Effects Of Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Whole-body vibration training decreases ankle systolic blood pressure and leg arterial stiffness in obese postmenopausal women with high blood pressure.

High ankle systolic blood pressure (SBP; ≥175 mm Hg) is associated with arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) and cardiac events. This study aims to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on ankle SBP and its associations with changes in PWV and aortic SBP in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six postmenopausal women were randomized to a control group (n = 12) or a WBV training group (3 d/wk) that was stratified by ankle SBP into WBV-high (n = 12) and WBV-normal (n = 12). Ankle SBP, brachial SBP, aortic SBP, femoral-ankle PWV (legPWV), carotid-femoral PWV, and brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) were examined before and after 12 weeks. Baseline ankle SBP was higher (P < 0.05) in the WBV-high group compared with the WBV-normal group. WBV-high reduced mean (SEM) ankle SBP (-24 [7] mm Hg, P < 0.05) compared with WBV-normal and control. Both WBV groups decreased (P < 0.05) mean (SEM) brachial SBP (-11 [2] mm Hg), aortic SBP (-11 [3] mm Hg), legPWV (-0.80 [0.17] m/s), and baPWV (-1.18 [0.27] m/s) compared with the control group. Reductions in legPWV were correlated (P < 0.05) with decreases in ankle SBP (r = 0.43), brachial SBP (r = 0.42), aortic SBP (r = 0.42), and baPWV (r = 0.75). WBV training decreases ankle SBP in postmenopausal women with high ankle SBP. WBV training reduces aortic SBP, legPWV, and baPWV, but not carotid-femoral PWV, in postmenopausal women independently of ankle SBP. Therefore, reductions in peripheral and central SBP induced by WBV training are explained by a reduction in peripheral PWV.

The Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Muscle Activity in Active and Inactive Subjects.

The purpose of this study was to compare lower limb muscle activity between physically active and inactive individuals during whole-body vibration exercises. Additionally, transmissibility of the vertical acceleration to the head was quantified. 30 active and 28 inactive participants volunteered to stand in a relaxed (20°) and a squat (60°) position on a side-alternating WBV platform that induced vibrations at 16 Hz and 4 mm amplitude. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was measured in selected lower limb muscles and was normalized to the corresponding sEMG recorded during a maximal voluntary contraction. The vertical acceleration on the head was evaluated and divided by the vertical platform acceleration to obtain transmissibility values. Control trials without vibration were also assessed. The outcomes of this study showed that (1) WBV significantly increased muscle activity in the active (absolute increase: +7%, P <0.05) and inactive participants (+8%, P <0.05), (2) with no differences in sEMG increases between the groups (P>0.05). However, (3), transmissibility to the head was greater in the active (0.080) than the inactive participants (0.065, P <0.05). In conclusion, inactive individuals show similar responses in sEMG due to WBV as their active counterparts, but are at lower risk for potential side-effects of vibration exposure.

Acute effects of whole body vibration on functional capabilities of skeletal muscle (Los efectos agudos de la vibración corporal total sobre las capacidades funcionales del músculo esquelético)

The focus of this research was to evaluate the effect whole body vibration (WBV) on measures of muscular contractile function. In addition, this research was conducted to compare the effects of WBV on athletes versus non-athletes. Nineteen male, non-athlete college students, as well as eighteen male Division I collegiate athletes participated in this research. All participants completed 2 conditions, vibration and no vibration, in a randomized order. Participants were exposed to either a 2-minute bout of vibration or a 2-minute no vibration condition. Immediately following both conditions, participants were tested for peak vertical jump height, isokinetic peak torque and average power of knee extensors and flexors, and anaerobic power during a 30-second maximal effort cycle task. Results showed a significant improvement in knee flexion peak torque at 6.28 rad·sec-1 in the athlete group following the vibration condition. Results also showed a trend toward a significant improvement in knee extensor and knee flexor average power at 6.28 radΧsec-1 in the athlete group following the vibration condition. There were no significant changes in any isokinetic measure for the non-athlete group. There were no significant changes in vertical jump or anaerobic power for either group. This may be due in part to the complexity of the dose-response relationship, which is largely dictated by the parameters of vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration. However, previous studies have found positive results using similar protocols as the present study. Practically speaking, the use of WBV prior to exercise may result in facilitated contractile and athletic performance. Consequently, this study sought to describe the impact of using WBV prior to exercise on muscle function.Key Words. Performance enhancement; Athletes; Power; Muscle Performance.Resumen. El objetivo de esta investigaciσn fue evaluar el efecto de la vibraciσn de cuerpo entero (WBV) sobre parαmetros de la funciσn contrαctil muscular. Ademαs, esta investigaciσn se realizσ para comparar los efectos de la WBV en atletas en comparaciσn con no atletas. Diecinueve hombres, estudiantes universitarios no deportistas, asν como 18 hombres, atletas de Divisiσn I universitaria participaron en esta investigaciσn. Todos los participantes completaron dos condiciones en orden aleatorio: la vibraciσn y la ausencia de vibraciσn. Los participantes fueron expuestos a 2 min de vibraciσn o una condiciσn de no vibraciσn por dos minutos. Inmediatamente despuιs de ambas condiciones, a los participantes se les midiσ la altura pico de salto vertical, el torque pico isocinιtico, la potencia media de extensores y flexores de la rodilla y la potencia anaerσbica durante una tarea de ciclo de esfuerzo mαximo 30 s. Los resultados muestran una mejorνa significativa en el torque pico de la rodilla a 6.28 rad·sec-1 en el grupo de deportistas luego de la condiciσn de vibraciσn. Los resultados tambiιn muestran una tendencia hacia un aumento significativo en la potencia promedio de los flexores y extensores de la rodilla a 6.28 rad·sec-1 en el grupo de deportistas luego de la condiciσn de vibraciσn. No hubo cambios significativos en las variables isocinιticas en el grupo de no atletas. Tampoco hubo cambios significativos en el salto vertical ni en la potencia anaerσbica en ambos grupos. Esto puede explicarse en parte a la complejidad de la relaciσn de dosis-respuesta, la cual estα ampliamente determinada por los parαmetros de frecuencia, amplitud y duraciσn de la vibraciσn. Sin embargo, estudios previos han encontrado resultados positivos utilizando protocolos similares a los del presente estudio. En tιrminos prαcticos, el uso de WBV antes del ejercicio puede resultar en una mejor contractilidad y rendimiento deportivo. En consecuencia, este estudio tratσ de describir el impacto del uso de WBV antes del ejercicio en la funciσn muscular.Palabras claves. mejora del rendimiento, atletas, potencia, rendimiento muscular

Effects of whole body vibration training on people with chronic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on chronic stroke (CS) patients have been investigated by some previous studies. However, controversy still exists.Objective:The objective of this meta-analysis was to review existing studies that assess the effects of WBV training on CS patients.Methods:We searched Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for papers published between January 2000 and January 2014.The meta-analyses were performed using Review Manage Version 5.2.Weighted mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as summary statistics. Funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias.Results:Seven studies with 298 CS patients (159 patients underwent WBV training in experimental group and 139 patients underwent nothing or the same exercise without vibration or with a “placebo” vibrating platform in control group) were included. No significant difference was found in muscle strength (isometric knee extension strength: SMD = − 0.15, 95% CI, − 0.43 to 0.13, P = 0.30; isometric knee flexion strength: WMD = − 0.05, 95% CI, − 0.13 to 0.03, P = 0.22), balance (berg balance scale, WMD = − 0.23, 95% CI, − 1.54 to 1.09; P = 0.74) and gait performance (6-min walk test, WMD = − 50.40, 95% CI, − 118.14 to 17.34; P = 0.14) between groups. No indication of publication bias was found in the funnel plot.Conclusions:WBV training had no beneficial effects in muscle strength, balance and gait performance of CS patients.

Whole-Body Vibration as a Modality for the Rehabilitation of Peripheral Neuropathies: Implications for Cancer Survivors Suffering from Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

The objective was to study the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on strength, balance and pain in patients with peripheral neuropathies and to consider its significance for the rehabilitation of patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Using a broad search strategy, PubMed was searched for clinical trials on WBV interventions aimed at improving strength, balance or pain in patients with peripheral neuropathies, which were published in English until 5th June 2014. The search was performed by the first author and generated a total of 505 results, which yielded 5 articles that met the inclusion criteria, being studies: i) published in English; ii) involving adult human subjects’ peripheral neuropathies; iii) evaluating the effect of WBV as a therapeutic intervention; and iv) reporting findings for at least one of the following outcomes: strength, balance or pain. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed independently by first and second author, using the physiotherapy evidence database scale. The overall methodological quality of included studies was low. Two studies found a beneficial effect of WBV on neuropathic pain, but another study failed to find the same effect. One study found significant improvements in both muscle strength and balance, while another study found improvements only in some, but not all, of the applied tests to measure muscle strength and balance. The results of this literature search suggest insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness for the effects of WBV on neuropathic pain, muscle strength and balance in patients with peripheral neuropathies. More high-quality trials are needed to guide the optimization of rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors with CIPN in particular.

Single-dose effects of whole body vibration on quadriceps strength in individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury

ContextParesis associated with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs function. Whole body vibration (WBV) may increase strength by activating neuromuscular circuits.ObjectiveWe assessed effects of a single session of WBV on lower extremity strength in individuals with motor-incomplete SCI.DesignA single-session blinded randomized controlled trial.SettingRehabilitation research laboratory.ParticipantsSubjects (n = 25; age 49.7 ± 12.5 years) had chronic SCI (>1 year) and were able to stand for at least 45 seconds.InterventionsSubjects were randomized either to WBV (n = 13) consisting of four 45-second bouts with 1-minute intervening rest periods (frequency: 50 Hz, amplitude: 2 mm) or to sham electrical stimulation (n = 12).Outcome measuresMaximal voluntary isometric quadriceps force was measured with a fixed dynamometer. A modified Five-Time-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS) test was used to assess functional lower extremity strength. Measures were made at pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test 20 minutes later.ResultsAt immediate post-test, change in voluntary isometric force in the WBV group was 1.12 kg greater than in the sham group. The within-group change for the WBV group was significant with a moderate effect size (P = 0.05; ES = 0.60). No force-related changes were observed in the sham group. The modified FTSTS scores improved in both groups, suggesting that this measure was subject to practice effects.ConclusionEvidence from the present study suggests that even a single session of WBV is associated with a meaningful short-term increase in quadriceps force-generating capacity in persons with motor-incomplete SCI. The multi-session use of WBV as part of a strengthening program deserves exploration.

Serum 25(OH) vitamin d level is associated with treatment outcome of whole-body vibration (WBV) for osteopenia in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

Objectives AIS was associated with low bone mass which, apart from being an important health issue that could persist into adulthood, was also a significant prognostic factor for curve progression in AIS. We have performed a randomized controlled trial on WBV and reported its effect on increasing femoral neck areal bone mineral density (aBMD) mainly at the dominant leg but less obviously at the non-dominant side. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Vit-D in affecting the anabolic bone effect of WBV.

Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation to Improve Bone Density in Persons of Advanced Age: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Nonpharmacologic approaches to preserve or increase bone mineral density (BMD) include whole-body vibration (WBV), but its efficacy in elderly persons is not clear. Therefore, we conducted the Vibration to Improve Bone in Elderly Subjects (VIBES) trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 10 minutes of daily WBV (0.3g at 37 Hz) in seniors recruited from 16 independent living communities. The primary outcomes were volumetric BMD of the hip and spine measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and biochemical markers of bone turnover. We randomized 174 men and women (89 active, 85 placebo) with T-scores -1 to -2.5 who were not taking bone active drugs and had no diseases affecting the skeleton (mean age 82 ± 7 years, range 65 to 102). Participants received daily calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin D (800 IU). Study platforms were activated using radio frequency ID cards providing electronic adherence monitoring; placebo platforms resembled the active platforms. In total, 61% of participants in the active arm and 73% in the placebo arm completed 24 months. The primary outcomes, median percent changes (interquartile range [IQR]) in total volumetric femoral trabecular BMD (active group (2.2% [-0.8%, 5.2%]) versus placebo 0.4% [-4.8%, 5.0%]) and in mid-vertebral trabecular BMD of L1 and L2 (active group (5.3% [-6.9%, 13.3%]) versus placebo (2.4% [-4.4%, 11.1%]), did not differ between groups (all p values > 0.1). Changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover (P1NP and sCTX) also were not different between groups (p = 0.19 and p = 0.97, respectively). In conclusion, this placebo-controlled randomized trial of daily WBV in older adults did not demonstrate evidence of significant beneficial effects on volumetric BMD or bone biomarkers; however, the high variability in vBMD changes limited our power to detect small treatment effects. The beneficial effects of WBV observed in previous studies of younger women may not occur to the same extent in elderly individuals.

Effect of whole body vibration in energy expenditure and perceived exertion during intense squat exercise.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration in oxygen uptake during intense squatting exercise with an added weight and whole body vibration compared with the same exercise without vibration. Nine male sub- jects performed three trials of dynamic squatting with an additional load of 50% of their body weight during 3 min. One trial without vibration, one trial with the frequency of 40 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm and one trial with the frequency of 40 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm. The results showed no difference between the three experimental trials in relative and absolute oxygen uptake. However, the metabolic power and energy expended in whole body vibration (2 mm) were significantly different from exercise without vibration. The data analysis also showed a significant difference in rating of perceived exertion with whole body vibration (4 mm) compared with the exercise without vibration. Results showed that the addition of vibration stimulus has an increase in the energy expenditure particularly with 40 Hz and 2 mm amplitude, suggesting that the high metabolic power during heavy resistance training could be increased by the addition of vibration stimulation. Involuntary contractions generated by the vibration can be used by coaches to increase the intensity of heavy resistance training or to increase the energy expended during the workouts if the goal is a decrease of body mass.

Effects of whole body vibration on hormonal & functional indices in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background & objectives:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease, which affects the patients’ mobility, and exercise training is considered to be beneficial for these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 10 wk of low intensity exercise and whole body vibration (WBV) training on fatigue, quality of life, functional and physical indices, and serum levels of ghrelin, leptin, and testosterone in MS patients.Methods:Thirty four MS patients with mild to moderate disability were recruited and randomly divided into two groups, the training group (n=17) and control group (n=17). Patients in the training group did low intensity exercise and WBV training programme three times a week for 10 wk. The control group continued their routine life. Intended variables like expanded disability status scale (EDSS), fatigue, quality of life, functional and physical indices consisted of balance, walking speed, functional mobility, functional muscle endurance, and walking endurance, and serum levels of ghrelin, leptin, and testosterone were measured before and after the protocol.Results:Thirty subjects completed the study (23 females, 7 males; mean age =38.80 ± 9.50 yr). Statistical analysis demonstrated that EDSS in the WBV training group was significantly decreased (P=0.01), balance (P=0.01), and walking endurance significantly increased (P=0.01) in MS patients (P<0.05).Interpretation & conclusions:The results suggest that low intensity exercise and WBV training have some beneficial impact on functional and physical indices of MS patients.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration versus Treadmill Training on Bone Mineral Density in Children with Down Syndrome

Effect of Whole Body Vibration versus Treadmill Training on Bone Mineral Density in Children with Down Syndrome

The effects of whole body vibration on static balance, spinal curvature, pain, and disability of patients with low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of whole body vibration (WBV) on static balance, spinal curvature, pain, and the disability of patients with chronic lower back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were of 40 patients, who were randomly assigned to WBV and control groups. Twenty-five minutes of lumbar stability training and 5 minutes of WBV were conducted for the WBV group, and 30 minutes of lumbar stability training was conducted for the control group. The training was conducted three times per week for a total of 6 weeks. Static balance, spinal curvature, pain, and disability were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] After the intervention, the WBV group showed a significant differences in static balance, spinal curvature, pain, and disability. The control group presented significant differences in pain, and disability. In the comparison of the two groups, the WBV group showed more significant improvements in the fall index and pain. [Conclusion] WBV can be recommended for the improvement of the balance ability and pain of chronic lower back pain patients.

M313 再生骨の骨質・力学特性に対する全身性微振動および副甲状腺ホルモン(1-34)の相乗的作用の解析(GS1,2,3 材料力学(8),修士研究発表セッション)

M313 再生骨の骨質・力学特性に対する全身性微振動および副甲状腺ホルモン(1-34)の相乗的作用の解析(GS1,2,3 材料力学(8),修士研究発表セッション)

Does whole-body vibration training in the horizontal direction have effects on motor function and balance of chronic stroke survivors? A preliminary study.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) in the horizontal direction on the motor function and balance of chronic stroke survivors. [Subjects and Methods] This study was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-one individuals with chronic stroke from an inpatient rehabilitation center participated in the study. The participants were allocated to either the WBV training group or the control group. The WBV training group (n = 12) received whole-body vibration delivered in the horizontal direction (15 min/day, 3 times/week, 6 wks) followed by conventional rehabilitation (30 min/day, 5 times/week, 6 wks); the control group (n = 9) received conventional rehabilitation only (30 min/day, 5 times/week, 6 wks). Motor function was measured by using the Fugl-Meyer assessment, and balance was measured by using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after the interventions. [Results] After the interventions, all variables improved significantly compared with the baseline values in the WBV training group. In the control group, no significant improvements in any variables were noted. In addition, the BBS score in the WBV training group increased significantly compared with that in the control group. [Conclusion] WBV training with whole-body vibration delivered in the horizontal direction may be a potential intervention for improvement of motor function and balance in patients who previously experienced a stroke.

Synergetic effect of whole-body vibration and parathyroid hormone on ovariectomized mice.

Synergetic effect of whole-body vibration and parathyroid hormone on ovariectomized mice.

Synergetic Effect of Whole-Body Vibration and Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) on Regenerated Bone Quality during Defect Healing

Synergetic Effect of Whole-Body Vibration and Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) on Regenerated Bone Quality during Defect Healing

Acute effect of whole body vibration on isometric strength, squat jump, and flexibility in well-trained combat athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) training on maximal strength, squat jump, and flexibility of well-trained combat athletes. Twelve female and 8 male combat athletes (age: 22.8 ± 3.1 years, mass: 65.4 ± 10.7 kg, height: 168.8 ± 8.8 cm, training experience: 11.6 ± 4.7 years, training volume: 9.3 ± 2.8 hours/week) participated in this study. The study consisted of three sessions separated by 48 hours. The first session was conducted for familiarization. In the subsequent two sessions, participants performed WBV or sham intervention in a randomized, balanced order. During WBV intervention, four isometric exercises were performed (26 Hz, 4 mm). During the sham intervention, participants performed the same WBV intervention without vibration treatment (0 Hz, 0 mm). Hand grip, squat jump, trunk flexion, and isometric leg strength tests were performed after each intervention. The results of a two-factor (pre-post[2] × intervention[2]) repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p = 0.018) of pre-post × intervention only for the hand grip test, indicating a significant performance increase of moderate effect (net increase of 2.48%, d = 0.61) after WBV intervention. Squat jump, trunk flexion, and isometric leg strength performances were not affected by WBV. In conclusion, the WBV protocol used in this study potentiated hand grip performance, but did not enhance squat jump, trunk flexion, or isometric leg strength in well-trained combat athletes.

Effect of whole body vibration on the postural control of the spine in sitting

Stability is defined by the ability to return to the initial (or unperturbed) state following a perturbation and hence can be assessed by quantifying the post-perturbation response. This response may be divided into two phases: an initial passive response phase, dependent upon both the steady state of the system and the system’s intrinsic mechanical properties; and a recovery phase, dependent upon active control and reflexes. These two phases overlap and interact with each other. Whole body vibration (WBV) is assumed to influence neuro-sensory functions and perhaps both response stages. The current study observed the effect of WBV on several novel response factors that quantify the two phases in response to an external perturbation. The results indicate a significant effect of vibration exposure on: (1) the normalized maximum distance traveled by center of pressure (COP) from the neutral seated posture, and (2) the normalized time to maximum distance (τ), such that B and τ increased after WBV exposure and decreased after sitting without WBV. These changes may be indicative of passive visco-elastic changes caused by WBV exposure on the spinal tissues which has been indicated as a creep deformation of tissues post-exposure. This change may make the spine vulnerable to injury. Similar trends were noticed in the variables calculated from center of mass data.

Effects of whole body vibration on pain, stiffness and physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess the effects of whole body vibration for pain, stiffness and physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and EMBASE (up to October 2014) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The outcome measures were pain, stiffness and physical functions. Review methods: Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The PEDro score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: A total of five randomized controlled trials involving 170 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria. Only four studies involving 144 patients were deemed to be good quality trials (PEDro score = 6–7). Meta-analysis revealed that whole body vibration has a significant treatment effect in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index physical function score (SMD = −0.72 points, 95% CI = −1.14 to −0.30, P = 0.0008), 12 weeks whole body vibration improved the 6-minute walk test (SMD 1.15 m, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.80, P = 0.0006) and balance (SMD = −0.78 points, 95% CI −1.40 to −0.16, P = 0.01). Whole body vibration was not associated with a significant reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index pain and stiffness score. Conclusion: Eight-week and 12-week whole body vibration is beneficial for improving physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis and could be included in rehabilitation programs.

A three month controlled intervention of intermittent whole body vibration designed to improve functional ability and attenuate bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in pain and disability. Patients with RA have a decreased functional ability and are forced into a sedentary lifestyle and as such, these patients often become predisposed to poor bone health. Patients with RA may also experience a decreased health related quality of life (HRQoL) due to their disease. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of exercise that stimulates bone loading through forced oscillation. WBV has also been shown to decrease pain and fatigue in other rheumatic diseases, as well as to increase muscle strength. This paper reports on the development of a semi randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of a WBV intervention aiming to improve functional ability, attenuate bone loss, and improve habitual physical activity levels in patients with RA.Methods/DesignThis study is a semi randomised, controlled trial consisting of a cohort of patients with established RA assigned to either a WBV group or a CON (control) group. Patients in the WBV group will undergo three months of twice weekly intermittent WBV sessions, while the CON group will receive standard care and continue with normal daily activities. All patients will be assessed at baseline, following the three month intervention, and six months post intervention. Main outcomes will be an improvement in functional ability as assessed by the HAQ. Secondary outcomes are attenuation of loss of bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and changes in RA disease activity, HRQoL, habitual physical activity levels and body composition.DiscussionThis study will provide important information regarding the effects of WBV on functional ability and BMD in patients with RA, as well as novel data regarding the potential changes in objective habitual physical activity patterns that may occur following the intervention. The sustainability of the intervention will also be assessed.Trial registrationPACTR201405000823418 (19/05/2014).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-403) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.