Long-term Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Effects of plantar-sensory treatments on postural control in chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to examine the effects of plantar-sensory treatments on postural control in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This study was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022329985) on May 14, 2022. An extensive search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify the potential studies on plantar-sensory treatments affecting postural control before May 2022. The methodological quality of involved studies was assessed using the scale of Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The Cochrane Tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions assessment tool were used to evaluate the risk of bias in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs respectively. RevMan 5.4 was utilised to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Eight RCTs with a mean PEDro rating of 6 and four non-RCTs with a mean PEDro rating of 4.75 were included in the quantitative analysis. The types of plantar-sensory treatments included plantar massage, whole-body vibration and textured surface-stimulation treatment. A significant effect of static balance with eyes open (SMD = -0.54; 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.27; p < 0.001) was found and subgroup analysis showed that plantar massage (SMD = -0.49; 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.14; p = 0.006) and whole-body vibration (SMD = -0.66; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.19; p = 0.005) had positive effects. In the subgroup analysis of anterior dynamic balance, whole-body vibration revealed a significant increase (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.06-1.14; p = 0.03). The pooled results or subgroup analysis including eyes-closed static balance and other directions of dynamic balance indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05). This meta-analysis indicated that plantar-sensory treatments could improve postural control in CAI, especially the treatments of plantar massage and long-term whole-body vibration.

Long-term whole-body vibration induces degeneration of intervertebral disc and facet joint in a bipedal mouse model.

Background: Whole body vibration (WBV) has been used to treat various musculoskeletal diseases in recent years. However, there is limited knowledge about its effects on the lumbar segments in upright posture mice. This study was performed to investigate the effects of axial Whole body vibration on the intervertebral disc (IVD) and facet joint (FJ) in a novel bipedal mouse model. Methods: Six-week-old male mice were divided into control, bipedal, and bipedal + vibration groups. Taking advantage of the hydrophobia of mice, mice in the bipedal and bipedal + vibration groups were placed in a limited water container and were thus built standing posture for a long time. The standing posture was conducted twice a day for a total of 6hours per day, 7days per week. Whole body vibration was conducted during the first stage of bipedal building for 30min per day (45Hz with peak acceleration at 0.3g). The mice of the control group were placed in a water-free container. At the 10th-week after experimentation, intervertebral disc and facet joint were examined by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histologic staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and gene expression was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Further, a finite element (FE) model was built based on the micro-CT, and dynamic Whole body vibration was loaded on the spine model at 10, 20, and 45Hz. Results: Following 10weeks of model building, intervertebral disc showed histological markers of degeneration, such as disorders of annulus fibrosus and increased cell death. Catabolism genes' expression, such as Mmp13, and Adamts 4/5, were enhanced in the bipedal groups, and Whole body vibration promoted these catabolism genes' expression. Examination of the facet joint after 10weeks of bipedal with/without Whole body vibration loading revealed rough surface and hypertrophic changes at the facet joint cartilage resembling osteoarthritis. Moreover, immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the protein level of hypertrophic markers (Mmp13 and Collagen X) were increased by long-durationstanding posture, and Whole body vibration also accelerated the degenerative changes of facet joint induced by bipedal postures. No changes in the anabolism of intervertebral disc and facet joint were observed in the present study. Furthermore, finite element analysis revealed that a larger frequency of Whole body vibration loading conditions induced higher Von Mises stresses on intervertebral disc, contact force, and displacement on facet joint. Conclusion: The present study revealed significant damage effects of Whole body vibration on intervertebral disc and facet joint in a bipedal mouse model. These findings suggested the need for further studies of the effects of Whole body vibration on lumbar segments of humans.

Long-Term Whole-Body Vibration Stimulus Decreases Body Fat Accumulation in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a type of light-resistance exercise that involves exposing the body to rapid and repeated oscillations of a vibrating platform. It has been suggested that long-term WBV can improve bone mass and muscle strength. However, little is known about its effects on body composition, and the safety and efficacy of WBV have not been established. In this study, we investigated the effects of WBV on body fat loss and muscle mass maintenance or improvement in male Wistar rats fed standard or high-fat diets. We also aimed to establish a rat model for future nutritional and physiological studies. We conducted two experiments using male Wistar rats that were 3 weeks old. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the vibration group. The rats were fed either a commercial standard diet (Experiment 1) or a high-fat diet (Experiment 2) ad libitum for 8-12 weeks. Our results showed that WBV stimulus dramatically reduced body fat accumulation in rats fed a high-fat diet but not in those fed a standard diet. This suggests that WBV may be particularly effective under dietary conditions that promote obesity. Moreover, WBV increased the mass of several skeletal muscles, which are known to have resistance exercise effects. Our findings indicate that long-term WBV is safe, with no inhibition of growth or feeding. Taken together, our results suggest that WBV may be a promising approach for preventing and treating obesity. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to determine the optimal WBV for maximum benefits.

Effect of Long-term Whole-body Vibration on Discomfort Evaluation

Effect of Long-term Whole-body Vibration on Discomfort Evaluation

The effect of long-term whole-body vibration on muscular performance

Introduction: The whole-body vibration (WBV) approachis considered to be a unique training method for physicalrehabilitation, injury preventions, and improving physicalperformance in athlete. The scientific literature about WBV iswell documented and presents different vibration protocols,different measurements and, as a consequence - differentresults. Objectives: To explore the effect of a strengtheningprogram with WBV on several muscular strength variablesamong physical education students in comparison to a controlpassive group of students. Methods: Thirty-eight healthymale physical education students were randomly allocatedinto Vibration Group (VG, n=13) - who underwent strengtheningprogram with WBV and external load, and Control Group(CG, n=25), that received no treatment. The study includedpre-test assessments, 4-week intervention phase and post-testassessments. During the intervention phase VG performedthree training sessions per week that included six sets of 30sec squats with external loads on a WBV platform. Assessmentsincluded maximal muscle strength, power, reactivestrength and endurance. Results: Significant improvementswere shown in all components among the VG from pre topost-tests (p&lt;0.001), with no significant change among theCG. Conclusions: A 4-week strengthening program with WBVand medium external load improves different components ofstrength among healthy physical education students.

The effects of long-term whole-body vibration and aerobic exercise on body composition and bone mineral density in obese middle-aged women.

[Purpose]The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of whole-body passive vibration exercise and its differences from aerobic exercise on body composition, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC).[Methods]Obese middle-aged women (n=33 out of 45) with 34±3% body fat completed the training protocol. They were randomly assigned into diet (n=9; control group), diet plus whole-body vibration exercise (n=13; vibration group), and diet plus aerobic exercise (n=11; aerobic group) groups and we compared their body composition, BMD, and BMC before and after 9 months of training. There were no significant differences in nutrient intake among groups during the training period.[Results]Relative body fat (%) decreased significantly (p < .05) in all three groups and the exercise groups showed a greater reduction in fat mass than the diet only group. BMD in the whole body, lumbar spine, hip and forearm were not significantly different among the three groups. Total body BMC increased significantly in the vibration group throughout the first 6 months of training.[Conclusion]Results suggest that long- term vibration training when used in conjunction with a diet program is as effective as aerobic exercise with a diet program in improving body composition of obese middle-aged women without compromising BMC or BMD. Thus, it can be considered a novel and effective method for reducing body fat.

Long-term whole-body vibration training in two late-onset Pompe disease patients.

The treatment of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) relies on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and physiotherapy but the most appropriate exercise program is not yet established. Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has showed promising results, improving motor performances in various populations. Our aim is to assess the effects of WBVT performed by two LOPD patients in addition to ERT and physiotherapy. A side-alternating WBVT lasting 2years; clinical assessments included: manual muscle testing (MRC sumscore), knee extension and arm flection isometric strength (multi-muscle tester M3diagnos), timed function tests (10m walking, standing-up from chair, ascending 4-steps), 6min walking (6MWT), motor disability (Walton Gardner-Medwin scale), pulmonary function. Follow-up evaluations performed for 9years since ERT start (pre-WBVT and post-WBVT) are reported for comparison. MRC sumscore improved in both patients (Pt.1:41→48, Pt.2:42→47) as isometric strength of knee extension (Pt.1:+62%, Pt.2:+26%) and arm flection (Pt.1:+88%, Pt.2:+66%), 6MWT improved in Pt.1 (+75m). Timed function tests did not greatly change. Patients reported no significant CK elevation or WBVT-related complaints. WBVT may be safely used in LOPD and seems to moderately boost muscle strength in patients receiving ERT and physiotherapy for more than 3years. Larger cohorts should be studied to better assess WBVT potential as adjunctive exercise tool in LOPD.

Bone mineral density, microarchitectural and mechanical alterations of osteoporotic rat bone under long-term whole-body vibration therapy

Low-magnitude, high-frequency whole body vibration (WBV) is receiving increasing interest as a non-pharmacological anti-osteoporosis approach. However, the long-term effect of WBV therapy is seldom studied. In this study, the efficacy of 16-week WBV (0.3g, 30Hz) on bone mineral density (BMD), microarchitectural parameters and mechanical properties of ovariectomized rat femur were examined by in vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), ex vivo micro-computed tomography (µCT), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and fracture test. To the best of our knowledge, 16 weeks of WBV administration (20min/day) is currently the longest duration on rodent. The longitudinal BMD change showed that positive effect of WBV on ovariectomized rat femoral neck diminished with prolonged administration duration. In addition, 16-week of WBV treatment was found to cause significantly reduction in the mean BMD, trabecular BMD (Tb.BMD), trabecular bone volume ration (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and maximum load in femoral neck of ovariectomized rat. Metaphyseal Tb.BMD and BV/TV were also significantly decreased in WBV treated ovariectomized group than non-treated controls. Whole-femur DMA was demonstrated as a sensitive tool in distinguishing osteoporotic femur from healthy aged-matched controls, in terms of decreased storage modulus (E′) and loss factor (tan δ). However, E′ and tan δ are not enhanced by 16-week WBV treatment. Together, these findings indicate that administration duration played an important role in the effect of WBV. 16-week WBV may exacerbate trabecular bone loss in ovariectomized rat femur, especially in trabecular-rich femoral neck region. An optimal WBV protocol including administration duration should be established prior to long-term clinical practice.

The Effect of a Short-Term and Long-Term Whole-Body Vibration in Healthy Men upon the Postural Stability

The study aimed to establish the short-term and long-term effects of whole-body vibration on postural stability. The sample consisted of 28 male subjects randomly allocated to four comparative groups, three of which exercised on a vibration platform with parameters set individually for the groups. The stabilographic signal was recorded before the test commenced, after a single session of whole-body vibration, immediately after the last set of exercises of the 4-week whole-body vibration training, and one week after the training ended. The subjects were exposed to vibrations 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Long-term vibration training significantly shortened the rambling and trembling paths in the frontal plane. The path lengths were significantly reduced in the frontal plane one week after the training end date. Most changes in the values of the center of pressure (COP) path lengths in the sagittal and frontal plane were statistically insignificant. We concluded that long-term vibration training improves the postural stability of young healthy individuals in the frontal plane.

Wireless system for the continuous observation of whole-body vibration in heavy machinery

Several occupational groups are exposed to substantial amounts of vibration daily due to normal working routines, like operating heavy equipment or driving vehicles on uneven surfaces. Vibration that affects the whole human body and is transferred to the body through supporting systems such as the seat or floor is defined as whole-body vibration (WBV). Studies have shown that longterm exposure to WBV creates adverse health effects, of which lower back pain is the most common. Such symptoms may affect a person's quality of life or even cause incapacitation. Even though a correlation between health problems and long-term WBV exposure is evident, mechanisms behind the symptoms have remained unexplained. This paper presents a novel approach to the continuous observation of WBV in heavy machinery. The key elements of the approach are the incorporation of a measurement system into heavy machinery, enhanced comfort, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Small alternative sensor devices that improve comfort with respect to the standardized method were investigated in wired and wireless form. Wireless data transmission was then utilized to provide effortless and cost-effective data acquisition from the machinery to the remote server. The system was able to execute the calculations, transfer the resulting parameters to a remote server where information about predominant vibration conditions could be accessed instantaneously, and acquire and store raw acceleration data for further research.

Dynamic Response of the Idiopathic Scoliotic Spine to Axial Cyclic Loads

Numerical techniques were used to study the vibration response of idiopathic scoliosis patients with single thoracic curve. To analyze the dynamic characteristics of the idiopathic scoliotic spine under the whole-body vibration condition. The influence of the upper body mass was also studied. The relationship between the whole-body vibration and the spinal disorders has been investigated using finite element method. However, the dynamic response features of the scoliotic spine to the vibration were poorly understood. The resonant frequencies of the scoliotic spine and the effects of the body weight were studied using a finite element model described previously. Modal and harmonic analysis was conducted. The amplitudes of 6 fundamental vertebral movements around the long, coronal and sagittal axis were quantified in the frequency range of 1 to 35 Hz. The vibration-induced rotation amplitudes of the apex of the thoracic deformity were higher than that of the lumbar segments. The apical vertebrae had the greatest rotation amplitudes at 2 and 8 Hz, and the largest lateral translation amplitudes at 16 Hz. Vibration could cause large lateral flexion amplitudes in the apex of the thoracic deformity. The apical vertebrae had the largest side flexion amplitudes at 6 Hz. Increasing upper body mass could not change resonant frequency of vibration-induced lateral translation and rotation around the long axis of the apical vertebrae. The scoliotic spine is more sensitive to vibration than the normal spine. For a patient with single thoracic curve, long-term whole-body vibration may do more harm to the thoracic deformity than to the lower lumbar segments. Axial cyclic loads applied to an already deformed spine may cause further rotational and scoliotic deformity. The patients with idiopathic scoliosis are more likely to suffer from vibration-induced spinal disorders than those by normal persons.

Exploring the effects of a 20-week whole-body vibration training programme on leg muscle performance and function in persons with multiple sclerosis

To investigate the acute effects of long-term whole-body vibration on leg muscle performance and functional capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial. Twenty-five patients with multiple sclerosis (mean age 47.9 ± 1.9 years; Expanded Disability Status Scale 4.3 ± 0.2) were assigned randomly to whole-body vibration training (n = 11) or to a control group (n = 14). The whole-body vibration group performed static and dynamic leg squats and lunges on a vibration platform (25-45 Hz, 2.5 mm amplitude) during a 20-week training period (5 training sessions per 2-week cycle), and the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. PRE-, MID- (10 weeks) and POST- (20 weeks) knee-muscle maximal isometric and dynamic strength, strength endurance and speed of movement were measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Function was determined through the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, Two-minute Walk Test and the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test. Leg muscle performance and functional capacity were not altered following 10 or 20 weeks of whole-body vibration. Under the conditions of the present study, the applied 20-week whole-body vibration exercise protocol did not improve leg muscle performance or functional capacity in mild- to moderately impaired persons with multiple sclerosis during and immediately after the training programme.

Effect of Acute and Chronic Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor–1 Levels in Women with Fibromyalgia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic whole-body vibration exercise on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in women with fibromyalgia. A randomized controlled two-factor mixed experimental design was used. Twenty-four women with fibromyalgia (age +/- standard error of the mean, 54.95 +/- 2.03) were randomized into the vibration group or the control group. The vibration group underwent a protocol of static and dynamic tasks with whole-body vibration exercise twice a week for a total of six weeks, whereas the control group performed the same protocol without vibratory stimulus. Both groups continued their usual pharmacological treatment. Serum IGF-1 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To test the effects of long-term whole-body vibration exercise, serum IGF-1 measurements were taken at baseline and at weeks 1, 3, and 6 of the intervention. To test the short-term effects, at week 1, serum IGF-1 measurements were taken before and immediately following a session of whole-body vibration exercise. Treatment adherence was 93% in the vibration group and 92% in the control group. None of the subjects dropped out of the study. There was an absence of change in IGF-1 at week 1 and week 6 of whole-body vibration exercise. Results show no change in serum IGF-1 levels in women with fibromyalgia undergoing whole-body vibration exercise. Although high-intensity exercise and whole-body vibration exercise have been shown to increase serum IGF-1 in healthy individuals, the effectiveness of whole-body vibration exercise as a strategy to produce improvements in serum IGF-1 levels in women with fibromyalgia could not be demonstrated.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Prostate Morphology

The peculiarities of the prostate remodeling caused by long-term whole-body vibration were investigated. Vibrational prostatopathy was characterized by more incident and pronounced decrease in prostate size, blurred contours, and appearance of sites with changed density (fibrosis, calcification, cysts) in central and peripheral zones of the gland. Vibrogenic prostate remodeling is determined by marked reduction of microvessel and prostatic glands, particularly in the central (periurethral) part, smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and marked fibrosis of the stroma in the absence of inflammatory cellular infiltration. Morphological data describing reduction of microvessels in the prostate caused by whole-body vibration correlate with Doppler scanning data indicating reduced perfusion of the organ.

Effects on leg muscular performance from whole‐body vibration exercise: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on leg muscular performance from whole-body vibration exercise. Literature search was performed on the databases Pubmed, Cinahl, ISI web of science (Sci-expanded, SSCI) and Embase (Rehab & Physical Med). Rating of 19 relevant studies was performed (14 on long-term exercise and five on short-term exercise) using a score system for the methodological quality. Several randomized-controlled trial studies of high to moderate quality show similar improvements from long-term regimen on muscular performance in the legs after a period of whole-body vibration exercise. As there were few studies on short-term exercise and as they had no control groups, the same convincing improvements regarding muscular performance were not achieved. Preliminarily, there is strong to moderate evidence that long-term whole-body vibration exercise can have positive effects on the leg muscular performance among untrained people and elderly women. There is no clear evidence for effects on muscular performance after short-term vibration stimuli.

Assessment of disc injury in subjects exposed to long-term whole-body vibration.

Long-term exposure to whole-body vibration is known to increase the risk of low back problems. The chain of events leading from repeated loading of the lumbar spine to back complaints and the exact nature of the vibration-induced damage are, however, obscure. Fluid in- and outflow as well as viscoelastic deformation are important aspects of the physiological function of the lumbar disc. Precision measurement of stature, termed 'stadiometry', has previously been applied in healthy subjects to document changes in disc height in relation to the load on the lumbar spine. The purpose of this study was to explore the relation between spinal loading and stature in a cohort of 20 subjects with long-term exposure to whole-body vibration. If the change of stature (and thus the change of disc height) caused by changes in spinal loading differed between exposed and normal subjects, this would point to vibration-induced changes in structure and material properties of the discs. For this purpose, four hypotheses were tested: (1) the viscoelastic deformation and fluid exchange of intervertebral discs during phases of spinal loading and unloading differs from normal; (2) the water content of lumbar discs of subjects exposed to long-term whole-body vibration deviates from normal; (3) the mean disc height of the lumbar spine depends on the total time of vibration exposure; (4) repeated loading influences trabecular bone density of vertebrae in the lumbar spine. A cohort of 20 operators of heavy earth-moving machinery was enrolled. Back complaints suspected to be due to long-term exposure (mean 17.6 +/- 2.1 years) to whole-body vibration and application for early retirement were the selection criteria used. Change of stature during a regular 8-h shift and change of stature in standing, carrying and sitting activities were measured. The stadiometric investigations were supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine to assess whether the water content of the discs exhibited deviations from normal. In addition, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was performed to assess whether the trabecular bone density of the third lumbar vertebra deviated from normal. The results showed no significant difference in change of stature while standing, carrying or sitting between exposed machine operators and non-exposed operators. Likewise, MRI examinations revealed no significant differences in the water content of the discs averaged over the lumbar spine. In addition, QCT examinations revealed no significant difference in the trabecular bone density of the third lumbar vertebra. The study thus revealed no significant difference between a cohort with long-term exposure and non-exposed controls with respect to viscoelastic properties of discs as determined by stadiometry, average water content of lumbar discs and trabecular bone density of L3.

BACK DISORDER INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FOR MASS TRANSIT OPERATORS EXPOSED TO WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION—COMPARISON OF TWO TRANSIT SYSTEM APPROACHES AND PRACTICES

Occupational long-term whole-body vibration (WBV) has been recognized as a major risk factor for low back disorders, one of the most important reasons for medical impairment and early permanent disability among mass transit operators. Although no firm health and safety vibration exposure threshold limits have been established, the available data suggests that rail vehicle operators would probably fall under the proposed WBV “action levels” of the EU directive provisions for protection from physical hazards. This provision calls for technical, administrative and medical controls. This paper examines and compares the current conditions, provisions and plans of two major mass transit systems, the New Yorker MTA and the Munich MVV. The available data, information and publications (English/German) on working conditions, vibration exposure, epidemiology and intervention strategies (primary and secondary prevention) for rail bound mass transit workers were reviewed. Results strongly suggest that the MTA transit system has currently and in the near future no effective and meaningful controls in place to significantly reduce the WBV exposure of subway operators. It appears that the MVV system has more and better control measures in place to reduce harmful effects of WBV. Results of a scientific evaluation of a participatory, collaborative project in the MVV system suggest that the MVV may have developed a successful method of a “condition prevention” (Verhältnisprävention)—and “behavioral prevention” (Verhaltensprävention) intervention strategy, which appears beneficial for WBV exposed workers with existing low back pain. Long-term outcomes and benefits need to be assessed further.

Medical and occupational preconditions for vibration-induced spinal disorders: occupational disease no. 2110 in Germany.

The current state of scientific knowledge of the biodynamic behaviour of the vertebral column under the influence of whole-body vibration whilst sitting and results from epidemiological studies caused the medical board of experts on occupational health of the Federal Ministry of Labour in Germany to add a new occupational disease to the official list of occupational diseases. The occupational disease "diseases of the lumber spine from disc degeneration caused by long-term (mainly vertical) whole-body vibration exposure" has been introduced. The medical preconditions with the symptoms and the diagnostic methods are presented. With regard to the occupational preconditions for the acknowledgement of this occupational disease, a procedure is suggested which leads to the determination of the total occupational vibration exposure dose. Another requirement for recognition is that the chronic recurrent complaints have caused the patient to avoid any form of vibration exposure.