Whole-body Vibration Group Research Articles

The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Training on Some Biochemical Values in Terms of Osteoporosis Risk in Premenopausal Women

The main purpose of the present study is to comparatively examine the effects of Whole body vibration (WBV) trainings on some biochemical bone-turnover markers (Beta-CTx, Osteocalcin) in terms of osteoporosis. Twenty-four sedentary women (mean age=37.12±1.84 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided to 3 groups: whole body vibration exercise group (WBV, n=8), classical resistance exercise group (CR, n=8), and control group (CO, n=8). Vibration trainings and classical resistance trainings were applied in similar exercise models for major muscle groups three days a week for eight weeks, not on consecutive days but in the same contexts. Of biochemical values, Beta-CTx and Osteocalcin were analysed by using Cobas e 411 ECLIA (Electro Chem. Luminance Immune Assay) method before and after the eight-week exercise period. For intra-group comparisons paired-samples t-test, for inter-group comparisons one way ANOVA, and for multi-comparisons Tukey test were used. While a statistically significant difference was found between pretest posttest of Beta-CTx and Osteocalcin values of CR (p<.05), there was not a significant difference in WBV and CO groups (p>.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of pretest posttest biochemical value changes (Beta-CTx, Osteocalsin) of the participants (p<.05). As a result, eight-week WBV training in premenopausal women can be considered as safe in terms of biochemical values’ (Beta-CTx, Osteocalcin) remaining unchanged. On the other hand, CR training made significant changes on the values in question. Whether this change is an acute effect or not has become a raising question. This case can be studied in premenopausal women in further research.

The combined effect of Parathyroid hormone (1-34) and whole-body Vibration exercise in the treatment of OSteoporosis (PaVOS)- study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPaVOS is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which aims to address the use of whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) in combination with parathyroid hormone 1-34 fragment teriparatide (PTH 1-34) treatment in patients with osteoporosis. PTH 1-34 is an effective but expensive anabolic treatment for osteoporosis. WBV has been found to stimulate muscle and bone growth. Animal studies have shown a beneficial effect on bone when combining PTH 1-34 with mechanical loading. A combined treatment with PTH 1-34 and WBV may potentially have beneficial effects on bone and muscles, and reduce fracture risk.Methods/designPaVOS is a multicenter, assessor-blinded, superiority, two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT).Postmenopausal women (n = 40, aged 50 years and older) starting taking PTH 1-34 from outpatient clinics will be randomized and assigned to a PTH 1-34 + WBV-exercise group (intervention group), or a PTH 1-34-alone group (control group).The intervention group will undergo WBV three sessions a week (12 min each, including 1:1 ratio of exercise: rest, 30 Hz, 1 mm amplitude) for a 12-month intervention period. Both the intervention and the control group will receive PTH 1-34 treatment (20 μg s.c. daily) for 24 months. After 12 months the WBV group will be re-randomized to stop or continue WBV for an additional 12 months.The primary endpoint, bone mineral density (BMD), will be measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the total hip and the lumbar spine.Secondary endpoints, bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength, will be assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the radius and tibia. Serum bone turnover markers (carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX), amino-terminal propeptide of type-I collagen (P1NP), and sclerostin) and functional biomarkers (Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength, and leg extension power) will be measured to assess the effect on bone turnover, muscle strength, balance, and functionality. Quality of life (EQ-5D), physical activity (IPAQ) and fear of falling (FES-I) will be assessed by questionnaires. Data on adherence and falls incidence will be collected.DiscussionThe PaVOS study will investigate the effects of WBV in combination with PTH 1-34 on bone parameters in postmenopausal women.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02563353. Registered on 30 September 2015.

전신진동(whole body vibration) 및 한쪽 다리 등속성 운동이 동맥경직도 및 대퇴직근 경직도에 미치는 영향

This study is in order to observe the changes of arterial and muscle stiffness after iso-kinetic single leg exercise and whole body vibration application. In a cross-over design, 9 young (19.5±1.4years) healthy males were assigned to whole body vibration (WBV) treatment group and control (complete rest) group with a week interval. Each Subject conducted iso-kinetic knee flexion and extension exercise by dominant leg at180°/sec, 10 bouts, and 10 sets (Biodex system 4, Medical System Inc, USA). The WBV session consisted of 10 sets of vibration (frequency, 26 Hz) for 60s with 60s of rest between sets. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), as index of arterial stiffness, were measured by VaSera CAVI instrument (Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) before, right after exercise and recovery 20min. In order to measure the mechanical properties like muscle stiffness and elasticity, MyotonPro (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) was applied to muscle belly of rectus femoris at the same time point. From the Myoton measurement, Three indexes (Frequency, Logarithmic Decrement and Dynamic Stiffness) were obtained. The results are as follows: 1. No significant difference in rectus femoris muscle and arterial stiffness index were found between WBV and control group at all the time point. 2. ABI was significantly lower in exercised leg than non-exercised leg immediately after exercise (p.05), although ABI decreased significantly in both legs after exercise (p.05). 3. CAVI showed no significant difference between exercised leg and the non-exercised leg. 4. The muscle tension, stiffness increased significantly in exercised leg than non-exercised leg (p.05) while elasticity decreased significantly in exercised leg than non-exercised leg immediately after exercise (p.05). These results suggest that iso-kinetic-leg exercise may have effect on the changes of both arterial and muscle stiffness index of non-exercised leg as well as exercised leg.

Abstract WP96: Whole Body Vibration After Ischemia Reduces Inflammation in the Brain of Reproductively Senescent Female Rats

Introduction: A woman’s risk of stroke increases exponentially after menopause, and even a mild ischemic episode can result in increased frailty. Studies performed in laboratory animals and humans support the hypothesis that whole body vibration (WBV) reduces or reverses pathological remodeling of bone and lessens frailty-related physiological deterioration. Using a rodent model of stroke, we have examined whether WBV reduces inflammation and post-ischemic damage and improves motor function in reproductively senescent (RS) female rats. Methods: The estrous cycles of retired breeder Sprague–Dawley female rats (9–12 months; n = 4-6) were monitored for 14-20 days by daily vaginal smears. Rats that remained in constant diestrous were considered RS, exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO; 60 min) and randomly assigned to either WBV or control groups. Animals placed in the WBV (40 Hz) group underwent 30 days of WBV treatment performed twice daily for 15 min each session for 5 days each week. During the treatment period, we tested motor function using a rotarod test intermittently after tMCAO. Animals were sacrificed on 30th day of WBV treatment and brain tissue was harvested for histopathological and inflammasome protein analysis performed by western blotting. Results: WBV decreased protein levels of caspase-1, ASC and IL-1 β by 88% (p < 0.05), 57% (p < 0.05) and 148% (p < 0.05) in the peri-infarct area as compared to control-treated group. The rotarod test scores from the WBV treatment group were significantly higher than the control group on day 30 (p < 0.05), suggesting a significant improvement in functional activity of the WBV group. The histopathological assessment demonstrated a significant reduction in infarct volume in a mild-stroke model following WBV treatment as compared to control rats. We observed 56% reduction in infarct volume of WBV treated rats as compared to control. In parallel, we also monitored neurological deficit of rats that were exposed to WBV/control treatment after tMCAO. Conclusion: The post-ischemic WBV intervention reduces brain damage and frailty in RS female rats, suggesting that WBV may be a potential therapy to reduce post-ischemic frailty and improve functional and cognitive outcomes after stroke in women.

Whole Body Vibration Retards Progression of Atherosclerosis via Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.

Whole body vibration (WBV) has a marked impact on lipid metabolism and the endocrine system, which is related to the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). To investigate the effects of WBV, we measured the atherosclerotic plaque area of apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE−/−) AS mice, which were trained by WBV (15 Hz, 30 min) for 12 weeks. Simultaneously, serum levels of lipids, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the mRNA and protein levels of the same in the aorta were compared between the control and WBV groups. The results indicated that WBV significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area with lower very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in the blood. Moreover, the levels of IGF-1 in serum and expression of IL-6, IGF-1R, and p-IGF-1R protein in the mice aorta decreased significantly in the WBV group. In addition, we found that serum IGF-1 in mice increased to the highest concentration in 30 min after WBV for 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. These results suggested that appropriate WBV may delay the progression of AS, which was associated with acutely elevated serum IGF-1 and lower levels of IGF-1 and IL-6 in the aorta for long-term treatment.

What does the vibration therapy add? A quasi-experimental, pilot study on the short term effects of whole-body vibration as mode of exercise for nursing home residents aged 80+

Aims: To compare the responses of nursing home residents aged 80+ to an 8 weeks exercise program performed on a vibratory device and to the same exercise program preformed without vibration on lower limb performance, functional dependence and quality of life. Methods: Lower limb performance was evaluated using the 30 seconds Chair Sit to Stand test. Functional mobility was assessed using the timed up and go test. Postural stability was measured using a force platform. The Barthel Index was used to assess functional dependence and the EuroQol was used to evaluate Health-Related Quality of Life. 44 participants were allocated to the whole-body vibration group (n= 15), non-vibration group (n= 15) or to the control group (n= 14). Results: Significant differences were detected in favour of the whole-body vibration group in lower limb muscle performance (p = 0.001), mobility (p = 0.001), functional independence (p = 0.009) and quality of life (p < 0.001) as compared to the control and non-vibration groups. Conclusions: Whole body vibration based interventions may add additional benefits to conventional exercise programs in terms of lower limb muscle performance, functional dependence and quality of life among nursing home residents over 80 years.

The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Lower-Body Resistance Detraining in College-Age Women

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study explored the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) using accelerations of 2.56 g to 7.68 g on lower-body detraining. Methods: All participants (N = 20) were trained using a lower-body resistance-training program for 30 min twice per week from Week 0 to Week 6. At the end of the program, they were randomly assigned to a control group that performed no further training or a WBV group that performed a progressive static WBV program. Data for the 5-repetition-maximum (5RM) squat and extensors and flexors of the knee and ankle were collected at Weeks 0, 6, 8, 10, and 12 for all participants. Results: Two-way (condition vs. time) analysis of variance revealed that although the WBV group maintained strength in the 5RM from Week 6 through Week 8 and the control group had a lower 5RM in Week 8 from Week 6, no differences in the 5RM squat existed between the groups at Week 8. Two-way factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealed no differences between the groups at any of the time for torque of knee flexion, dorsiflexion, or plantar flexion. Conclusion: Static WBV of 2.56 g to 7.68 g did not attenuate detraining of the flexors and extensors of the knee and ankle.

Whole body vibration added to treatment as usual is effective in adolescents with depression: a partly randomized, three-armed clinical trial in inpatients.

There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of adult major depression. With regard to adolescents, clinical trials are scarce. Due to the inherent symptoms of depression (lack of energy, low motivation to exercise), endurance training forms could be too demanding especially in the first weeks of treatment. We hypothesized that an easy-to-perform passive muscular training on a whole body vibration (WBV) device has equal anti-depressive effects compared to a cardiovascular training, both administered as add-ons to treatment as usual (TAU). Secondly, we presumed that both exercise interventions would be superior in their response, compared to TAU. In 2years 64 medication-naïve depressed inpatients aged 13-18, were included. Both exercise groups fulfilled a supervised vigorous training for 6weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed by self-report ("Depressions Inventar für Kinder und Jugendliche"-DIKJ) before intervention and after weeks 6, 14 and 26. Compared to TAU, both groups responded earlier and more strongly measured by DIKJ scores, showing a trend for the WBV group after week 6 (p=0.082). The decrease became statistically significant for both intervention groups after week 26 (p=0.037 for ergometer and p=0.042 for WBV). Remission rates amounted to 39.7% after week 6 and 66% after week 26, compared to 25% after week 26 in TAU. These results provide qualified support for the effectiveness of exercise as add-on treatment for medication-naïve depressed adolescents. The present results are limited by the not randomized control group.

Effect of Training Exercises Incorporating Mechanical Devices on Fatigue and Gait Pattern in Persons with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular exercise incorporating mechanical devices on fatigue, gait pattern, mood, and quality of life in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Method: A total of 55 individuals with RRMS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 0-4.5 and a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score of 4.0 or more were randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups or a control group (n=18). Exercise programmes used aerobic, body weight, coordination, and balance exercises with either whole-body vibration (WBV; n=19; drop-outs, n=3) or the Balance Trainer system (n=18; drop-outs, n=4). Outcome measures included the FSS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed using the GAITRite electronic walkway. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed by a blinded assessor. Intra- and inter-group analysis was performed, using the paired-samples t-test, by calculating the effect size with Cohen's d analysis and one-way analysis of variance, respectively. Results: Significant improvements in fatigue and mood were identified for both intervention groups (p<0.05). Gait parameters also improved significantly in the WBV group: velocity and step length increased (12.8% and 6.5%, respectively; p<0.005), and step time, stance time, double support time, and step length asymmetry decreased (-5.3%, -1.4%, -5.9%, and -43.7%, respectively; p<0.005). Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis that combined training programmes help to reduce fatigue and improve mood in persons with mild to moderate RRMS. WBV combined with a standard exercise programme significantly improves spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Effects of whole body vibration training and mental training on mobility, neuromuscular performance, and muscle strength in older men.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise, mental training (MT), and the concurrent effect of WBV and MT on lower body balance, neuromuscular performance, and leg muscle strength in elderly men. In a randomized control trial study with parallel group design, 42 older men (mean±standard deviation age, 68±5.78 years) were randomly divided into four groups: WBV (n=11), MT (n=12), WBV+MT (n=10), and control (n=9) groups. The protocol of training consisted of three sessions per week for 8 weeks and about 30 min for each session. The WBV exercise was performed on a vibration machine. In MT group, participants were asked to mentally visualize to do the Timed Up and Go and relaxation technics. postural stability, the Timed Up and Go test, 5-repetition chair-rising test, 6-m tandem gait test, 10-m walking, and leg isometric strength were measured in baseline and after 8-week intervention. Repeated measures-analysis of variance followed by post hoc was used to analyses the data. The results of this study showed that there were significant improvements (P<0.05) in postural stability, Timed Up and Go, 5-repetition chair-rising, 6-m tandem gait test, 10-m walking, and leg isometric strength in WBV, MT, and WBV+MT in comparison with baseline and in comparison with control group. It seems that older adults can take benefit from WBV and MT and WBV+MT exercise as a cost-effective and practical way without side effects to improve postural control, mobility, and functional performance.

Effects of whole-body vibration on balance and mobility in institutionalized older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate whether a comprehensive exercise program was effective in improving physical function among institutionalized older adults and whether adding whole-body vibration to the program conferred additional therapeutic benefits. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Setting: This study was carried out in residential care units. Participants: In total, 73 older adults (40 women, mean age: 82.3 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled into this study. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: strength and balance program combined with whole-body vibration, strength and balance program without whole-body vibration, and social and recreational activities consisting of upper limb exercises only. All participants completed three training sessions per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures: Assessment of mobility, balance, lower limb strength, walking endurance, and self-perceived balance confidence were conducted at baseline and immediately after the eight-week intervention. Incidences of falls requiring medical attention were recorded for one year after the end of the training period. Results: A significant time × group interaction was found for lower limb strength (five-times-sit-to-stand test; P = 0.048), with the exercise-only group showing improvement (pretest: 35.8 ± 16.1 seconds; posttest: 29.0 ± 9.8 seconds), compared with a decline in strength among controls (pretest: 27.1 ± 10.4 seconds; posttest: 28.7 ± 12.3 seconds; P = 0.030). The exercise with whole-body vibration group had a significantly better outcome in balance confidence (pretest: 39.2 ± 29.0; posttest: 48.4 ± 30.6) than the exercise-only group (pretest: 35.9 ± 24.8; posttest: 38.2 ± 26.5; P = 0.033). Conclusion: The exercise program was effective in improving lower limb strength among institutionalized older adults but adding whole-body vibration did not enhance its effect. Whole-body vibration may improve balance confidence without enhancing actual balance performance.

Low-1 level mechanical vibration improves bone microstructure, tissue mechanical properties and porous titanium implant osseointegration by promoting anabolic response in type 1 diabetic rabbits

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with reduced bone mass, increased fracture risk, and impaired bone defect regeneration potential. These skeletal complications are becoming important clinical challenges due to the rapidly increasing T1DM population, which necessitates developing effective treatment for T1DM-associated osteopenia/osteoporosis and bone trauma. This study aims to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV), an easy and non-invasive biophysical method, on bone microstructure, tissue-level mechanical properties and porous titanium (pTi) osseointegration in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. Six non-diabetic and twelve alloxan-treated diabetic rabbits were equally assigned to the Control, DM, and DM with WBV stimulation (WBV) groups. A cylindrical drill-hole defect was established on the left femoral lateral condyle of all rabbits and filled with a novel non-toxic Ti2448 pTi. Rabbits in the WBV group were exposed to 1h/day WBV (0.3g, 30Hz) for 8weeks. After sacrifice, the left femoral condyles were harvested for histological, histomorphometric and nanoindentation analyses. The femoral sample with 2-cm height above the defect was used for qRT-PCR analysis. The right distal femora were scanned with μCT. We found that all alloxan-treated rabbits exhibited hyperglycemia throughout the experimental period. WBV inhibited the deterioration of cancellous and cortical bone architecture and tissue-level mechanical properties via μCT, histological and nanoindentation examinations. T1DM-induced reduction of bone formation was inhibited by WBV, as evidenced by elevated serum OCN and increased mineral apposition rate (MAR), whereas no alteration was observed in bone resorption marker TRACP5b. WBV also stimulated more adequate ingrowths of mineralized bone tissue into pTi pore spaces, and improved peri-implant bone tissue-level mechanical properties and MAR in T1DM bone defects. WBV mitigated the reductions in femoral BMP2, OCN, Wnt3a, Lrp6, and β-catenin and inhibited Sost mRNA expression but did not alter RANKL or RANK gene expression in T1DM rabbits. Our findings demonstrated that WBV improved bone architecture, tissue-level mechanical properties, and pTi osseointegration by promoting canonical Wnt signaling-mediated skeletal anabolic response. This study not only advances our understanding of T1DM skeletal sensitivity in response to external mechanical cues but also offers new treatment alternatives for T1DM-associated osteopenia/osteoporosis and osseous defects in an economic and highly efficient manner.

Whole-Body Vibration on Performance of Quadriceps After ACL Reconstruction: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been widely used in clinical and sport practice. These devices produce constant vibrations, originating symmetrical waves that move along the vertical axis. It is suggested that mechanical stimuli produced by high vibration can be an alternative to improve neuromuscular performance and balance in different populations. However, there is still a lack of consensus in the literature regarding neurophysiological responses in the skeletal muscle immediately after the use of WBV, specifically in individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. To investigate the immediate effects of WBV on neuromuscular performance of the quadriceps femoris and postural oscillation of individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This is a blinded randomized controlled trial. University laboratory. Forty-four men. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: control group (n = 22, exercise protocol on the vibrating platform turned off) and WBV group (n = 22, exercises on the vibrating platform turned on, at a frequency of 50Hz and amplitude of 4mm). The volunteers underwent a dynamometric evaluation of the quadriceps femoris and electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles, in addition to oscillation of the center of pressure at 2 different moments: before and immediately after the intervention protocol. The intragroup comparison evidenced differences between preassessments and postassessments for the variables of laterolateral amplitude, peak torque, and total work. However, no significant difference was observed in the intergroup comparison after WBV protocol. The use of WBV did not immediately alter the performance of the quadriceps femoris and the electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles. In addition, it also did not interfere with pressure center oscillation of individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Effect of axial vertical vibration on degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs in modified bipedal rats: An in-vivo study.

To assess the effects of axial vibrations on gene expression and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration invivo. A modified bipedal rat model was established using a brachial plexus rhizotomy approach to imitate human upright posture. The experimental animals were randomly divided into three groups: control, vertical vibration, and whole-body vibration. Gene expression in degeneration of the intervertebral discs was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of aggrecan, Col1α1, Col2α1, and decorin were shown to be up-regulated in 14-week-old rats in the vertical vibration and whole-body vibration groups, whereas biglycan and versican expression was down-regulated in 14-week-old rats of the two experimental groups. Furthermore, biglycan and versican expression levels were shown to be lower in the whole-body vibration group than in the vertical vibration group (P<0.05). This in-vivo study demonstrated that vibrations can influence the expression of anabolic genes. Furthermore, whole-body vibrations seem to have a greater effect in this regard than vertical vibrations. A new method is expected to relieve the low back pain of the patients through our research.

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Bone and Muscle Function in Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is associated with reduced muscle size, dynamic muscle function, and mobility. To assess the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone density and geometry, muscle size and function, mobility, and balance in children with OI. Randomized controlled pilot trial. Tertiary pediatric research center. Twenty-four children (5 to 16 years) with OI types 1, 4, and limited mobility [Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) score ≥ 0.13] recruited in sex- and pubertal stage-matched pairs. Incident fractures in two boys (WBV arm) led to exclusion of two prepubertal pairs. Five months of WBV training (3 × 3 minutes twice daily) or regular care. Bone and muscle variables measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (spine, hip, total body) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (tibia). Mobility assessed by 6-minute walk tests and CHAQ; dynamic muscle function by mechanography. All participants had reduced walking distances and muscle function (P < 0.001). Body mass index z score was associated with higher CHAQ scores (ρ + 0.552; P = 0.005) and lower walking and two-leg jumping performance (ρ - 0.405 to -0.654, P < 0.05). The WBV and control groups did not differ in the 5-month changes in bone. Total lean mass increased more in the WBV group [+1119 g (+224 to +1744)] compared with controls [+635 g (-951 to +1006)], P = 0.01, without improving mobility, muscle function, or balance. The increase in lean mass without changes in muscle function or bone mass suggests reduced biomechanical responsiveness of the muscle-bone unit in children with OI.

Whole body vibration (WBV) following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats: Timing of intervention.

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), exercise training provides a wide range of benefits and promotes activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Whole body vibration (WBV) in SCI patients improves walking and spasticity as well as bone and muscle mass. However, little is known about the effects of timing or frequency of intervention. To determine which WBV-onset improves locomotor and bladder functions and influences synaptic plasticity beneficially. SCI was followed by WBV starting 1, 7, 14, 28 days after injury (WBV1, WBV7, etc.) and continued for 12 weeks. Intact animals and those receiving SCI but no WBV (No WBV), SCI plus WBV twice daily (2×WBV) and SCI followed by passive hindlimb flexion-extension (PFE) served as controls. Locomotor [BBB rating, foot stepping angle (FSA) and rump-height index (RHI)] as well as bladder function were determined at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Following perfusion fixation at 12 weeks, lesion volume and immunofluorescence for astrogliosis (GFAP), microglia (IBA1) and synaptic vesicles (synaptophysin, SYN) were determined. Compared to the No WBV group, the WB7 and WBV14 groups showed significantly faster speeds of BBB score recovery though this effect was temporary. Considering RHI we detected a sustained improvement in the WBV14 and PFE groups. Bladder function was better in the WBV14, WBV28, 2×WBV and PFE groups. Synaptophysin levels improved in response to WBV7 and WBV14, but worsened after WBV28 in parallel to an increased IBA1 expression. Correlation- and principal components analysis revealed complex relationships between behavioural (BBB, FSA, RHI) and morphological (GFAP, IBA1, SYN) measurements. WBV started 14 days after SCI provides the most benefit (RHI, bladder); starting at 1day after SCI provides no benefit and starting at 28 days may be detrimental. Increasing the intensity of WBV to twice daily did not provide additional benefit.

The effect of a whole-body vibration therapy on the sitting balance of subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background: The use of a whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy has recently been applied and investigated as a rehabilitation method for subacute stroke patients.Objective: To evaluate the effects of a WBV therapy on recovery of balance in subacute stroke patients who were unable to gain sitting balance.Methods: The conventional rehabilitation group (CG) received conventional physical therapy, including sitting balance training by a physical therapist, for 30 min a one session, for twice a day for five days a week for two weeks. The whole-body vibration group (VG) received one session of conventional physical therapy, and received WBV therapy instead of conventional physical therapy for 30 min a day for five days a week for two weeks.Results: There were 15 patients in the CG and 15 patients in the VG who completed the two-week therapy. After the two-week therapy, both groups showed functional improvement. Patients in the VG improved functional ambulation categories, Berg balance scale, trunk impairment scale scores. But, no statistically significant correlations between the therapeutic methods and outcomes were observed in either group.Conclusion: Our results suggest that WBV therapy led to improvement of the recovery in balance recovery for subacute stroke patients. Because the WBV therapy was as effective as conventional physical therapy, we can consider a WBV therapy as a clinical method to improve the sitting balance of subacute stoke patients.

Effect of whole-body vibration on center-of-mass movement during standing in children and young adults

Whole body vibration (WBV) can affect postural control and muscular activation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the center-of-mass (COM) movement of children and young adults before, during, immediately after, and 5min after 40-s WBV in quiet standing. Fourteen young adults (mean age 24.5 years) and fourteen children (mean age 8.1 years) participated in the study. A full-body 35-marker set was placed on the participants and used to calculate COM. Forty-second standing trials were collected before, during, immediately after, and 5min after WBV with an frequency of 28Hz and an amplitude of <1mm. Two visual conditions were provided: eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC). COM variables included time-domain measures (average velocity, range, sway area and fractal dimension), frequency-domain measures (total power and median frequency), and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) scaling exponent in both anterior–posterior (AP) and medial–lateral (ML) directions. Results show that during WBV both children and adults increased average velocity and median frequency, but decreased range and the DFA scaling exponent. Immediately after WBV both groups increased the range, but showed pre-vibration values for most of the COM variables. Comparing to adults, children displayed a higher COM velocity, range, fractal dimension, and total power, but a lower DFA scaling exponent at all phases. The results suggest that both children and adults can quickly adapt their postural control system to WBV and maintain balance during and after vibration. Children display some adult-like postural control during and after WBV; however, their postural development continues into adolescence.

Effects of adding whole-body vibration to routine day activity program on physical functioning in elderly with mild or moderate dementia: a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) added to a routine activity program on lower limb strength, balance, and mobility among community-dwelling individuals with mild or moderate dementia, compared with the routine program alone. Fifty-four older adults (40 women; mean (SD) age: 79.8 (6.1) years) with mild or moderate dementia were recruited from two daycare centers. The participants were randomly allocated to undergo a routine day activity program combined with WBV training (WBV at 30 Hz, 2-mm peak-to-peak amplitude) or the routine program only without WBV for 9 weeks (18 sessions). The primary outcome was functional mobility, measured using the timed up-and-go test. The following secondary outcomes were evaluated: Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti balance assessment, time to complete 5 repetitions of sit-to-stand, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's disease questionnaire, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. The attendance rate and incidence of adverse events were also recorded. The attendance rate for the training was high (86.0%). The incidence of adverse events was low, with only two of the 27 participants in the WBV group reporting mild knee pain. While significant improvement in timed up-and-go, Berg Balance Scale, and Tinetti balance score was found in both groups, none of the outcomes demonstrated a significant group by time interaction. WBV training is feasible and safe to use with people with mild or moderate dementia. However, it did not lead to further improvement in physical function and quality of life than the usual activity program provided at the daycare centers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mobility, Balance, and Muscle Strength Adaptations to Short-Term Whole Body Vibration Training Plus Oral Creatine Supplementation in Elderly Women

Background: A decline in neuromuscular function can cause a decrease in physical fitness in elderly women. Objective: The present study aimed at investigating whether whole body vibration (WBV) training and creatine supplementation could affect muscle strength, mobility, and balance in elderly women in short- term. Methods: The participants were 22 healthy elderly women aged 60 to 80 years, who were randomly divided into the whole-body vibration and creatine (WBV + Cr) group, whole-body vibration and placebo (WBV + P) group, and control group. The whole-body vibration group performed exercises for 10 days. The participants in WBV + Cr group consumed 20 g oral creatine supplement per day from the first to the fifth day, which was followed by consuming 5 g of creatine per day for the next 5 days. To assess mobility performance, a 30-meter walking and tandem gait tests were applied. Static and dynamic balance were measured by Flamingo and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) tests. Muscle isometric and isotonic strength were assessed by dynamometer and leg extension tests. Results: No significant difference was found in static balance (P = 0.11), but WBV + Cr and WBV + P groups showed better results in dynamic balance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Moreover, leg isotonic strength improved significantly in WBV + Cr and WBV + P groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). However, leg isometric strength and 30-meter walking performance significantly improved only in WBV + Cr group compared to the control group. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in isometric strength of the hand (P = 0.89) and tandem gait test results among the groups (P = 0.25). Conclusions: A short-term WBV exercise improves isotonic strength of the leg muscle and dynamic balance, while creatine supplementation with and without WBV training increases isometric strength of the leg muscle and mobility in elderly women.