Stochastic Resonance Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Stochastic Resonance Whole Body Vibration (SR-WBV) Does Not Affect the Body Composition of Healthy Young Women: A Preliminary Controlled Before–After (CBA) Study

According to the WHO, overweight and obesity, defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, are a major risk factor for many diseases. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a commonly used method of assessing body composition in clinical practice and medical research. When the BIA reveals abnormalities, the recommended therapeutic procedure is to modify the diet and implement physical activity. One method that can reinforce or support physical activity is whole-body vibration (WBV). Vibrating devices with stochastic resonance (SR) generate vibrations of variable amplitude and frequency. For people with unhealthy body composition who cannot undertake physical activity for various reasons, procedures with stochastic resonance seems to be a good solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) on the body composition of women. Measured BC parameters included fat mass (FM, kg), percent body fat (PBF, %), visceral fat area (VFA, cm2), soft lean mass (SLM, kg), fat-free mass (FFM, kg), skeletal muscle mass (SMM, kg), body cell mass (BCM, kg), protein (kg), minerals (kg), bone mineral contents (BMC, kg), intracellular water (IW, l), extracellular water (EW, l), total body water (TBW, l), extracellular water/total body water (EW/TBW). The study involved 240 healthy young women with normal body composition (BC) and low or moderate physical activity levels. Two groups were randomly formed from among all participants: the V group included 134 women participating in 12 SR-WBV procedure sessions over 6 weeks; the C group included 106 women not participating in SR-WBV procedure sessions over 6 weeks. The stochastic procedure consisted of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. One session lasted 15 min, consisting of nine active series of vibrations lasting 45 s each with 40 s breaks between series. The vibration frequency was 2–8 Hz and the amplitude ranged 0.5–3.5 mm. While observing the effect of SR-WBV vibrations on body composition in the group of women, no statistically significant changes were found. Hence, we conclude that the stochastic resonance vibration procedure cannot be recommended as a way to modify body composition in healthy young women characterized by normal body composition and low or moderate physical activity levels.

Effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration on sensorimotor function in elderly individuals-A systematic review.

Due to demographic changes, falls are increasingly becoming a focus of health care. It is known that within six months after a fall, two thirds of fallers will fall again. Therefore, therapeutic procedures to improve balance that are simple and can be performed in a short time are needed. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) may be such a procedure. An electronic search to assess the effectiveness of SR-WBV on balance in the elderly was conducted using databases that included CINAHL Cochrane, PEDro, and PubMed. Included studies were assessed using the Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool by two independent reviewers. Nine studies showing moderate methodological quality were included. Treatment parameters were heterogeneous. Vibration frequency ranged from 1 to 12 Hz. Six studies found statistically significant improvements of balance from baseline to post measurement after SR-WBV interventions. One article found clinical relevance of the improvement in total time of the "Expanded Time to Get Up and Go Test". Physiological adaptations after balance training are specific and may explain some of the observed heterogeneity. Two out of nine studies assessed reactive balance and both indicated statistically significant improvements after SR-WBV. Therefore, SR-WBV represents a reactive balance training.

The Influence of Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration on Women over 50 Years of Age—Preliminary Studies Based on Patients’ Own Experiences

Background: During menopause, a woman’s health often deteriorates, and various methods are sought to prevent this decline. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of SR-WBV training on the health and wellbeing of women over 50 years of age. Methods: SR-WBV training was performed twice a week for six weeks using the SRT Zeptor® Medical-plus noise device. Forty-two women were trained on the D program (7–9 series, lasting 45–60 s each), and 23 women on the O program (9–11 series, lasting 50–60 s each). The frequency ranged from 2 to 8 Hz. Due to health problems, 12% of the women did not complete the study protocols. Results: The remaining women declared an improvement in mental state (51%), physical activity (68%), and general well-being (72%), as well as a reduction in lower limb pain (21%), back pain (14%), and urinary incontinence symptoms (17%). Conclusion: The benefits of SR-WBV training include improvement in general well-being and physical fitness, reduction of lower limb and back pain, and reduction of urinary incontinence symptoms. SR-WBV training can provoke or aggravate back pain and lower limb pain and cause other side effects, so the optimization of training parameters for SR-WBV is required.

Combining Stochastic Resonance Vibration With Exergaming for Motor-Cognitive Training in Long-Term Care; A Sham-Control Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Purpose: Physical and mental functions allow classifying older adults as “Go-Go” (independent functioning); “Slow-Go” (in need of care with a slight handicap); and “No-Go” (in need of care with severe functional limitation). The latter group exhibits reduced exercise tolerance. More recently technology-based motor-cognitive types of training services emerged as a possible training service. This study examined the use of technology including stochastic resonance whole-body vibration and Exergame-dance training for motor-cognitive training in care home dwelling adults.Methods: Seventeen older adults (10 women, 7 men, age range: 79–98) were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG, n = 9) or the sham group (SG, n = 8). IG performed five sets of 1-min whole-body vibration with 1-min rest in between, three times a week for the first 4 weeks of the training period with varying frequency. From weeks five to eight the Exergame-dance training was conducted after the vibration sessions. SG performed a stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training with the same terms applied, however, with a fixed frequency of 1 Hz, Noise 1. From weeks five to eight a passive trampoline-programme of 5 min was applied following the vibration sessions. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes were the Trail Making Test A and B (TMT A & B) and the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I). Outcomes were measured at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention and at follow-up (4 weeks after the intervention). The non-parametric Puri and Sen rank-order test was applied, followed by an ANOVA for repeated measures to analyse main and interaction effects. Mann–Whitney U-Test was used to determine differences between the groups.Results: The post-hoc analysis showed significant effects on the SPPB total score with large effect sizes from baseline to 8 weeks (+72%, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.423). The TMT part B displayed significant improvements with large effect sizes from baseline to 8 weeks (+17.5%, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.779) and to follow-up (+21%, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.827).Conclusion: The technology based 8-week training programme consisting of a combination of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration and Exergame-dance training showed beneficial effects on both physical and cognitive performance in older care home dwelling adults.

Musculoskeletal and cognitive effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: We investigated the acute musculoskeletaland cognitive effects of stochastic resonance whole-bodyvibration (SR-WBV). To our knowledge, no study looked atthe effects of SR-WBV on inhibitory control so far. Materialsand Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participantswere randomly allocated into a verum (6 Hz, SR-WBV)or sham (2 Hz, SR-WBV) condition. Inhibitory control wasmeasured with the Stroop Test before and after the exercise.Also, muscle stiffness, muscle relaxation, sense of balanceand surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire beforeand after the exercise. Results: Inhibitory control increasedsignificantly after verum SR-WBV (t = 2.949, P = 0.018), butnot after sham SR-WBV (t = 1.165, P = 0.252). Muscle stiffnessdecreased significantly after verum (t = 5.273, P < 0.000), butnot after sham SR-WBV (t = 1.533, P = 0.135). Also, musclerelaxation increased significantly after verum (t = -2.879, P =0.007), but not after sham SR-WBV (t = -1.650, P = 0.108). Senseof balance increased significantly after verum (t = -2.061, P =0.047), but not after sham SR-WBV (t = 0.347, P = 0.730). Nosignificant effect was found in surefootedness, whether afterverum (t = -0.966, P = 0.341) nor after sham SR-WBV (t = 0.849,P = 0.402). Conclusions: SR-WBV seems to be an appropriatemethod to improve not only physiological measurements butnewly also cognition, i.e. inhibitory control. In this study wecould show that SR-WBV exercise reduces interference andincreases inhibitory control in a young and healthy sample.Keywords: Stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SRWBV);Musculoskeletal effects; Cognitive effects; Inhibitorycontrol; Randomized controlled trial.

Editorial

Editorial

Stochastic Resonance Training Improves Balance and Musculoskeletal Well-Being in Office Workers: A Controlled Preventive Intervention Study

Sixty-two office workers in a Swiss federal department were randomly assigned to a training and a control group. While the training group was instructed to complete 3 stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) exercises every week for 4 weeks, the control group received no treatment. During this time all participants answered a daily questionnaire concerning their surefootedness, sense of balance, musculoskeletal well-being, and muscle relaxation. Before and after the 4-week SR-WBV intervention, balance was tested with a single-leg stance on a foam mat of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) using a SwayStar™-System measuring Total Angle Area (TotAngArea) and Total Velocity Area (TotVelArea). Multilevel results highlighted a significant increase over time for surefootedness and sense of balance (t = 2.491, p = .016), as well as for musculoskeletal well-being and muscle relaxation (t = 2.538, p = .014) in the training group but not in the control group. Balance tests showed improvement of balance in the training group (TotAngArea: Z = 2.550, p = .011; TotVelArea: Z = 3.334, p = .001) but not in the control group. SR-WBV exercise indicated a high compliance during this study (3.87±0.45 trainings per week) underlining its benefits for the working context. Especially office workers who spend most of their time in sitting position could profit from SR-WBV exercise to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Effects of Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Unilateral Brain Lesion: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Whole-Body Vibration and Neuromuscular Function.

Introduction Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) devices are promising sensorimotor interventions to address muscle weakness and to improve balance and mobility particularly in the elderly. However, it remains inconclusive whether individuals with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can profit from this method. The aim of this prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of SR-WBV on muscle strength as well as gait and balance performance in this population. Methods Forty-eight individuals with stroke or TBI were randomly allocated to an experimental and a sham group. Participants were exposed daily to 5 consecutives 1-minute SR-WBV sessions, whereas the experimental group trained in a standing position with 5 Hz and the sham group in a seated position with 1 Hz. Isometric muscle strength properties of the paretic knee extensor muscles as well as balance and gait performance were measured at baseline, after the first session and after two weeks of SR-WBV. Results Both groups showed short- and long-term effects in gait performance. However, no between-group effects could be found at the three measurement points. Discussion Complementary SR-WBV showed no beneficial effects immediately after the intervention and after two weeks of conventional rehabilitation therapy. Future research is needed to identify the potential efficacy of SR-WBV in individuals with stroke and TBI using shorter and less exhausting test procedures and a generally prolonged intervention time.

Alterations in the ability to maintain balance as a result of stochastic resonance whole body vibration in women.

PurposeA vertical posture makes it difficult to maintain balance especially in the elderly. Loss of balance leads to falls and injuries. In the present study, we evaluated whether balance maintenance can be improved with the use of stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SR-WBV).MethodsAn examination of balance, involving 187 women aged 19–74 years, was conducted using double-plate posturography pre and post SR-WBV. The SR-WBV trainings were performed using the SRT Zeptor Medical-plus noise device. The entire study lasted 6 weeks, with a total of 12 training sessions, each consisting of nine 45 second series, with a 45 second pause between them.ResultsPost SR-WBV there was a reduction in the value of: the resultant mean velocity (MV) of the movement of COP (centre of pressure) for both lower limbs (B) and in the right lower limb (R) during the test with eyes closed (EC), the mean velocity and mean amplitude (MA) of the movement of COP along the x-axis (ML) of the left lower limb (L) during the test with eyes open (EO) and closed and some additional parameters. Negative correlations between age/index of improvement of MV-EC-B, MV-EC-L and MVML-EC-L, and BMI/index of improvement of MV-EC-B, MVML-EC-B appeared. Height correlated positively with the index of improvement of MV-EC-B and MVML-EC-B.ConclusionsAs a result of SR-WBV, the left leg is more stable along the x-axis and the disproportion between the stability of both legs is reduced. Consequently, body stability is higher. The SR-WBV is more effective in younger, taller and slimmer women. SR-WBV parameters should be optimized so that the training is more beneficial for elderly and shorter women, and for women with a higher BMI.

Sensory-motor training targeting motor dysfunction and muscle weakness in long-term care elderly combined with motivational strategies: a single blind randomized controlled study

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effects of a combined innovative training regime consisting of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) and a dance video game (DVG) on physical performance and muscle strength in long-term-care dwelling elderly.MethodsThirthy long-term-care elderly were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG; n = 16) receiving combined SR-WBV training and DVG, or a sham group (SG; n = 14). IG performed five sets one minute of SR-WBV, with one minute rest between sets (base frequency 3 Hz up to 6 Hz, Noise 4) during the first five weeks on three days per week. From week five to eight a DVG was added to SR-WBV for IG on three days per week. SG performed a five-set SR-WBV program (1 Hz, Noise 1) lasting five times one minute, with one minute rest in between, three days a week. From week five to eight stepping exercises on a trampoline were added on three days per week. Primary outcome: Short physical performance battery (SPPB). Secondary outcome: isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC), and sub phases of IMVC (Fsub), isometric rate of force development (IRFD) and sub time phases of IRFD (IRFDsub) were measured at baseline, after four and eight weeks. ANOVA with repeated measures was used for analyses of time and interaction effects and MANOVA determined between group intervention effects.ResultsBetween group effects revealed significant effects on the SPPB primary outcome after four weeks F(1, 27) = 6.17; p = 0.02) and after eight weeks F(1,27) = 11.8; p = 0.002). Secondary muscle function related outcome showed significant between group effects in IG on IRFD, Fsub 30 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms and IRFDsub 0-30 ms, 0-50 ms, 0-100 ms and 100-200 ms compared to SG (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsEight weeks SR-WBV and DVG intervention improved lower extremity physical function and muscle strength compared to a sham intervention in long-term-care elderly. SR-WBV and DVG seems to be effective as a training regime for skilling up in long-term-care elderly.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11556-016-0164-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stochastic resonance whole body vibration increases perceived muscle relaxation but not cardiovascular activation: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMTo investigate the acute effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SR-WBV), including muscle relaxation and cardiovascular activation.METHODSSixty-four healthy students participated. The participants were randomly assigned to sham SR-WBV training at a low intensity (1.5 Hz) or a verum SR-WBV training at a higher intensity (5 Hz). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and self-reported muscle relaxation were assessed before and immediately after SR-WBV.RESULTSTwo factorial analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant interaction between pre- vs post-SR-WBV measurements and SR-WBV conditions for muscle relaxation in the neck and back [F(1,55) = 3.35, P = 0.048, η2 = 0.07]. Muscle relaxation in the neck and back increased in verum SR-WBV, but not in sham SR-WBV. No significant changes between pre- and post-training levels of SBD, DBD and HR were observed either in sham or verum SR-WBV conditions. With verum SR-WBV, improved muscle relaxation was the most significant in participants who reported the experience of back, neck or shoulder pain more than once a month (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONA single session of SR-WBV increased muscle relaxation in young healthy individuals, while cardiovascular load was low. An increase in musculoskeletal relaxation in the neck and back is a potential mediator of pain reduction in preventive worksite SR-WBV trials.

Stochastic resonance therapy induces increased movement related caudate nucleus activity

Whole-body vibration can be used to supplement canonical physical treatment. It is performed while probands stand on a vibrating platform. Therapeutic vibration can be generated as a stochastic vibratory pattern, referred to as stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV). Despite the widespread use of SR-WBV its neurophysiological mechanism is unclear. A randomized sham-controlled double-blinded trial was performed as a pilot study. The experimental group received 6 cycles of SR-WBV at a frequency of 7 Hz with the SR-Zeptor device, and the sham group received the same treatment at a frequency of 1 Hz. At baseline 1.5 T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in the resting state, together with a finger/foot tapping test. A second fMRI was carried out after SR-WBV as sham treatment in both groups. Subsequently, a second cycle of SR-WBV was performed as sham or verum with consecutive fMRI, followed by a final fMRI on day 2. Nineteen healthy volunteers were allocated to the experimental or sham group, respectively. Analyses of specific effects revealed a significant treatment × time interaction effect (p < 0.05, small-volume corrected (SVC FWE-corrected)) in the left caudate nucleus during intermediate difficulty when comparing pre- vs post-SR-WBV treatment in the verum group. This proof-of-concept study suggests the existence of cerebral effects of SR-WBV.

Effects of whole-body vibration on proxies of muscle strength in old adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of physical capacity level.

BackgroundDynapenia (age-associated loss of muscle strength not caused by neurologic or muscular diseases) and functional limitations (e.g. climbing stairs, chair rising) are important problems in elderly persons. Whole body vibration, used as an adjunct to classical resistance training or even as a stand-alone alternative, might help to reduce these problems. Its value might be highest in elderly persons with very low function, where whole body vibration can be used as a skilling up training until more conventional exercise types are possible. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the current evidence for whole-body vibration interventions on isometric maximum voluntary contraction, dynamic strength, power, rate of force development and functional strength in elderly categorised in different subgroups based on function levels.MethodsAn extensive literature search was carried out in February 2014 and repeated in February 2015 at PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and CINAHL electronic databases. The International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from the World Health Organization was also searched. Randomized controlled trials measuring isometric maximum voluntary contraction, dynamic strength, power, rate of force development and functional strength in studies using WBV intervention in 65 years or older elderly individuals were included. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing Risk of Bias. Studies were classified based on the level of physical capacitiy of the participants as “Go-Go”, “Slow-Go” or “No-Go”. Data were pooled using a random effects model.ResultsThirty-eigth articles of moderate methodological quality were included. The vibration modes for sinusoidal vertical whole-body vibration was between 25 and 40 Hz, the amplitude varied from 2 to 4 mm. Sinusoidal side-alternating -whole-body vibration revealed frequencies from 2.5 to 35 Hz with amplitudes ranging from 0.05 to 12 mm. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration used frequencies between 3 and 6 Hz. Effect sizes in Go-Go were moderate after vertical sinusoidal Whole-body vibration compared to non-training control groups for isometric maximum voluntary contraction with effect size 0.48 (95 % CI 0.33 to 0.63) and for Dynamic Strength with effect size 0.47 (95 % CI 0.06 to 0.88). Side-alternating sinusoidal whole body vibration showed moderate effect sizes with 0.69 (95 % CI 0.32 to 1.06) for isometric maximum voluntary contraction, 0.50 (95 % CI 0.07 to 0.92) for power, 0.40 (95 % CI 0.16 to 0.64) for Rate of Force Development and 0.42 (95 % CI 0.13 to 0.71) for Functional Strength compared to non-exercise control. The analysis for Slow-Go showed for stochastic resonance whole-body vibration and Functional Strength an effect size of 0.97 (95 % CI −0.07 to 2.00) compared to non-exercise control in one study. No-Go showed for stochastic resonance whole-body vibration a moderate effect size with 0.50 (95 % CI −0.32 to 1.33) for Functional Strength compared to non-exercise control.ConclusionsWhole-body vibration shows beneficial effects, mainly in the No-Go group elderly compared to non-training control and conventional strength training groups. The results suggest that WBV can be used as a skilling-up exercise in participants not able to perform standard exercises. Further studies with the various types of WBV in various sub-populations of elderly persons are needed to determine the most effective vibration modes.Trial registrationRegistration number: CRD42013006489.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11556-015-0158-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preliminary inconclusive results of a randomised double blinded cross-over pilot trial in long-term-care dwelling elderly assessing the feasibility of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration

BackgroundThis randomised double-blinded controlled cross-over pilot study examined feasibility and preliminary effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training applied in long term care elderly.FindingsNine long term care elderly were recruited and randomized to group A (6 Hz, Noise 4 SR-WBV/ Sham) or B (Sham / 1 Hz, Noise 1 SR-WBV). Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, attrition, adherence and safety. Physical performance outcomes focused on the Expanded Timed Get Up-and-Go (ETGUG) test, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and lower extremity muscle strength.Of 24 subjects initially approached 9 started and 5 completed the study resulting in 37.5 recruitment, 44.4 attrition and 81.7 % adherence rates. No adverse events were reported. There is more evidence of improved performance levels in the SR-WBV treatment group with significant differences in average change for isometric rate of force development (p = 0.016 left leg; p = 0.028 right leg). No statistical significance was reached for other parameters.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that the used training protocol for long term care elderly is feasible, however, requires more closely monitoring of participants; e.g. needs protocol modifications that target improved compliance with the intervention in this setting. SR-WBV shows beneficial effects on physical performance for those adhering to the intervention.Trial registrationU.S. National Institutes of Health NCT01543243Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11556-015-0150-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Feasibility study evaluating the effects of a four weeks stochastic resonance whole-body vibration intervention on functional performance in frail elderly

Feasibility study evaluating the effects of a four weeks stochastic resonance whole-body vibration intervention on functional performance in frail elderly

Feasibility and effects of applying stochastic resonance whole-body vibration on untrained elderly: a randomized crossover pilot study.

BackgroundAging is associated with loss of balance and activity in daily life. It impacts postural control and increases the risk of falls. The current study was conducted to determine the feasibility and long-term impact of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) on static and dynamic balance and reaction time among elderly individuals.MethodsA randomized crossover pilot study with blinding of the participants. Twenty elderly were divided into group A (SR-WBV 5 Hz, Noise 4/SR-WBV 1 Hz, Noise 1) or group B (SR-WBV 1 Hz, Noise 1/SR-WBV 5 Hz, Noise 1). Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, compliance and safety. Secondary outcomes were Semi-Tandem Stand (STS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Expanded Timed Get Up-and-Go (ETGUG), walking under single (ST) & dual task (DT) conditions, hand and foot reaction time (RTH/RTF). Puri and Sen Rank-Order L Statistics were used to analyse carry-over effects. To analyse SR-WBV effects Wilcoxon signed-ranked tests were used.ResultsWith good recruitment rate (55%) and compliance (attrition 15%; adherence 85%) rates the intervention was deemed feasible. Three participants dropped out, two due to knee pain and one for personal reasons. ETGUG 0 to 2 m (p = 0.143; ES: 0.36) and ETGUG total time (p = 0.097; ES: 0.40) showed medium effect sizes.ConclusionsStochastic resonance training is feasible in untrained elderly resulting in good recruitment and compliance. Low volume SR-WBV exercises over 12 training sessions with 5 Hz, Noise 4 seems a sufficient stimulus to improve ETGUG total time. The stimulation did not elicit changes in other outcomes.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered at the U.S. National Institutes of Health under ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01045746.

Feasibility Study Evaluating Four Weeks Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration Training with Healthy Female Students

This study assessed the feasibility of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) training and its impact on isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC), isometric rate of force development (IRFD) and a drop jump test (DJ) in healthy female students. Twelve participants were randomised to static squats during SR-WBV 6 Hz, noise level 4, over 4 weeks or to a control group (no training). Feasibility outcomes included the number of students agreeing to participate, the number of drop-outs, the adherence to the SR-WBV and the evaluation of the protocol. Secondary outcomes were IMVC, IRFD and DJ. Results: Among 35 eligible students, 12 agreed to participate and two dropped out. The adherence was 41 of 60 possible sessions. There were moderate to large, but statistically non-significant, gains in the secondary outcomes. Conclusion: These results suggest that such a study would be feasible although with some modifications such as a better familiarisation to the DJ.

Effect of stochastic resonance whole body vibration on functional performance in the frail elderly: A pilot study

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and the effect size of a four-week stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SR-WBV) intervention on functional performance and strength in frail elderly individuals. Twenty-seven participants have been recruited and randomly distributed in an intervention group (IG) and a sham group (SG). Primary outcomes were feasibility objectives like recruitment, compliance and safety. Secondary outcomes were short physical performance battery (SPPB), isometric maximum voluntary contraction (IMVC) and isometric rate of force development (IRFD). The intervention was feasible and safe. Furthermore it showed significant effects (p=0.035) and medium effect size (0.43) within the IG in SPPB. SR-WBV training over four weeks with frail elderly individuals is a safe intervention method. The compliance was good and SR-WBV intervention seems to improve functional performance. Further research over a longer time frame for the strength measurements (IMVC and IRFD) is needed to detect potential intervention effects in the force measurements as well. Clinical Trial register: NTC01704976.

Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration improves postural control in health care professionals: a worksite randomized controlled trial.

Slip, trip, and fall injuries are frequent among health care workers. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training was tested to improve postural control. Participants included 124 employees of a Swiss university hospital. The randomized controlled trial included an experimental group given 8 weeks of training and a control group with no intervention. In both groups, postural control was assessed as mediolateral sway on a force plate before and after the 8-week trial. Mediolateral sway was significantly decreased by stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training in the experimental group but not in the control group that received no training (p < .05). Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training is an option in the primary prevention of balance-related injury at work.

Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration Improves Postural Control in Health Care Professionals: A Worksite Randomized Controlled Trial

Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration Improves Postural Control in Health Care Professionals: A Worksite Randomized Controlled Trial