Whole-body Vibration Group Research Articles

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Treatment on Balance and Gait in Patients with Stroke.

In patients with neurological disorders Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has been reported to improve motor function. Our aim was to assess the effects of WBV on both balance and walking performance in adult stroke patients. Forty three post-stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups. One would receive WBV therapy (WBV group) while the control group would not. All patients participated in a conventional rehabilitation program for three weeks while the vibration group also received WBV over the same period. Patients balance and walking performance were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and computerized gait analysis. All evaluations were performed before and after therapy. The median (range) age of all patients was 51.00 (18-66) years. The groups numbered 26 and 17 patients for the WBV and control groups respectively. After intervention, significant improvements were found in the WBV group for BBS score (p=0.004), TUG score (p=0.035), step length (p=0.004) and walking speed (p=0.031) when compared to the controls. WBV is effective for the improvement of balance and gait performance in stroke patients.

Whole-body vibration enhances effectiveness of "locomotion training" evaluated in healthy young adult women.

[Purpose] Locomotion training is recommended as a countermeasure against locomotive syndrome. Recently, whole-body vibration has been clinically applied in rehabilitation medicine. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preliminary effectiveness of whole-body vibration on locomotion training. [Participants and Methods] Overall, 28 healthy adult females were randomly assigned to either a locomotion training group using a whole-body vibration device (whole-body vibration group, n=14) or training on the flat floor (non-whole-body vibration group: n=14). Participants conducted two sets of locomotion training twice a day and three times a week for 12 weeks. [Results] A significant difference was observed in the group factor for all outcome measures and in the before and after the training factor for Timed Up and Go test. After the training, knee muscle strength, dynamic balance, and mobility function in the whole-body vibration group were significantly improved compared with the non-whole-body vibration group. In the whole-body vibration group, the Timed Up and Go time after the training was significantly shorter compared with that before training. [Conclusion] The results suggest that locomotion training with whole-body vibration can improve the physical functions in healthy adult females and locomotion training using whole-body vibration might enhance the effectiveness of locomotion training.

Effects of whole-body vibration training frequency on neuromuscular performance: a randomized controlled study.

This study compared the efficacy of two whole-body vibration (WBV) protocols with equal training volume and different frequency of training sessions/week on body composition and physical fitness. Sixty male air force cadets (age: 20.5±1.4 years) were randomly assigned to a lower frequency (Lf-WBV), a higher frequency (Hf-WBV) or a control group (CG). The training volume was equated (20 training sessions) between the two WBV groups, but the number of weekly training sessions was different. The Lf-WBV group trained three times per week, the Hf-WBV group trained five times per week, while the CG did not perform any training. Each training session, for both groups, included 10 sets x 1 min with 1 min rest of WBV on a synchronous vibration platform (25–35 Hz, 4–6 mm). Body composition, flexibility, maximal strength, 30 m sprint time, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, Wingate test performance, and 20 m shuttle run performance were evaluated before and after training. Only the Hf-WBV group demonstrated an increase in flexibility (+7%; p<0.01; d=0.33) and maximal strength (+10%; p=0.016; d= 0.59), and a significant reduction in fat mass (-6.2%; p<0.01; d=0.21). SJ performance improved to a similar extent in both Hf-WBV and Lf-WBV groups (+7%; p<0.01; d=0.32). There were no changes in any parameter in the CG. In conclusion, only the condensed weekly WBV protocol was effective in improving body composition, flexibility, lower limb strength and power in young active individuals. The WBV protocol with the higher dispersion of training sessions per week (lower training frequency/week) improved SJ performance but did not have any effect on body composition, flexibility, or maximal strength.

Effects of Whole‐Body Vibration Therapy on Distal Tibial Myotendinous Density and Volume: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACTWhole‐body vibration (WBV) therapy has been proposed as a therapy to reduce sarcopenia and improve muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to explore whether 12 months of WBV therapy increases myotendinous density and volume of the distal tibia as measured by HR‐pQCT in postmenopausal women in a parallel group, randomized controlled trial with 1:1:1 allocation to three arms. Postmenopausal women (N = 202) with low hip BMD were randomized to 20 min daily of 0.3g 30‐Hz WBV therapy, 0.3g 90‐Hz WBV therapy using the Juvent platform (Juvent, Somerset, NJ, USA), or no WBV. The main outcome measure was myotendinous density (HU) and volume (mm3) at the distal tibia measured at baseline and 12 months with HR‐pQCT. There were no significant effects on myotendinous density or volume at the distal tibia after 12 months of daily 30‐ or 90‐Hz WBV therapy compared with no WBV therapy. Mean change (SD) in myotendinous density from baseline was 4.6 (5.7) HU in the 30‐Hz WBV group, 3.9 (6.1) HU in the 90‐Hz WBV group, and 3.9 (5.4) HU in the control group (p = 0.70). Mean change (SD) in myotendinous volume from baseline was −7 (503) mm3 in the 30‐Hz WBV group, 111 (615) mm3 in the 90‐Hz WBV group, and 35 (615) mm3 in the control group (p = 0.50). In conclusion, WBV therapy at 30‐ or 90‐Hz for 12 months had no significant effects on myotendinous density or volume at the distal tibia as measured by HR‐pQCT in postmenopausal women. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Effects of whole body vibration on spinal proprioception in healthy individuals.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem with high reoccurrence rate. As patients with LBP are often found to be proprioception impaired, new proprioception exercises should be explored. Whole body vibration (WBV) has been proven to improve muscle function and proprioception. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of WBV on spinal proprioception when WBV was administered in standing and seated postures. Twenty healthy male individuals (mean age: 23.2±1.2 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to two WBV groups: WBV in standing or WBV in seated posture. Their body posture, lumbar repositioning ability, maximum reaching distance and lumbopelvic coordination during dynamic motion in flexion and extension were assessed before, immediately after, 30 minutes after and 1 hour after 5 minutes of WBV (18 Hz, 6 mm amplitude) exposure. A Mixed ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of group and time factors on these four outcome measures. There were no significant interaction (group and time) and group effects on all outcome measures. Participants were found to have significant different time effect on body posture, lumbar repositioning ability, maximum reaching distance and lumbopelvic coordination. WBV could significantly improve spinal proprioception including body posture, lumbar repositioning ability, maximum reaching distance and lumbopelvic coordination in healthy individuals. WBV protocol is recommended to confirm its clinical application for improving spinal proprioception and its effects on patients with LBP is warranted.

Whole-body vibration versus Tai Chi exercise for controlling balance in lower-limb ulcers: a pilot, randomized, controlled trial

Background Foot and leg ulcers are serious complications to both patients and healthcare systems, which may contribute to impaired balance and increased risk of falling. Purpose This study was designed to determine which approach is more effective in improving balance in lower-limb ulcers cases − whole-body vibration or Tai Chi exercise. Patients and methods Thirty (12 females and 18 males) patients with foot ulcers were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 15 individuals. Both groups received their routine medical and physical therapy. In addition, group A received whole-body vibration at a frequency of 25–30 Hz and amplitude of 3–5 mm, 30 min/session, three times/week for 6 weeks, whereas group B received 6 weeks of Tai Chi exercise [In Balance (IB) program] for 15–45 min, three times/week for 6 weeks. The overall stability index was measured using a Biodex balance system at two time intervals − before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. Results Both whole-body vibration (1.7±0.51) and Tai Chi exercise (2.53±0.48) groups showed significant improvement in stability index values 6 weeks after treatment with better improvement in the whole-body vibration group (P=0.0001). Conclusion Both Tai Chi exercise and whole-body vibration therapy have positive effects on balance in patients with foot ulcers. However, whole-body vibration therapy is more effective.

EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM SLING EXERCISE WITH WHOLE BODY VIBRATION RECOVERY METHOD ON HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE AND LACTIC ACID LEVEL VARIABILITY

The objective of this study was to compare heart rate, blood pressure, and lactic acid level with different recovery methods after having maximal exercise to provide reliable data regarding efficient recovery methods. Heart rate, blood pressure, and lactic acid level were continuously recorded for 30[Formula: see text]min at 5-min intervals during a recovery period after performing a maximal exercise test based on the Bruce-protocol. Study subjects were 36 healthy men in the 20[Formula: see text]s. They were randomly assigned to a passive recovery group ([Formula: see text] people), a sling exercise group ([Formula: see text] people), and a sling exercise with whole-body vibration group ([Formula: see text] people). One-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the recovery effects by using SPSS 18.0 Korea. The statistical significance was accepted at [Formula: see text]. Our results revealed that SWRG showed significantly faster heart rate recovery than SRG. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure tended to decrease more in the combined group than the PRG. Thirdly, the lactic acid level decreased to a lower level in the combined group than the PRG.

PO-237 MSTN gene polymorphism influence on WBV-induced changes on body composition in Chinese postmenopausal women

Objective To explore the association between MSTN rs3791783 polymorphism and body composition response to 3-month whole body vibration (WBV) intervention in postmenopausal women and to probe into the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind it.&#x0D; Methods A total of 90 postmenopausal women participated in the study, and 30 of them served as non-trained control group, 60 of them trained on a vibration platform for 3 months. Body composition included FM% (percentage of fat mass) and LM% were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the baseline and 3 months. The rs3791783 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and association analysis with the body composition changes induced-by WBV training was performed. The regulatory mechanisms of the rs3791783 polymorphism were explored through the dual-luciferase reporter assay.&#x0D; Results In the WBV group, LM% significant increased through 3-month WBV training (60.87±5.35, 61.63±5.05, P&lt;0.05), meanwhile, FM% significant decreased (35.65±5.47, 34.86±5.16, P&lt;0.05). In the CON group, no significant difference within group was detected in LM% and FM%, and significant group by time interactions were found in LM% and FM% (P &lt;0.05). The subjects with an AA allele had significantly greater increase in LM% (60.27±5.28, 61.42±4.93, P&lt;0.01) and decreases in FM% (36.35±5.35, 35.18±4.99, P&lt;0.01) than those with GA allele (61.97±5.72, 62.13±5.59, P&gt;0.05; 34.38±5.90, 34.19±5.79, P&gt;0.05). The relative luciferase activity of the reporter gene in recombinant vector carrying the A allele was 3.302±1.121, markedly higher than that in recombinant vector carrying the G allele (1.760±0.920, p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions Three-month WBV training is beneficial for body composition among postmenopausal women and the individual with AA genotype of the rs3791783 polymorphism were more sensitive to WBV-induced body composition changes. The A allele can improve reporter gene expression level, indicating the effects of rs3791783 on gene expression.&#x0D;

Whole-Body Vibration Increases Cardiopulmonary Performance in the Elderly

Aim: To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on ergospirometric variables in the elderly. Methods: A total of 31 elderly people were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups—resistance, WBV, WBV + resistance—training twice per week, 3 months, evaluating ventilatory thresholds by ergospirometry and peripheral strength. Results: WBV groups increased JOURNAL/tgere/04.03/00013614-201810000-00003/3FSM1/v/2023-10-01T043932Z/r/image-gif o 2 after training when compared to the resistance group (25.2 ± 1.6 in WBV with P &lt; .001 and 25.2 ± 3.2 in WBV + resistance with P &lt; .001), as the percentage heart rate reserve (resistance = 27%; WBV = 48.4%; and WBV + resistance = 49.9%). Conclusions: In the elderly, WBV increased strength and JOURNAL/tgere/04.03/00013614-201810000-00003/3FSM1/v/2023-10-01T043932Z/r/image-gif o 2max, combining into a single program both aerobic and resistance workouts.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy after Ischemia Reduces Brain Damage in Reproductively Senescent Female Rats.

A risk of ischemic stroke increases exponentially after menopause. Even a mild-ischemic stroke can result in increased frailty. Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes, which subsequently increases risk of cerebrovascular events and severe cognitive decline, particularly after menopause. Several interventions to reduce frailty and subsequent risk of stroke and cognitive decline have been proposed in laboratory animals and patients. One of them is whole body vibration (WBV). WBV improves cerebral function and cognitive ability that deteriorates with increased frailty. The goal of the current study is to test the efficacy of WBV in reducing post-ischemic stroke frailty and brain damage in reproductively senescent female rats. Reproductively senescent Sprague-Dawley female rats were exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and were randomly assigned to either WBV or no-WBV groups. Animals placed in the WBV group underwent 30 days of WBV (40 Hz) treatment performed twice daily for 15 min each session, 5 days each week. The motor functions of animals belonging to both groups were tested intermittently and at the end of the treatment period. Brains were then harvested for inflammatory markers and histopathological analysis. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and infarct volume with significant increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and improvement in functional activity after tMCAO in middle-aged female rats that were treated with WBV as compared to the no-WBV group. Our results may facilitate a faster translation of the WBV intervention for improved outcome after stroke, particularly among frail women.

Randomised study of children with obesity showed that whole body vibration reduced sclerostin.

New strategies are required to increase physical activity and improve metabolic profiles in children with obesity. We studied the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on children with obesity on biochemical markers of energy and bone metabolism, anthropometric measurements, muscle parameters and calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD). This was a randomised, prospective, controlled study of 30 children with a median age of 13 years (range 7-17) at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, from 2013 to 2015. The target for the intervention group was to perform WBV three times a week for 12 weeks, and the study parameters were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The 16 in the WBV group achieved 51% of the planned activity, mainly at home, and were compared with 14 controls. Sclerostin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and carboxy-terminal collagen cross-links decreased in the WBV group (p < 0.05) and balance improved (p < 0.006), but osteocalcin and insulin remained unchanged. Anthropometric data, muscle strength and calcaneal BMD did not differ between the groups. WBV did not affect most of the clinical parameters in children with obesity, but the reduction in sclerostin implies that it had direct effects on osteocytes, which are key players in bone mechanotransduction.

Whole-body vibration training and bone health in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:The aims of the present systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate published, randomized controlled trials that investigate the effects on whole-body vibration (WBV) training on total, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, and identify the potential moderating factors explaining the adaptations to such training.Methods:From a search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) up until September 2017, a total 10 studies with 14 WBV groups met the inclusion criteria. Three different authors tabulated, independently, the selected indices in identical predetermined forms. The methodological quality of all studies was evaluated according to the modified PEDro scale. For each trial, differences within arms were calculated as mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals between pre- and postintervention values. The effects on bone mass between exercise and control groups were also expressed as MDs. Both analyses were performed in the total sample and in a specific class of postmenopausal women younger than 65 years of age (excluding older women).Results:The BMD of 462 postmenopausal women who performed WBV or control protocol was evaluated. Significant pre-post improvements in BMD of the lumbar spine were identified following WBV protocols (P = .03). Significant differences in femoral neck BMD (P = .03) were also found between intervention and control groups when analyzing studies that included postmenopausal women younger than 65 years.Conclusions:WBV is an effective method to improve lumbar spine BMD in postmenopausal and older women and to enhance femoral neck BMD in postmenopausal women younger than 65 years.

Effects of Single or Multiple Sessions of Whole Body Vibration in Stroke: Is There Any Evidence to Support the Clinical Use in Rehabilitation?

Background and Purpose Recently new technologies and new techniques, such as Whole Body Vibration (WBV), have been introduced by the health and fitness industry to pursue therapeutic or physical performance goals. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of single or multiple WBV sessions alone or in association with traditional rehabilitation, compared to traditional rehabilitation therapy or with sham therapy in poststroke patients. Methods Randomized Control Trials and controlled clinical trials written in English between January 1st, 2003, and December 31st, 2017, were selected from PubMed, Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, and Physiotherapy-Evidence-Database (PEDro). The single WBV session and multiple sessions' effects were assessed. Study characteristics, study population, intervention protocols, effects of WBV sessions, and adverse events were investigated with a descriptive analysis. Results The search reported 365 articles and after screening and removal of duplicates, 11 manuscripts with PEDro score≥6/10 were selected (391 poststroke patients). Study characteristics, study population, intervention protocols (frequencies, amplitude of vibration, and peak acceleration), effects of a single or multiple WBV sessions, and adverse events were analyzed. They have been investigated with particular attention to bone turnover, structure and muscle functions, spasticity, postural control and risk of falls, functional mobility, somatosensory threshold, and activity and participation. Comparing WBV group with control group no significant benefits emerged. Discussion This systematic review included studies involving participants with non homogeneous characteristics, just considering the incorporation of studies on individuals with chronic and postacute stroke. Despite these limits, WBV treatment has no significant risks for patients and shows interesting effects of WBV treatment in Structure and muscle functions, Spasticity and Postural control. Conclusions Even though treatment with WBV appears safe and feasible, there is insufficient evidence to support its clinical use in poststroke rehabilitation at this point. More studies assessing other functional tests and with more specific treatment protocols are needed.

GH responses to whole body vibration alone or in combination with maximal voluntary contractions in obese male adolescents

BackgroundThe anabolic, lipolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of exercise-stimulated GH secretion could be usefully exploited in the multidisciplinary rehabilitative programs of obese patients, who are reported to suffer from hyposomatotropism. To date, evaluation of GH responses to whole body vibration (WBV) in combination with maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) has been performed in normal-weight subjects, but not obese patients. Thus, aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of WBV and MVC, alone and combined, on GH responsiveness in obese subjects. MethodsThe acute effects of WBV or MVC alone and the combination of MVC with WBV (MVC + WBV) on serum GH, cortisol and IGF-I and blood lactate (LA) levels were evaluated in 8 obese male adolescents [mean age ± SD: 17.1 ± 3.3 yrs.; weight: 107.4 ± 17.8 kg; body mass index (BMI): 36.5 ± 6.6 kg/m2; BMI standard deviation score (SDS): 3.1 ± 0.6]. ResultsWBV and MVC (alone or combined) significantly stimulated GH secretion. In particular, GH peaks and net areas under the curve (nAUCs) were significantly higher after MVC + WBV and MVC than WBV, without any difference between MVC + WBV and MVC groups; anyway, an additive effect on GH levels immediately after the execution of MVC + WBV test was found in comparison with MVC test. LA peaks significantly increased after each exercise (vs. basal condition), being significantly higher after MVC + WBV and MVC than WBV, without any difference between MVC + WBV and MVC groups. Peak LA values were significantly correlated with GH peaks and nAUCs. In contrast to the unchanged IGF-I levels, MVC + WBV and MVC (but not WBV) significantly stimulated cortisol secretion. ConclusionsThe results of the present study confirm the ability of MVC and WBV to stimulate GH secretion in obese patients. Rehabilitative programs combining different types of exercise eliciting a potent GH response seem to be important to counteract the hyposomatotropism of obese patients. Due to its limited stress upon joints without provoking an excessive fatigue, WBV could be usefully employed in the initial stages of a weight loss program alone or in combination with more potent GH releasing stimuli, such as MVC.

Genetic predisposition score predicts the increases of knee strength and muscle mass after one-year exercise in healthy elderly.

This study aims to identify a genetic predisposition score from a set of candidate gene variants that predicts the response to a one-year exercise intervention. 200 participants (aged 60-83 years) were randomly assigned to a fitness (FIT), whole-body vibration (WBV) and control group. Participants in the exercise (FIT and WBV) groups performed a one-year intervention program. Whole-body skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and isometric knee extension strength (PTIM60) were measured before and after the intervention. A set of 170 muscle-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. Stepwise regression analysis was applied to select significantly contributing SNPs for baseline and relative change parameters. A data-driven genetic predisposition score (GPS) was calculated by adding up predisposing alleles for each of the phenotypes. GPS was calculated based on 4 to 8 SNPs which were significantly related to the corresponding phenotypes. These SNPs belong to genes that are involved in myoblast differentiation, muscle and bone growth, myofiber contraction, cytokines and DNA methylation. GPS was related to baseline PTIM60 and relative changes of SMM and PTIM60 in the exercise groups, explaining the variance of the corresponding parameter by 3.2%, 14% and 27%, respectively. Adding one increasing allele in the GPS increased baseline PTIM60 by 4.73 Nm, and exercise-induced relative changes of SMM and PTIM60 by 1.78% and 3.86% respectively. The identified genetic predisposition scores were positively related to baseline knee extension strength and muscle adaptations to exercise in healthy elderly. These findings provide supportive genetic explanations for high and low responders in exercise-induced muscle adaptations.

Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration Board Training on Strength in Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Study

To evaluate whether an 8-week whole-body vibration training program may improve recovery of knee flexion/extension muscular strength in athletes after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Randomized controlled trial. Single outpatient rehabilitation center. Thirty-eight female volleyball/basketball players (aged between 20 and 30), randomized into 2 treatment groups. During a standardized six-month rehabilitation program, from week 13 to week 20 after surgery, the whole-body vibration group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 19) performed additional static knee flexor/extensor exercises on a vibration platform. For the whole-body vibration group, the vibration platform was set to 2.5 mm of amplitude and 26 Hz of frequency. The control group followed the same whole-body vibration board training with no vibrations. All patients were evaluated using an isokinetic strength test with a Biodex dynamometer at the beginning and at the end of the additional treatment protocol. The parameters tested were the peak torque and the maximum power of knee flexor and extensor muscles performing strength and endurance tests. No vibration-related side effects were observed. Improvements were noticed in both groups, but increase in knee muscle isokinetic strength values was statistically significant in the whole-body vibration group when compared with the control group (differences in extension: peak torque 11.316/10.263 N·m and maximum power 13.684/11.211 W; flexion: peak torque 9.632/11.105 N·m and maximum power 10.158/9.474 W; P < 0.001). When combined with a standardized rehabilitation program, whole-body vibration may increase muscular strength and be an effective additional treatment option in the rehabilitation of athletes after ACL arthroscopic reconstruction.

The macroscopic and microscopic effect of low-frequency whole body vibration after cerebral ischemia in rats

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been applied in stroke patients with uncertain effects on motor and sensory dysfunction, and its effects on neurogenesis have not been studied yet. In total, 144 rats were used for experiments with 29 rats excluded due to early attrition, exclusion by rCBF criterion or death of ischemia in acute phase. Rats included were divided into 3 groups: WBV group ( n = 50), control group ( n = 50) group, and sham group ( n = 15). To explore the effects of daily WBV on neurological behavior, brain structure, and neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia in rats for 4 weeks. Improvements in weight or comprehensive neurological deficits were not significantly different under WBV or control treatment, and the degrees of brain damage and the numbers of necrotic neurons in the ischemic cortex were similar in two groups. However, WBV markedly improved animals’ coordination from 14d to 28d ( P < 0.05) and muscle strength of the upper limbs at 21d and 28d ( P < 0.05 & P < 0.001) compared with the control group. WBV promoted the increase in the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive (BrdU + ) cells at 3d ( P < 0.05) and 14d ( P < 0.001) and the number of BrdU+/nestin + cells at 14d ( P < 0.01) after ischemia when compared to the control group. The numbers of BrdU+/NeuN + cells at 21d and 28d ( P < 0.001) were enhanced by WBV treatment. WBV significantly promoted the proliferation of astrocytes and their neural processes thickening after 14d. The expression levels of neural markers, such as double cortin, microtubule-associated protein 2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, were upregulated in the ipsilateral cortex at different time points. Low-frequency WBV showed inconspicuous improvements in behavioral performance and brain damage after cerebral ischemia, but showed the potential in improving coordination and muscle strength and promoted neurogenesis after long-term exposure.

Whole-body vibration improves ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in individuals with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) at cervical level. Twenty-eight patients with cervical iSCI were randomly assigned to WBV (n = 14) or control group (n = 14). WBV group received WBV training, while control group was treated with placebo-treatment. All interventions were given for 20-min, twice a day, 5-days a week for 8-weeks. The spasticity of ankle plantar-flexors was assessed by estimating passive resistive force using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was analyzed based on postural sway length (PSL) using a force plate. Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 10 m-Walk Test (10MWT) were used to assess walking ability. Both groups showed significant improvements in spasticity, balance and walking ability. Also, the significant differences between two groups were demonstrated in the outcomes of spasticity (3.0±1.7 vs 0.9±1.2), PSL (6.4±1.2 vs 3.2±0.9 with eyes-open, and 15.1±10.9 vs 7.4±4.3 with eyes-closed), TUG (2.3±1.3 vs 1.0±1.0), and 10MWT (3.5±2.3 vs 1.3±1.4). WBV may be a safe and effective intervention to improve spasticity, balance and walking ability in individuals with cervical iSCI. Thus, WBV may be used to improve these symptoms in clinics.

The effect of multi-frequency whole-body vibration on night-shifted mouse model

The circadian rhythm controls several biological activities; therefore, a disorganized circadian rhythm may cause fatal health problems. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of circadian rhythm disturbances induced by simulated night shift activities on the abdominal adipose tissue, bone microstructures and muscle volume in the tibiae of mice. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of multi-frequency whole-body vibration as a countermeasure against the consequences of circadian rhythm disturbances. Twenty-four 5-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were equally assigned to three groups: the normal group (Nor), night shift group (NS), and night shift with multi-frequency whole-body vibration group (NS + V). The NS and NS + V groups were exposed to circadian rhythm disturbances for 4 weeks with 3-day intervals by changing the day and night cycle based on 7 o’clock. After 4 weeks, morphological changes in the adipose tissue, bone microstructures and muscle volume in the tibiae were evaluated from three-dimensional images using in vivo micro-computed tomography. As a result, the volume of the abdominal adipose tissue was significantly higher in the NS than in the Nor and NS + V groups. Also, the microstructures of the tibia were more enhanced in the NS + V than the NS group. The volume of tibial muscle was increased in all groups, while there were no significant changes in muscle volume. From these results, we can conclude that circadian rhythm disturbances induced by night shift activities may reduce bone condition and increase the accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue and these negative effects may be prevented or improved through applying multi-frequency whole-body vibration.

The Impact of Whole Body Vibration Therapy on Spasticity and Disability of the Patients with Poststroke Hemiplegia.

Objective To determine if whole body vibration therapy (WBV) effectively improves functional outcome in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. Materials and Methods In this single-blind RCT, WBV group (n = 10) had 40 hz frequency/4 mm amplitude vibration during 5 minutes/session, 3 days a week, for a duration of 4 weeks. The control group (n = 11) had no vibration therapy for the same duration while standing on the same platform. Patients in both of the groups did 15 minutes of stretching and active range of motion exercises before the intervention. Outcome measures were Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10 mWT). Results Only 10 mWT improved at the 1st week (p = 0.002), 1st month (p < 0.001), and 3rd month (p < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group. There was positive correlation also between 10 mWT and ankle spasticity (p < 0.001, r = 0.931). Conclusion This study suggests that WBV therapy may be a complementary therapy in gait rehabilitation and functional outcome of the patients with calf muscle spasticity.