Whole Body Vibration In Patients Research Articles

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.

Effectiveness of whole-body vibration in patients with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study examined the effects of systemic vibration exercises on cerebral palsy patients. Literature published in Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane library, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and PubMed was reviewed. A total of 2978 studies were initially retrieved. After further reading of the full texts 17 articles were finally included. A quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the risk of bias (RoB) 2.0, and the Funnel plot and the Egger test were conducted to confirm the publication bias. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to the dependent variables, the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF), frequency, treatment period and age. The overall effect size of homogeneity was 0.474 (CI = 0.148-0.801). The analysis of the dependent variables showed the following order of the effect size: balance, muscle strength, spasticity, bone density, range of motion of the joint, gait function, and motor function. In the ICF classification, the effect size was observed to follow the order of body structure and function, activity, and participation. The effect size in the intervention according to the treatment period showed the following order: 7 to 12 weeks, 1 to 6 weeks, and 14 to 24 weeks. The age-dependent classification showed the following order in the effect size: school age, adolescent and adult, and infant and school age. Systemic vibration is the most effective intervention to improve the balance and gait in patients with cerebral palsy and improve the body structure and function according to the ICF.

Whole body vibration remodels skeletal muscle via autophagy and energy metabolism in diabetic mice.

Hyperglycemia occurs due to a defect in insulin secretion or impaired biological functions, or both. The long-term hyperglycemia during diabetes causes chronic damage and dysfunction of various tissues. Whole body vibration (WBV) has significant effects on lipid and glucose metabolism and endocrine and motor systems. In order to explore the effects of WBV on skeletal muscle, mice trained for 12 weeks with WBV (15 Hz, 30 min) were used as experimental subjects and their skeletal muscle morphology under the pathological state of diabetes was observed. In addition, the blood lipids, blood glucose, gastrocnemius muscle glycogen and mRNA and protein levels of autophagy and glucose metabolism biomarkers were compared among the three groups of mice via western blot and RT-qPCR. The results showed that WBV can significantly reshape skeletal muscle morphology and upregulate high density lipoprotein. The expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), Beclin1 and Atg7 in the gastrocnemius muscle of the WBV group was significantly increased. Therefore, it can be concluded that WBV promotes skeletal muscle remodeling in diabetic mice. The present study confirmed that WBV can attenuate the development of diabetes melitus (DM) and lead to lower level low density lipoprotein in the blood. In addition, G6P level plays an important role in WBV-treated DM model and may be used to monitor the effect of WBV in patients. The findings of the present study may provide a new molecular basis for WBV to play a therapeutic role in the treatment of diabetes and may have potential clinical applications in the future.

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.

Effects of exercise combined with whole body vibration in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomised-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain is a prevalent condition in the general population, especially in women, and produces functional impairment in patients. Therapeutic exercise is considered an essential part of the conservative management. The use of vibration platforms may help improve strength and function and reduce pain in patients with knee disorders. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of adding whole body vibration (vertical, vibration frequency of 40 Hz, with an amplitude from 2 to 4 mm) to an exercise protocol for pain and disability in adults with patellofemoral pain.MethodsA randomised clinical trial was designed, where 50 subjects were randomly distributed into either an exercise group plus whole body vibration or a control group. Pain, knee function (self-reported questionnaire) and range of motion and lower limb functionality were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks. The experimental group performed 12 supervised sessions of hip, knee and core strengthening exercises on a vibration platform 3 times per week during 4 weeks. The control group followed the same protocol but without vibration stimuli. Differences in outcome measures were explored using an analysis of the variance of 2 repeated measures. Effect sizes were estimated using Square Eta (η2). Significant level was set al P < 0.05.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found after intervention in favour of the experimental group in the between-groups comparison and in the interaction of the experimental group before and after treatment in terms of pain perception (P = 0.000; η2 = 0.63) and function outcomes scores (P = 0.000; η2 0.39 and 0.51 for lower limb functional scale and Kujala scores respectively).ConclusionA 4-week whole body vibration exercise programme reduces pain level intensity and improves lower limb functionality in patellofemoral pain patients and is more effective than exercise alone in improving pain and function in the short-term.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04031248). This study was prospectively registered on the 24th July, 2019.

Whole-Body Vibration for Individuals with Reconstructed Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Systematic Review.

Background ACL ruptures are a prevalent condition, affecting daily living activities, associated with high financial burden. Objective To assess the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) in the rehabilitation of patients with reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Methodology. An electronic search in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases was conducted and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans that analysed the effects of WBV in patients with ACL injury subjected to reconstruction surgery, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, or French were included. Records were identified through database search and reference screening by two reviewers, which independently examined titles and abstracts and irrelevant studies were excluded based in eligibility criteria. Relevant full texts were analysed for eligibility, and all relevant studies were included in the systematic review. Results Ten studies were included in the systematic review with a mean methodological quality score of 6. Results demonstrate positive effects of WBV in relevant outcomes such as knee function, electromyographic activity, balance, and muscle strength. Conclusions WBV demonstrated a positive effect in strength, balance, electromyographic activity, and knee function.

Early Post-Operative Intervention of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Knee osteoarthritis causes pain, weakness, muscle atrophy, and disability. The application of whole-body vibration in patients with knee osteoarthritis can improve strength, balance, and functional activities. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of early whole-body vibration intervention in patients after total knee arthroplasty. (2) Method: A single-blinded randomized control trial. Fifty-two patients with knee osteoarthritis post total knee replacement from a medical center in southern Taiwan were randomly assigned to either a whole-body vibration group or control group. Main outcome measures included pain severity, leg circumference, knee range of motion, knee extensor strength, a five-times sit to stand test, and a timed up and go test. (3) Results: Immediately post treatment, the patients in the vibration group showed a significant increase in knee extensor strength and improvement in calf swelling compared to the control group. A trend toward decrease in pain severity and improvement in functional performance were observed in both groups without a significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in knee range of motion (ROM) and functional performance between the groups. (4) Conclusions: The whole-body vibration intervention in patients early post total knee arthroplasty showed significant immediate effect in increasing knee extensor strength and decreasing calf swelling.

Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise with Whole Body Vibration in Patients with Bronchiectasis: Single Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise with Whole Body Vibration in Patients with Bronchiectasis: Single Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Analysis of the Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Parkinson Disease - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Because of discrepant published results, there is a need to systematically analyze the literature that has evaluated the effectiveness of harmonic whole-body vibration (WBV) and randomized WBV in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). To evaluate the effectiveness of harmonic versus randomized WBV on motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility in people with PD. TYPE: Meta-analysis. Established databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Trip, and PEDro; library of the Saarland University; and electronic library of journals, including publications from 1960 to November 2017, were scanned by using "Parkinson" and "vibration" as combined search terms. First, data were extracted from the full-text version, including number of participants, severity of disease, medication status, study design, use of vibration treatment, duration of study, number of treatment sessions and trials per session, vibration frequency and amplitude, duration of trials and rest periods, and pre- and posttest data. Qualitative analysis was performed by using the PEDro score. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to verify the efficacy of harmonic versus randomized WBV on mobility, balance, gait, and motor symptoms. From 244 publications found in online databases, 17 eligible studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were further analyzed qualitatively. Out of those, 7 studies attained moderate to high quality (mean PEDro score 4.6 points, SD 2.9) and were then further analyzed quantitatively. A large variation, between no effects (SMD = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.78 to 0.90) and weak effects (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI = -0.51 to 1.43), was found for motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility. There is no clear evidence of a PD symptom-reducing effect (motor symptoms, balance, gait, and mobility) of WBV compared with respective control conditions. Only a few studies found significant group differences for mobility and motor symptoms. Therefore, the overall effects of vibration therapy on PD remain somewhat inconsistent. Further high-quality studies should determine the efficacy of harmonic versus randomized WBV. II.

Cardiorespiratory responses in different types of squats and frequencies of whole body vibration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to investigate the cardiorespiratory responses to different vibration frequencies to characterize the intensity of exercise, as well as to compare the effect of two types of squatting exercises (static and dynamic) on the whole body vibration (WBV) exercise in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-six subjects were divided and paired into healthy and COPD groups that performed static squatting associated with WBV (frequencies: 30, 35, and 40 Hz; amplitude: 2 mm) and dynamic squatting associated with WBV (frequency: 35 Hz; amplitude 2 mm) on a vertical vibration platform. Oxygen consumption (V̇o2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V̇e), ratio of minute ventilation to oxygen production (V̇e/V̇o2), ratio of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (V̇e/V̇co2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rating of perceived exertion were measured. For both groups, there was a decrease in V̇e/V̇o2 and V̇e/V̇co2 ratios during static and dynamic squats, as well as an increase in other cardiorespiratory parameters, and no significant difference existed between them. There was an effect of the type of squat on the HR variation; the values in the static squat were higher than those of the dynamic squat in both groups. There was a significant difference with a reduction in SpO2 at 40 Hz frequency when compared with 30 Hz in the COPD group. The other variables behaved similarly between the frequencies. The WBV exercise, regardless of the frequencies used, represented a mild effort that promoted cardiorespiratory response in COPD, with greater responses in the static squat and no adverse effect. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study showed that an acute session of light exercise of whole body vibration (WBV) can increase the cardiorespiratory responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reaching values similar to that of the control group. The results might contribute, therefore, to the elaboration of exercise protocols with WBV for the treatment of patients with COPD during rehabilitation. Thus, future studies referring to training on the vibratory platform could use these exercise parameters and demonstrate possible long-term benefits.

Effects of Single Whole-Body Vibration Training Unit in Elderly and Child Patients with Neurological Disorders

The positive effects of whole-body vibration techniques have already been discussed in many scientific papers all around the world. In addition, the training units integrated into therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures have been considered as beneficial and powerful methods used to improve either mobility or physical status of human beings. Some of the benefits that were already published include enhanced muscular strength, physical power, bone density or blood circulation. However, there is still a lack of evidence proving the significant effects of whole-body vibration in patients, e.g. those with neurological disorders. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to investigate immediate, although short time effect of single whole-body vibration training unit on quality of patients' gait kinematics. Because of the nature of neurological disorders and their negative impacts on patients and families and society too, we decided to analyse this effect in two high risk groups of patients. The first one consisted of elderly patients and the second one of children, both suffering from certain type of neurological disorder. The analysis was based on comparison of individual changes in gait parameters obtained before and after application of whole-body vibration.

The immediate effect of whole-body vibration in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The immediate effect of whole-body vibration in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The effects of whole body vibration in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background:Whole body vibration (WBV) has been used to increase physical activity levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective:To carry out a systematic review of the effects of WBV on the glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity of patients with T2DM. Method: MEDLINE, LILACS, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 1st, 2015. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of WBV, compared to control or other intervention, on blood glucose levels, blood and physical cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity in adult individuals with T2DM. Two independent reviewers extracted the data regarding authors, year of publication, number of participants, gender, age, WBV parameters and description of intervention, type of comparison, and mean and standard deviation of pre and post assessments. Results: Out of 585 potentially eligible articles, two studies (reported in four manuscripts) were considered eligible. WBV interventions provided a significant reduction of 25.7 ml/dl (95% CI:-45.3 to -6.1; I2: 19%) in 12 hours fasting blood glucose compared with no intervention. Improvements in glycated hemoglobin, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity were found only at 12 weeks after WBV intervention in comparison with no intervention. Conclusion: WBV combined with exercise seems to improve glycemic control slightly in patients with T2DM in an exposure-dependent way. Large and well-designed trials are still needed to establish the efficacy and understand whether the effects were attributed to vibration, exercise, or a combination of both.

Effects of Whole Body Vibration in Patients With COPD

Background: Whole body vibration training (WBVT) improves muscle force in healthy subjects. Resistance training (RT) is an important component of a pulmonary program. Aim: To investigate the effects of either 12 weeks WBVT or RT, both provided after 15 min of aerobic training as warming up. Methods: COPD patients, referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, were randomized to either a WBVT or a conventional RT group. Primary outcome was the change in 6 Minute Walking Distance (6MWD) after 12 weeks. Maximum exercise capacity (Wmax), quadriceps force (QF), quality of life (QoL) and number of responders, defined as the percentage of patients reaching the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for the aforementioned outcome measurements were the secondary outcomes. Data are expressed as medians (interquartile range). Results: 62 patients with COPD were included. After WBVT, 6MWD improved by 35 (-14-76) m (p = 0.003), Wmax by 7 (2-23) Watt (p = 0.001), QoL by 13 (4-25) points (p = 0.002) and QF by 9 (-16-29) Nm (NS). In the RT-group, 6MWD, Wmax, QoL and QF increased significantly, with 60 (-13-96) m (p < 0.001), 12 (8-18) Watt (p < 0.001), 11 (3-16) points (p = 0.002) and 12 (-3-44) Nm (p = 0.009), respectively. The MCID for 6MWD (54 m) was reached by 8/26 patients in the WBVT-group and by 16/25 patients in RT-group (p = 0.05). No significant differences between groups were observed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Conclusions: WBVT after 15 min aerobic training enhances 6MWD, Wmax and QoL in COPD patients; however only 30% of patients reached the MCID for 6MWD.

Study protocol: the effect of whole body vibration on acute unilateral unstable lateral ankle sprain- a biphasic randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAnkle sprains often result in ankle instability, which is most likely caused by damage to passive structures and neuromuscular impairment. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a neuromuscular training method improving those impaired neurologic parameters. The aim of this study is to compare the current gold standard functional treatment to functional treatment plus WBV in patients with acute unilateral unstable inversion ankle sprains.Methods/Design60 patients, aged 18–40 years, presenting with an isolated, unilateral, acute unstable inversion ankle sprain will be included in this bicentric, biphasic, randomized controlled trial. Samples will be randomized by envelope drawing. All patients will be allowed early mobilization and pain-dependent weight bearing, limited functional immobilization by orthosis, PRICE, NSARDs as well as home and supervised physiotherapy. Supervised physical therapy will take place twice a week, for 30 minutes for a period of 6 weeks, following a standardized intervention protocol. During supervised physical therapy, the intervention group will perform exercises similar to those of the control group, on a side-alternating sinusoidal vibration platform. Two time-dependent primary outcome parameters will be assessed: short-term outcome after six weeks will be postural control quantified by the sway index; mid-term outcome after one year will be assessed by subjective instability, defined by the presence of giving-way attacks. Secondary outcome parameters include: return to pre-injury level of activities, residual pain, recurrence, objective instability, energy/coordination, Foot and Ankle Disability Index and EQ 5D.DiscussionThis is the first trial investigating the effects of WBV in patients with acute soft tissue injury. Inversion ankle sprains often result in ankle instability, which is most likely due to damage of neurological structures. Due to its unique, frequency dependent, influence on various neuromuscular parameters, WBV is a promising treatment method for patients with acute unstable inversion ankle sprains.Trial registrationNCT01702597

Effects of whole body vibration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – A randomized controlled trial

To date endurance and strength training are established and evidence-based exercise methods in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is an unmet need for further research in new and complementary exercise modalities. Additional whole body vibration training during pulmonary rehabilitation may be such a new approach that has not yet been investigated in patients with COPD. Eighty-two patients (65±9 yrs, FEV(1) pred. 38±11%, female 51%) with COPD in GOLD stage III to IV assessed for a 3-week inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation program were on top randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: (1) 3×3min of bilateral dynamic squat exercises on a side-alternating vibration platform at 24-26Hz three times per week (WBV) and (2) a control group (CON) with the same amount of exercise time without WBV. Thirty-six patients completed the study in each group. The improvement in 6-min walking distance was significantly higher in the WBV-group when compared to the CON-group (WBV: 64±59m, CON: 37±52m with a between-group difference of 27m [95% CI, 1-53], p=0.046). The time required for a sit-to-stand test also decreased more markedly in the WBV-group than in the CON-group (WBV: -4.0±4.8s, CON: -2.0±3.1s with a between-group difference of -1.9s [95% CI, -4.0 to 0.1], p=0.067). Improvements in health-related quality of life were similar in both groups. WBV training seems to be a promising new exercise modality for patients with COPD and may enhance the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

To examine whether a whole-body vibration (mechanical oscillations) in comparison to a placebo administration leads to better postural control, mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Twelve multiple sclerosis patients with moderate disability (Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5-5) were allocated either to the intervention group or to the placebo group. In the intervention group a whole-body vibration at low frequency (2.0-4.4 Hz oscillations at 3-mm amplitude) in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied. In the placebo group a Burst-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application on the nondominant forearm in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied as well. Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test, the Timed Get Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test immediately preceding the application, 15 min, one week and two weeks after the application. The statistical analysis was applied to the change score from preapplication values to values 15 min, one week and two weeks post intervention. Compared with the placebo group the intervention group showed advantages in terms of the Sensory Organization Test and the Timed Get Up and Go Test at each time point of measurement after the application. The effects were strongest one week after the intervention, where significant differences for the change score (p = 0.041) were found for the Timed Get Up and Go Test with the mean score reducing from 9.2 s (preapplication) to 8.2 s one week after whole-body vibration and increasing from 9.5 s (preapplication) to 10.2 s one week after placebo application. The mean values of the posturographic assessment increased from 70.5 points (preapplication) to 77.5 points one week after whole body vibration and increased only from 67.2 points (preapplication) to 67.5 points one week after the placebo application. No differences were found for the Functional Reach Test. The results of this pilot study indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.