Use Of Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

The Clinical Utility of Whole Body Vibration: A Review of the Different Types and Dosing for Application in Metabolic Diseases.

Whole body vibration (WBV) is an innovative exercise mimetic that utilizes a vibrating platform to transmit mechanical vibrations throughout the body. WBV has been a popular area of research in recent years due to its potential physiological and therapeutic benefits in both health and disease. The utility of WBV is rooted in the various parameters (i.e., frequency, amplitude, duration) that affect the overall dose of vibration delivered to the body. Each type of WBV, coupled with these aforementioned parameters, should be considered when evaluating the use of WBV in the clinical setting. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent literature detailing the different types of WBV, the various parameters that contribute to WBV efficacy, and the evidence of WBV in metabolic disease. A systematic search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PubMed. All types of study designs were considered, with exclusions made for animal studies, duplicates, and study protocols without data. Thirty-four studies were included. In conclusion, as a modern exercise mimetic with therapeutic potential for metabolic diseases, understanding the interplay between the types and dosing of WBV is critical for determining its utility and efficacy. Further studies are certainly needed to elucidate the full therapeutic potential of WBV in metabolic diseases.

The Use of Whole-Body Vibration, Electrical Stimulation, and Magnetic Stimulation in Muscle Dystrophy Patients: A Scoping Review.

The purpose of this scoping review was to report the effects of vibration therapy, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation on patients with muscle dystrophies. The outcome measures were muscle strength, body composition, balance, and functional mobility of these patients.We used the PreferredReportingItemsfor Systematic reviews andMeta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Arksey and O'Malley framework. The literature review was conducted on PubMed. We included studies that were written in English, were peer-reviewed, without regard to the publication date, and implemented a form of "vibration therapy" or "electrical stimulation" or "magnetic stimulation" as an intervention program of any duration. Overall, 14 studies were retrieved. Most of the studies applied whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy or electrical stimulation and only one was found that implemented transcranial magnetic stimulation. The interventions were reported but there was a variety in duration or the frequency of the program, as well as in the disease progression of the patients.It seems that WBV, electrical stimulation, and magnetic stimulation have positive outcomes, but these vary depending on the muscle deficits and limitations of the patients with muscle dystrophy. It is recommended that future studies should be conducted in order to determine the ideal prescription of each intervention, so as to be as beneficial as possible.

Whole-Body Vibration in Oncology Rehabilitation: Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Clinician Willingness

Background: Patients with active and prior cancer diagnoses suffer a sequela of physical effects that negatively impact quality of life. Improvements in commonly impacted physiological systems have been achieved with the use of whole-body vibration (WBV). Current usage, appropriate diagnoses, and clinician perceptions of WBV remain unknown despite an increasing body of literature. The purpose of this study was to examine current practices and understand perceived indications, benefits, and barriers for the use of WBV in patients with cancer, particularly of clinicians working with pediatric populations. Methods: A Web-based survey was distributed via e-mail and social media posts to clinicians across the United States serving patients with cancer diagnoses. Results: Of a total of 72 responses, less than 3% of clinicians are currently using WBV in clinical practice. Diagnoses perceived as most appropriate for the use of WBV included leukemia/lymphoma (63.6%), central nervous system cancers (49.4%), and neuroblastoma (46.8%). Bone cancers were reported as the most inappropriate diagnoses (49.4%). Perceived benefits of WBV include improvements in blood flow, muscular strength, and bone mineral density. Lack of training (82%) and access to equipment (75%) were the most commonly reported barriers to use. Conclusion: WBV is perceived to be useful, safe, and beneficial for targeting effects of antineoplastic treatment for patients with cancer diagnoses, though current use is limited because of barriers of cost, access, and clinician knowledge.

Evidence of Use of Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome (MSy) is defined by a constellation of interconnected physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that directly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in metabolic syndrome (MSy) individuals. (2) Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and CINAHL databases in December 2022 was performed. Data regarding the included studies were extracted. The level of evidence, the methodological quality, and the risk of bias of each selected publication were individually evaluated. (3) Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four studies in the meta-analysis, with a mean methodological quality score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro scale) of 5.6, considered "fair" quality. The qualitative results suggested positive effects of the systemic vibration therapy in relevant outcomes, such as quality of life, functionality, pain level, trunk flexibility, cardiovascular responses (blood pressure and heart rate), neuromuscular activation, range of motion of the knees, rating of perceived exertion, and body composition. The quantitative results, with weighted mean differences, standard mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. Conclusions: WBVE may be an alternative capable of interfering with physical-mainly for flexibility with weighted mean differences (1.70; 95% CI 0.15, 3.25; n = 39)-functional, psychosocial, neuromuscular, emotional parameters, and consequently contribute to improvements in metabolic health and reduce the cardiovascular risk factor in MSy individuals. Nevertheless, further additional studies are required to understand the long-term effects of WBVE on MSy and its complications in a better way. Protocol study registration was as follows: PROSPERO (CRD 42020187319).

Whole-body vibration reduces hamstrings neuromuscular function in uninjured individuals

ObjectivesDespite the growing use of whole-body vibration (WBV) to enhance quadriceps neuromuscular function, the hamstrings-specific response is unclear among those without neuromuscular impairment, which is important to inform performance-based recommendations. Our objective was to determine the immediate and prolonged effects of WBV on hamstrings and quadriceps neuromuscular function in uninjured individuals. DesignCrossover. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsNineteen, recreationally active individuals performed WBV and control exercise protocols, consisting of six 1-min repetitions of isometric squats, on separate days in a randomized order. Main outcome measuresElectromyographic (EMG) amplitude, antagonist-to-agonist co-activation, rate of torque development, and peak torque of the hamstrings and quadriceps were measured pre-, immediately post-, and 20 min post-condition. Percentage change scores were calculated from baseline to each post-measurement. ResultsA condition main effect indicated that WBV reduced agonist semitendinosus EMG amplitudes more than the control (−12.1% vs. −1.5%, p < .001). Antagonist vastus medialis EMG amplitudes were reduced immediately, but not 20 min following WBV (−7.1% vs. 3.5%, p < .001). ConclusionsWBV induced an inhibitory effect on medial hamstrings activity during knee flexion contraction in a majority of our sample, yet this response was not uniformly observed and its functional relevance remains unclear in an uninjured population.

The effect of whole body vibration on sensorimotor deficits in people with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the effects of whole body vibration on chronic ankle instability-associated sensorimotor deficits in balance, strength, joint position sense and muscle activity. Data sources Electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang were searched from database inception up to 31 March 2022. Methods The risk of bias and methodological quality of included studies were assessed using the Cochrane tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale respectively. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the RevMan 5.3 software. Meta-regression was conducted with Stata 16. Results Eight studies, with 315 subjects were eventually included in this review with an average PEDro score of 6.1/10. Significant effects of whole body vibration on balance (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.09, P = 0.01), and on the posterolateral direction (MD = 5.52, 95% CI: 1.02 to 10.01, P = 0.02) and medial direction (MD = 3.90, 95% CI: 0.87 to 6.94, P = 0.01) of the star excursion balance test were found. Whole body vibration significantly improved the peak torque (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.69, P = 0.03), joint position sense (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.10 to 1.11, P = 0.02), and muscle activity in tibialis anterior (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.88, P = 0.03) and gastrocnemius (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.23, P = 0.01). Conclusions The current evidence supports the use of whole body vibration to improve sensorimotor deficits involving balance, strength, joint position sense, and muscle activity in people with chronic ankle instability.

Whole Body Vibration–A Helpful Treatment for Low Back Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and objectivesAlthough whole body vibration (WBV) has been used to reduce pain, but some studies have indicated that WBV can cause low back pain (LBP). This study provides an overview of the current literature for the use of WBV to treat LBP and its effects on muscle strength, postural stability, and quality of life.

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disease with few effective therapeutic options. We evaluated the efficacy of a 12-weeks therapy program that involves the use of whole body vibration in patients with fibromyalgia. The experimental group (N = 20 patients) participated in a neuromuscular training with a rotational whole body vibration platform for 12 weeks. The control group (N = 20 patients) received no physiotherapy treatment. The following variables were assessed before, after and 3 months after the therapy program: Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, pain intensity, quality of life, sensitivity measurements (pressure pain thresholds, vibration thresholds), motor function tasks (Berg scale, 6-min walk test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance. We found improvements in the indexes of functional disability, static equilibrium and vibration sensitivity and a reduction of pain sensitivity. Our results showed that the intervention group improved almost all parameters immediately after the therapy program, in contrast to the control group that showed no changes. These improvements were not maintained in the follow-up. The whole body vibration therapy can be an effective therapy in patients with fibromyalgia and it can improve symptomatology and quality of life in these patients.

Low-Intensity Whole-Body Vibration: A Useful Adjuvant in Managing Obesity? A Pilot Study

The use of whole-body vibration (WBV) for therapeutic purposes is far from being standardized and an empirical foundation for reporting guidelines for human WBV studies has only very recently been published. Controversies about safety and therapeutic dosage still exist. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic and mechanical effects of low-intensity WBV according to the ISO 2631 norm on subjects with obesity. Forty-one obese subjects (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in a 3-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program including fitness training and WBV training. During WBV the posture was monitored with an optoelectronic system with six infrared cameras (Vicon, Vicon Motion System, Oxford, UK). The primary endpoints were: variation in body composition, factors of metabolic syndrome, functional activity (sit-to-stand and 6-min walking test), muscle strength, and quality of life. The secondary endpoints were: modification of irisin, testosterone, growth hormone, IGF1 levels. We observed significant changes in salivary irisin levels, Group 2 (p &lt; 0.01) as compared to the control group, while muscle strength, function, and other metabolic and hormonal factors did not change after a 3-week low-intensity WBV training with respect to the control group. Future studies are needed to further investigate the potential metabolic effect of low-intensity WBV in managing weight.

Effects of Vibration Training on Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose Whole body vibration (WBV) training is purported to improve bone mineral density. Numerous randomized controlled trials present unclear data as to its clinical significance. This systematic literature review aims to collect the general consensus of data on the topic. Data Sources Systematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials between 2015-2020 were performed in the databases of PubMed, PEDro Database, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, EBSCO (Medline) between September 10 to October 1, 2020. Methods and Data Extraction 19 randomized controlled trials (full text available, PEDro score > 6, human subjects, available in English, and conducted within the past 5 years) with a total of 695 subjects met methodological quality guidelines using the PEDro scale. Results A total of thirty-nine (39) articles were screened, and nineteen (19) studies with a total population of n = 695 were included in the systematic review. With heterogeneity in modality and vibration intensity/frequency including dosing and prescriptions, no meta-analysis was conducted. There were no significant differences found between WBV with and without resistive exercise (RE) vs no intervention in eight (8) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 223). There were statistically significant improvements reported in terms of improved BMD outcomes in WBV with or without RE vs no intervention in eleven (11) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 442), a positive trend towards improvement of BMD in one (1) of the randomized controlled trials (n= 30), and a mixed result of statistically significant improvement of BMD in lumbar spine and no effect towards BMD in femoral neck in one (1) of the randomized controlled trials (n=38). Our results revealed that WBV significantly elicits improvements in bone mineral density in majority of the studies. Conclusion and Recommendations The studies presented substantial evidence for recommending the use of WBV for improving bone mineral density. The use of WBV with and without RE significantly improves BMD when compared to no intervention. Studies to determine effective dosage of vibration to improve BMD are recommended in the field of WBV.

The effect of the combination of whole body vibration and shoe with an unstable surface in chronic ankle instability treatment: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common condition following an ankle sprain. This study investigated the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) and shoe with an unstable surface training on balance, functional performance, strength, joint position sense in people with CAI.MethodThirty- four peoples with unilateral CAI were randomly assigned to three groups: WBV group, WBV with shoe with an unstable surface (WBV-S), and no treatment control group (CON). The WBV group received 4 weeks progressive WBV training and the WBV-S group received progressive WBV training with shoe with an unstable surface. Modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT)reach distance, Hop-Test, muscle strength, and joint position sense were measured at baseline and after the 4 weeks; Moreover, the mSEBT and Hop-Test were reassessed again 2 weeks post intervention.ResultsThe result showed a significant group-by-time interaction for anterior and posterolateral directions of mSEBT. The reach distance of these directions at post-intervention and follow-up increased significantly compare to pre-intervention in the WBV and WBV-S groups but not significantly change in the CON group. The Hop test in the WBV-S group was significantly more at post-intervention and follow-up compared to pre-intervention. However, no significant changes were observed in WBV and CON groups. No significant changes were observed for mSEBT posteromedial direction, muscles strength, and joint position sense errors.ConclusionThe 4 weeks WBV and WBV-S interventions could improve balance in peoples with CAI. Improvement in Hop test was only observed in the WBV-S group suggesting the added value of combining WBV and shoe with an unstable surface as an effective therapy compared to WBV training alone. The use of WBV and WBV-S were not associated with significant changes in strength and joint position sense variables over a four-week period.Trial registrationThis work registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20151118025105N4).

WHOLE BODY VIBRATION TRAINING ON SELECTED PERFORMANCE-RELATED PHYSICAL FITNESS COMPONENTS OF PLAYERS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN FOOTBALL TEAM, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Several studies have attempted to identify adequate recovery strategies for athletes. But only paucity or none of such studies has been accessed which investigated long term effects of whole body vibration (WBV) as a recovery technique regimen before, during and after performance. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of whole body vibration training on selected performance-related physical fitness components of players in the University of Ibadan football team, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study was carried out using pretest/posttest/control group experimental research design. The sample size for this study was twenty participants. The participants were placed into experimental groups, who undertook eight weeks of whole body vibration training, and a control group who involved in their normal daily training regimen without the use of WBV for eight weeks. Two research questions were answered while four hypotheses were tested. Descriptive statistics of mean, percentages, chats and inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to test all hypotheses at 0.05 alpha levels of significance. The results of the study showed a significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores of players in leg power (F(1, 18) =10.047; p&lt;0.05; ƞ2=.137) and balance (F(1, 18) =19.317; p&lt;0.05; ƞ2=.327) but no significant difference in agility(F(1, 18) =1.3923; p&gt;0.05; ƞ2=.031) and speed (F(1, 18) =1.006; p&gt;0.05; ƞ2=.062). Two hypotheses were rejected and two were not rejected. The results of this study help to conclude that whole body vibration training significantly improved the leg power and balance recovery of the participants but did not significantly improve agility and speed of the participants. It was therefore recommended that football coaches should incorporate whole body vibration training into their training programme as leg power and balance are essential fitness components needed to play the game of football.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Whole-body vibration mediates mechanical hypersensitivity through Aβ-fiber and C-fiber thermal sensation in a chronic pain model.

Whole-body vibration (WBV), which is widely used as a type of exercise, involves the use of vibratory stimuli and it is used for rehabilitation and sports performance programmes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of WBV treatment in a chronic pain model after 10 WBV sessions. An animal model (chronic pain) was applied in 60 male Wistar rats (±180 g, 12 weeks old) and the animals were treated with low intensity exercise (treadmill), WBV (vibrating platform), and a combined treatment involving both. The controls on the platform were set to a frequency of 42 Hz with 2 mm peak-to-peak displacement, g ≈ 7, in a spiral mode. Before and after the vibration exposure, sensitivity was determined. Aβ-fibers-mediated mechanical sensitivity thresholds (touch-pressure) were measured using a pressure meter. C-fibers-mediated thermal perception thresholds (hot pain) were measured with a hot plate. After each session, WBV influenced the discharge of skin touch-pressure receptors, reducing mechanical sensitivity in the WBV groups (P < 0.05). Comparing the conditions "before vs. after", thermal perception thresholds (hot pain) started to decrease significantly after the third WBV session (P < 0.05). WBV decreases mechanical hyperalgesia after all sessions and thermal sensitivity after the third session with the use of WBV.

Short-term effects of whole-body vibration on the soleus of ooforectomized rats: Histomorphometric analysis and oxidative stress in an animal model

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mechanical vibration on the histomorphometry and oxidative stress of oophorectomized rats. MethodSeventy-two Wistar rats were randomized to Pseudoophorectomy (P) and Oophorectomy (O) and subdivided into untreated animals and euthanized after four (P4 and O4) and eight (P8 and O8) weeks and animals treated during four (PT4 and OT4) and eight (PT8 and OT8) weeks. The treatment consisted of use of whole-body vibration for 10 min, three times a week. After euthanasia, the soleus muscle was collected. The general morphological analysis was performed in the right soleus muscle and then the cross-sectional area, the largest and the smallest diameter of the muscle fiber in 100 fibers per muscle, also the nuclei and capillary/fiber ratios, and percentage of connective tissue were measured. The left soleous was used for oxidative stress analysis. ResultsPT4 presented higher values in cross-sectional area than P4 and PT8, while O8 was lower than O4, P8 and OT8; for the fiber diameters, the oophorectomized animals had lower values than the pseudo-oophorectomized animals and the treatments values higher than the ones that had no treatment. In oxidative stress, O8 and OT8 presented higher lipoperoxidation, without any alterations to the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and cholinesterase. ConclusionWhole-body vibration induced muscle hypertrophy in the pseudo-oophorectomized rats after four weeks, as well as being able to reverse the changes caused by the surgery in eight weeks in that variable.

A piezoelectric bone fixation plate for in vivo application and monitoring of mechanical loading during fracture healing

Fracture non-union, the failure of a bone fracture to bridge, occurs in roughly 5%–10% of treated fractures and requires lengthy and expensive follow-up interventions. A significant body of research has investigated the efficacy of low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibration as a treatment for femoral non-unions through the use of whole-body vibration. This work presents a novel piezoelectric fixation plate for investigating the efficacy of LMHF treatment by applying loads directly to the fracture site, thus reducing undesired systemic effects such as hormonal up-regulation induced by whole-body vibration. The fixation plate can apply mechanical loading in the LMHF regime and monitor the mechanical environment at the fracture site during ambulation to quantify progressive changes in callus stiffness over time as an indication of healing. Mechanical testing demonstrated the ability of the plate to provide displacements of up to 10 µm, as well as to estimate the changing stiffness of the fracture environment.

Effect of whole body vibration on the electromyographic activity of core stabilizer muscles: WBV ON CORE STABILIZER MUSCLES

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of whole body vibration on electromyographic activity of the core muscles. MethodsThis is an observational cross-sectional study composed of 30 males who practice physical activity. The amplitude of the electromyographic activation (Root Mean Square - RMS) of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, longissimus thoracis, multifidus muscles were evaluated during supine bridge, side plank and frontal plank exercises, performed with and without vibration (frequency: 50 Hz and amplitude: 4 mm). A significance level of 5% was assigned for all analyzes. ResultsWhole body vibration did not alter the amplitude of electromyographic activity for any of the evaluated muscle groups, showing no difference between the conditions with and without vibration during the performance of the proposed exercises. ConclusionUnder the conditions analyzed in this study, the vibrating platform does not change the activation amplitude of core muscles, suggesting that the use of whole body vibration is not necessary as an additional method to increase muscle activity during stabilization exercises in healthy men.

Whole-Body Vibration as a Warm-up Before Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage on Symptoms of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Trained Subjects

Magoffin, RD, Parcell, AC, Hyldahl, RD, Fellingham, GW, Hopkins, JT, and Feland, JB. Whole-body vibration as a warm-up before exercise-induced muscle damage on symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness in trained subjects. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1123-1132, 2020-There is no clear scientific evidence that whole-body vibration (WBV) used as a warm-up before performing eccentric exercise mitigates delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and speeds strength loss recovery. These benefits were observed primarily in nonresistance-trained individuals. The aim of this study was to determine whether WBV could mitigate soreness and expedite strength recovery for resistance-trained individuals when used as a warm-up before eccentric exercise. Thirty resistance-trained males completed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps after warming up with (WBV) or without (CON) WBV. Both CON and WBV experienced significant isometric (26.3 and 30.2%, respectively) and dynamic (50.9 and 46.4%, respectively) strength loss immediately after exercise. Isometric strength was significantly depressed after 24 hours in the CON group (8.2% p < 0.02), but not in the WBV group (5.9% p = 0.7). Isometric strength was no longer significantly depressed after 48 hours in the CON group (6.1% p < 0.07) or the WBV group (4.1% p = 0.20). Dynamic strength was significantly decreased in both the CON and WBV groups at 24 hours (17.7% p < 0.001 and 15.5% p < 0.001, respectively) and 48 hours (17.1% p < 0.01 and 13.6% p < 0.002), but only significant for the CON at 1 week after exercise (8.6% p = 0.05). Pain as measured by a visual analog scale was significant in both groups at 24 and 48 hours after exercise, but WBV experienced significantly less soreness than the CON group after 24 hours (28 vs. 46 mm p < 0.01, respectively) and 48 hours (38 vs. 50 mm p < 0.01). Pain pressure threshold increased significantly in both groups, but there was no difference between groups. These results suggest the use of WBV before eccentric exercise mildly mitigates DOMS in trained individuals. Application of WBV can function as a quick mode of warm-up before resistance training and can decrease pain perception from DOMS. This may be beneficial to athletes undergoing a heavy strength training phase where DOMS is likely.

Effects of vibratory platform training on the histomorphometric parameters of the soleus muscle in obese Wistar rats

The increasing of obesity is one of the main challenges of public health, with an incentive to the development of healthy life habits and practise of physical exercise. Among the physical exercises, the use of whole body vibration is highlighted, which can promote gain of muscle strength. This study aimed atevaluating the effects that vibratory platform causes on the histomophometry and fiber types of the soleus muscle of Wistar rats with induced obesity by monosodium glutamate (MSG). Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used, 16 of which were induced by obesity with intradermal injections of MSG, equally randomized into four groups: control (GC), control with intervention (GCP), obese (GO), and obese with intervention (GOP). At the 70 days, the training on vibratory platform was started adapted to a frequency of 60 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm, performed 3 times a week, with a duration of 10 min, during 8 consecutive weeks. At 130 days, the animals were weighed and the nasoanal length was measured; then they were euthanized and the soleus muscles were collected and processed for analysis. Data were statistically analyzed about the homogeneity of variances by the Bartlett’s test, about the normality by Shapiro–Wilk’s test, then ANOVA of two factors and Tukey-HSD follow-up tests, adopting the significance level of 5%. Morphometrically, the obese groups presented muscle hypotrophy (p < 0.01) and the training caused increase in the fibers (p = 0.03), increase in the number of nuclei (p < 0.01), and decrease of connective tissue (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, there was no distinction among the muscle fiber types after the training on the vibratory platform, which is composed of oxidative fibers. The training on the vibratory platform induced beneficial effects in the muscle tissue of obese rats; however, both obesity and training did not influence on the fiber type of the soleus muscle.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Dopplerfluxometry of the Common Carotid Artery Parameters among Adult and Elderly Non-Athletes Healthy Dogs

Background: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) is an oscillatory mechanical stimulus spreading throughout the body and considered a type of physical exercise because of the activation of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neuroendocrine systems. It is a physical exercise modality since it promotes cardiovascular resistance, increase in muscular strength and neurosensitivity, and motor coordination improvement. For use of WBV as an exercise modality for dogs, it is necessary to evaluate the Dopplerfluxometry parameters of the common carotid artery in healthy dogs in order to perform a safe protocol without inducing any cerebral alteration. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of WBV on systolic peak velocity (SPV), resistivity (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the both common carotid artery among adults and elderly non-athletes healthy dog.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Fourteen clinically healthy, neutered crossbreed male dogs, non-athlete were divided into two groups of seven dogs, according to the age group: Group 1 (G1)- Adult dogs: age between 12 and 84 months; Group 2 (G2)- Elderly dogs: aged over 84 months. All dogs were submitted to sessions of WBV using the protocol of 30 Hz for 5 min, followed by an increase to 50 Hz for 5 more min and ending with 5 min at 30 Hz, without rest between the variation of the vibration frequency. The systolic peak velocity (SPV), resistivity (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the common carotid artery were assessed in two time-points: 5 min before the WBV sessions (5PRE) and 1 min after the WBV (1POS). No significant variations in the SPS, RI, and PI of both common carotid artery of the G1 and G2 were identified. The anatomic reference for the left and right common carotid artery was the right and left extern jugulars veins, which were identified by the venous blood vessel characteristics as endothelium type, and single-phase without systolic peaks wave. Discussion: In humans, WBV is indicated to muscle size and tone increase, therefore it is believed that this modality can present a beneficial result in dogs with muscular atrophy associated with orthopedic surgeries and in cases of osteoarthritis. Irreversible brain damage can be caused by a possible hemodynamic alteration in the common carotid arteries resulted from mechanical vibrations. Parkinson’s disease patients and individuals affected by strokes that went under acute sessions of WBV showed handshake reduction and better proprioception, respectively. The beneficial effect was observed in cervix opening in dogs with metritis. The behavior of sitting of the dogs over 30 kg during WBVsessions was associated with paraparesis. This result was present in medium-size non-athletic dogs weighing from 10.1 to 17.9 kg that went through WBV for 5 consecutive days, using the same vibrating platform. No signs of discomfort during a single session of 10 min of WBV (15 and 21 Hz) were observed in healthy adult horses. Studies using mechanical vibrations on adult healthy dogs did not show significant variation RI of the renal artery. On the other hand, daily use of WBV for 5 days on dogs showed significant enhancement on RI of the femoral artery immediately after it. A single session of WBV (30 and 50 Hz did, for 15 min) do not produce undesirable effects on SPV, RI, and PI of both common carotid arteries in adult and elderly non-athletic healthy dogs.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration with Stretching Exercise on Active and Passive Range of Motion in Lower Extremities in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Increasing the range of motion in joints is considered to be one of the most long term concerns in the treatment of cerebral palsy (CP). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using whole body vibration (WBV) as a new therapeutic approach, with stretching exercises on the range of motion in lower extremities in children with CP. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 20 children aged 4 to 12 years were enrolled. Participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Control group received only passive static stretching exercise and experimental group received passive static stretching with WBV. Exercises were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. To collect data, Goniometry, modified Ashworth scale and 6 Minute Walk Test were used. Results: The results of this study indicated that, stretching with WBV, increases active range of motion in hip flexion, abduction and ankle dorsal flexion and also can improve speed of walking in children with CP. Conclusions: According to the findings, the use of WBV can be considered as an effective treatment in increasing the range of motion and walking speed in CP children.