia por vibração do corpo inteiro promove melhora do equilíbrio na doença de Parkinson?

Distúrbios do equilíbrio consistem em um grande problema na doença de Parkinson (DP). A terapia por vibração do corpo inteiro mostra-se benéfica em pessoas saudáveis, mas apresenta eficácia incerta na DP. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar os efeitos agudos da terapia por vibração do corpo inteiro sobre o equilíbrio de pacientes com DP e analisar o tamanho do efeito da intervenção para predizer o número ideal de participantes. Doze participantes com DP foram randomicamente divididos entre grupos intervenção e placebo. O grupo intervenção foi submetidos à terapia vibratória, tendo o equilíbrio avaliado em período anterior, imediatamente após e transcorrido cinco minutos da sessão. O grupo placebo fez uma intervenção simulada, tendo o equilíbrio avaliado nos mesmos períodos. Ambos os grupos tiveram seus olhos vendados para manter cegamento dos participantes sobre a intervenção. As variáveis analisadas foram deslocamento, área e velocidade de deslocamento. O tamanho do efeito foi verificado em análises univariadas e multivariadas, admitindo significância em 5%. Sobre os resultados, a terapia por vibração do corpo inteiro não apresentou eficácia sobre o equilíbrio na DP em momento imediato e transcorrido cinco minutos da aplicação da terapia. A análise que apresentou maior tamanho do efeito se deu quando o equilíbrio foi mensurado de forma multivariada, predizendo a necessidade de 46 pacientes. Em conclusão, os resultados desse estudo foram imprecisos quanto à eficácia da terapia por vibração do corpo inteiro no equilíbrio de pacientes com DP. Novas pesquisas com uma amostra superior a 46 participantes devem ser realizadas.

Effect of whole-body vibration on freezing and flexibility in Parkinson\u2019s disease\u2014a pilot study

BackgroundParkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Symptoms are treated by medication, physio-, exercise, and occupational therapy. Alternative methods have been used in exercise therapy for a few years now. The effect of whole-body vibration as an alternative training method has been investigated for several symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Since freezing and flexibility have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different frequencies of application for these two symptoms.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to a frequency (6, 12, or 18 Hz) or the control group. Before and after the treatment of 5 × 60 s with a rest of 60 s each, the Sit and Reach test (flexibility) and the 360° turn test (freezing) were performed.ResultsOnly the Sit and Reach test showed a significant improvement at 18 Hz (improvement from − 5.75 to − 1.89 cm, F(3,30) = 5.98**). At 360° turn, no significant differences were found. Weak to high effect sizes (standardized mean differences) were determined for the different frequencies, both for the Sit and Reach (from .01 to .64) and for the 360° turn (from − .72 to − 1.25). The highest effect size is observed for 18 Hz and the lowest for 6 Hz.ConclusionsHigher frequencies seem to be more effective than lower ones. Freezing, age, and gender also seem to play a role. Therefore, this should be investigated in further studies.

Whole body vibration influence on bus fare collectors evaluated by using a brain training mobile app.

The present work aims to study the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on bus fare collectors through the use of cognitive tests. It is of interest for all individuals working as bus fare collectors or any other activity where logic is of paramount importance and that is performed on a vibrating environment. Laboratory simulations were performed in 24 volunteers employing a vibrating platform subjected to vertical vibration. The influence of WBV on cognition was assessed using the performance on a logic game. The frequencies used were 5Hz and 30Hz. The acceleration amplitude values were set up as 0.7m/s2 and 0.2m/s2. A daily commute was simulated, based on data of the public transport system in the city of Belo Horizonte. A vibration-free test was initially performed to serve as a basis for comparison. The data obtained in all situations were compared and statistically analyzed. At 5Hz, variation only shows significant after 5min of vibration ceased as if the residual effect had passed after 5min of rest. The gender variable was not significant. However, the older the volunteer, the worse the performance. Regarding 30Hz frequency, the hypotheses did not meet the condition of significance at 5% but showed an opposite tendency indicating, in this situation, a score increase. It is noticed that the female volunteers presented a better performance in relation to the male gender The residual effect lasts for less than 10min for short exposure intervals, since the score of test 8, in 5Hz and 30Hz, show a reduction of performance. From the results, it was possible to conclude that the frequency of 5Hz may be related to reduced performance for long exposure times while the 30Hz frequency has positive effects on cognition as the exposure time increases. In fact, it is a tendency much more than a clear statistical finding. Regarding comfort, most reports related to the frequency of 5Hz are linked to the sensation of discomfort and difficulty in focusing visually, whereas, for the frequency of 30Hz, the reports indicate a feeling of muscular comfort and increased easiness of concentration.

Whole-body vibration promotes lipid mobilization in hypothalamic obesity rat

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on metabolic parameters using the monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) model of obesity. MethodMSG-obese rats that were exposed to WBV on a vibrating platform with 60 Hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude, three times/week, 10 min/day, during eight weeks (from postnatal day (PN) 80 to PN136). Blood glucose, creatine kinases (CK and CK-MB) and lipid profile through plasma and liver levels of lipids and lipoproteins were evaluated. Morphology and oxidative stress of adipose and hepatic tissues were further evaluated. ResultsWhen performing a WBV exercise, animals showed contrasting metabolic responses. Vibration Control group (CTL-WBV) presented a reduction in CK and liver triacylglycerol, an increase in glucose, lactate, total cholesterol, liver cholesterol, and LDL while MSG Vibration group (MSG-WBV) showed an increase in total triacylglycerol, VLDL, lactate, CK, liver cholesterol, additional liver lipid peroxidation and LDL, total cholesterol and CKMB reduction. ConclusionEven although the MSG is a model of impacting injury, the metabolic demand of WBV exercise was able to induce mobilization of substrates, highlighting the lipid mobilization in obese animals, it should be used as a metabolic rehabilitation tool in patients with metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

Metabolomics Study of Whole-body Vibration on Lipid Metabolism of Skeletal Muscle in Aging Mice.

Ageing increases the occurrence and development of many diseases. Exercise is believed to be an effective way to improve ageing and skeletal muscle atrophy. However, many elderly people are unable to engage in active exercise. Whole-body vibration is a passive way of moving that is especially suitable for the elderly and people who find it inconvenient to exercise. Metabolomics is the systematic study of metabolic changes in small molecules. In this study, metabolomics studies were performed to investigate the regulatory effect of whole-body vibration on the skeletal muscles of ageing mice. After 12 weeks, we found that whole-body vibration had the most obvious effect on lipid metabolism pathways (such as linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways) in skeletal muscle of ageing mice. Through further research we found that whole-body vibration decreased the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein in blood; decreased the lipid deposition in skeletal muscle; decreased the protein expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6; improved the protein levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1, phosphate phosphoinositide 3-kinase and p-AKT; improved the protein levels of klotho; and decreased the protein expression of p53. These findings reveal that whole-body vibration might postpone senility by attenuating lipid deposition and reducing chronic inflammation and the insulin resistance of skeletal muscle.

Whole-Body Vibration as Antihypertensive Non-Pharmacological Treatment in Hypertensive Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Cross-Over Trial

(1) Background: Hypertension is a serious medical condition characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure (BP), which is prevalent in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Pharmacological interventions are normally used to treat both hypertension and KOA; however, a more sustainable form of treatment is desirable for these clinical conditions. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise has been proposed as a non-pharmacological therapy for reducing both BP and KOA symptomatology. This study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of WBV in hypertensive individuals with KOA. (2) Methods: Nineteen hypertensive individuals with KOA were randomly allocated to either a control (CG) (n = 9) or a WBV group (WBVG) (n = 10). Subjects in the WBVG were positioned sitting in a chair in front of a vibrating platform (VP) with the feet on the base (peak-to-peak displacement 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mm; frequencies 5 to 14 Hz). In the CG, subjects assumed the same position with the VP turned off. The protocols in the CG and WBVG were performed 2 days/week for a total of 5 weeks. (3) Results: No baseline differences (age, anthropometrics, BP parameters and medications) between the groups were found (p > 0.05). WBV exercise reduced systolic BP (SBP: 126.1 ± 2.7 versus 119.1 ± 3.2 mmHg; p = 0.001; post hoc: p = 0.02; F = 23.97) and mean BP (MBP: 82.6 ± 1.8 versus 78.7 ± 1.8, p = 0.001, post hoc: p = 0.02; F = 23.97), while no significant changes were found in diastolic BP (DBP: 68.5 ± 2.2 versus 64.4 ± 2.3; p = 0.11; F = 2.68). (4) Conclusions: WBV might be considered a sustainable therapy for exerting an antihypertensive effect in medicated hypertensive individuals with KOA. This decline in BP might translate to a reduction in pharmacological need, although further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying the described effect.

The immediate effect of whole-body vibration on rectus abdominis muscle activity and cutaneous temperature: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare acute effects of isometric abdominal exercises performed with or without vibration on the electromyographic activity and cutaneous temperature in the abdominal region of physically active individuals. MethodsA randomized controlled crossover clinical trial was undertaken in thirty volunteers who completed one unique session of two different protocols of interventions apart from a week from each other, in a two-week study protocol. The subjects were randomly divided in to two groups of 15 volunteers; both were assigned to perform board exercise (30 s on the front, right and left lateral boards, with a rest interval of 2 min). The first group performed it on a vibrating platform at a frequency of 30 Hz for the first week, while the remaining participants executed the same exercise without stimulates vibration. In the second week the protocol was inverted. The outcome were surface electromyography (EMG) data for the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) and cutaneous temperature (CT) of the abdominal region. Normality was accepted, and Student's t-tests were used to compare the measurements for dependents variables (P < 0.05). ResultsThere were no differences in RAM activation and CT between protocols with or without vibration (P > 0.05). CT increased (P = 0.001) after both the exercises with and without vibration. ConclusionThe results suggest that there were no effects in cutaneous temperature or muscle activation through the use of vibration associated with isometric abdominal exercises.

Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most prevalent orthopedic problem in active young adults. Due to its multifactorial etiology, a variety of therapeutic measures have been adopted to treat PFP, including exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and manual therapy. It has also been suggested that whole body vibration (WBV) can improve neuromuscular function in persons with knee problems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of adding WBV to routine exercise programs on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with PFP.MethodsTwenty-four male athletes with PFP were randomized into two groups of WBV + exercise (n = 12) or exercise only (n = 12). Participants received their interventions during 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions). Pain intensity, flexibility and agility were assessed respectively as score on a numerical rating scale, the sit-and-reach test, and a modified T-test, and vertical jump height was measured to the nearest centimeter. The tests were done before and after the interventions, and the results were compared between the two groups. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were used for between- and within-group comparisons, respectively.ResultsAfter the interventions, all variables for vertical jump height, flexibility, agility and pain intensity improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). The flexibility test showed significantly greater improvement in the WBV + exercise group (p<0.001), whereas for vertical jump height, agility and pain intensity, there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe present findings showed that exercise therapy with and without WBV can significantly decrease pain and increase agility, vertical jump height and flexibility in athletes with PFP. Adding WBV to routine exercise therapy, however, can augment the effects of the latter on flexibility.Trial registrationIRCT, IRCT20090831002391N39. Registered 7 February 2018, https://en.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20090831002391N39.

The effect of whole body vibration by sonic waves on mood, the autonomic nervous system, and brain function in elderly

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of sonic wave vibration (SWV) on mood, the autonomic-nervous system, brain function and cognitive function in elderly people. We randomly assigned 24 late-stage elderly people (M 88.0±5.0 yrs) into a SWV group and a control group. The SWV group conducted 10 minutes of SWV per day, 5 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. For evaluation purposes, we analyzed the moods with TDMS, heart rate variability (HRV), resting energy expenditure (REE), and brain activation during the Stroop test using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The stability level and pleasure level of mood increased significantly immediately after SWV. Simultaneously, the levels of the parasympathetic nervous system index of HRV significantly increased while the levels of the sympathetic nervous system index significantly decreased. REE also significantly increased. These results suggest that SWV has a relaxation effect as well as increasing the energy expenditure for elderly people. After intervention, Stroop B's execution time significantly decreased suggesting an improvement in the processing speed. The NIRS revealed that SWV may therefore activate the frontal lobe function. These results suggest that SWV may have a positive effect on mood, the autonomic nervous system, cognitive function and brain functions, and thus such treatment may be useful for elderly people.

Effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, quadriceps muscle thickness and functional capacity in kidney transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWhole-body vibration (WBV) may be an alternative of physical training for kidney transplant recipients. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a training program on quadriceps muscle strength and thickness, distance walked in the 6-min walking test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in adult kidney transplant recipients. DesignRandomized controlled clinical trial. MethodTwelve kidney transplant recipients of both genders who underwent WBV training (35 Hz) twice a week for 12 weeks on alternate days (WBVG), and training with a Sham Group (SG) were evaluated before and after intervention. ResultsNo difference was observed in quadriceps muscle strength and thickness between groups, however a large (d = 0.81) and a small (d = 0.44) effect size were observed after the training, respectively. Both groups improved the execution time of Sit-to-Stand Test before and after analysis, but this effect did not show superiority between them, however there was a large effect size provided by training (d = 1.11). No changes were observed between groups in relation to inspiratory muscle strength, but training effects could be observed by the effect size after the study period (d = 0.59). No changes were observed regarding the distance walked in the 6MWT and the effect size was small (d = 0.31). ConclusionWBV program would induce physiological responses that must be taken into consideration in adults’ kidney transplant recipients. Our results show considerable effect sizes were observed for muscle strength and quadriceps thickness, inspiratory muscle strength, and 6MWT walking distance, although no difference was observed between groups at the end of the study.

The influence of whole-body vibration on heart rate, stride length, and bone mineral content in the mature exercising horse

Research in humans suggests whole-body vibration (WBV) aids in maintaining bone mineral content (BMC) yet results in the horse are less favourable. Anecdotally, WBV is reported to reduce pain and improve performance. This study was designed to test the effect of WBV on exercising horses, hypothesising that WBV would lower heart rate (HR) during treatment, increase BMC, modify markers of bone metabolism, and increase stride length. Eleven horses were randomly assigned into control (CON, n=5) or WBV (VIB, n=6) groups for a 28-day treatment period. Both groups exercised for 1 h, 6 d/wk on a mechanical exerciser. VIB horses received 50 Hz WBV for 45 min, 5 days/wk. Third metacarpal radiographs were taken at 0 and 28 days, and BMC determined via radiographic bone aluminium equivalence (RBAE). Blood samples taken at day 0 and 28 were analysed for serum pyridinoline cross-links (PYD) and osteocalcin (OC). Heart rate was analysed on day 23 for 4 horses per group. Stride length was determined while trotting in hand on day 0 and 28. No influence of WBV on RBAE of any bone cortices, PYD or OC was observed (P&gt;0.10); stride length was also unaffected (P=0.88). A period effect was observed for a decrease in RBAE of the lateral cortex (P=0.01), and a trend towards a decrease was noted in total density (P=0.05), likely an effect of stalling. Compared to baseline, ΔHR declined during treatment (P=0.06) in VIB (-4.8±2.8 bpm) compared to control CON (3.0±2.8 bpm). The results suggest, in normal exercising horses, WBV does not increase BMC, influence markers of bone metabolism, or increase stride length.

Immediate effects of whole-body vibration exposure on perceived exertion and peripheral hemodynamics in overweight and obese individuals

ABSTRACT Objective The study aim was to investigate the immediate effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure in combination with physical exercises on perceived exertion and peripheral hemodynamic responses in overweight and obese individuals. Methods Thirty-six individuals who were overweight or obese (44% males, mean age = 44.17 (9.43) years, mean BMI = 33.29 (3.19) kg/m2) were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: control (n = 17) and the WBV (n = 19) group with vibration at 30 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm for a 20-min single vibration session. All participants completed static and dynamic exercises on the sinusoidal-vertical vibration plate but without vibration exposure in the control group. The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) was used to evaluate perceived exertion. Hemodynamic responses were measured with heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (aBP) and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the pre-WBV, post-WBV, and the recovery period. Results A prolonged increase in perceived exertion was observed in the WBV group (ES = 0.48, p = 0.025), as compared to the control group (ES = 0.10, p = 0.668) in the recovery period. However, the Borg RPE between-groups comparison showed no significant differences in the pre-WBV, post-WBV, and recovery periods. No significant differences in group-time interaction were found for HR, aBP, and SpO2 hemodynamics. Conclusions WBV exposure had no significant positive effect on perceived exertion and hemodynamic responses in overweight and obese individuals.

Effect of Whole-body Vibration Combined with Task Oriented Training on Muscle Strength, Balance, and Gait in Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

AbstractThe current study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration combined with task-oriented training on muscle strength, balance, and gait in stroke patients with hemiplegia. In total, 24 stroke patients were included in this study. All participants were randomly assigned to either the whole-body vibration combined with task-oriented training group (n=12) or the whole-body vibration group (n=12). The WBVMT group underwent training (8 sets) for 30 min a day, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the WBV group underwent training (8 sets) for 30 min a day, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Both groups received standard rehabilitation physical therapy for 60 min a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. In all participants, the scores for the hip extensor (HE) and knee extensor (KE) muscle strength, Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) Test, limit of stability (LOS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and 6-Min Walk Test (6MWT) were evaluated before and after the intervention. The WBVMT and WBV groups had a significant increase in the scores for HE and KE strength, FTSTS test, LOS, TUG test, BBS, 10MWT, and 6MWT (p&lt;0.05). In particular, the WBVMT group had a significantly greater improvement than the WBV group in terms of KE muscle strength and TUG test, BBS, 10MWT, and 6MWT scores (p&lt;0.05). WBVMT improved muscle strength, balance, and gait in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Resistance Exercise, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, and Whole-Body Vibration in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

It has been shown that resistance exercise (RT) is one of the most effective approaches to counteract the physical and functional changes associated with aging. This systematic review with meta-analysis compared the effects of RT, whole-body vibration (WBV), and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on muscle strength, body composition, and functional performance in older adults. A thorough literature review was conducted, and the analyses were limited to randomized controlled trials. In total, 63 studies were included in the meta-analysis (48 RT, 11 WBV, and 4 EMS). The results showed that RT and WBV are comparably effective for improving muscle strength, while the effects of EMS remains debated. RT interventions also improved some outcome measures related to functional performance, as well as the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps. Muscle mass was not significantly affected by RT. A limitation of the review is the smaller number of WBV and particularly EMS studies. For this reason, the effects of WBV and EMS could not be comprehensively compared to the effect of RT for all outcome measures. For the moment, RT or combinations of RT and WBV or EMS, is probably the most reliable way to improve muscle strength and functional performance, while the best approach to increase muscle mass in older adults remains open to further studies.