Whole-body Vibration Training Program Research Articles

Overall Health Effects of a 12-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training Program in Older, Healthy Adults

The use of whole-body vibration (WBV) as an intervention for health factors such as strength, balance, bone and lean muscle loss has been increasingly investigated. However, many of these previous studies have been of longer duration (4-12 months). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week WBV training program on muscle strength, balance, bone mineral density (BMD), lean body mass (LBM), fat tissue, and overall quality of life in an older (45 - 70 yo), healthy population. METHODS: Twenty-nine participants (12 males, 17 females) were randomly split into control and WBV groups. All participants performed 5 weight-bearing exercises, four days per week for 12 weeks. The WBV training program progressively increased in duration (30-60 sec) and frequency (30-40 Hz), while amplitude was kept constant (2-4 mm). The same combination of static and dynamic exercises (isometric squat, standing with knees slightly flexed, dynamic squat, weight shift) were utilized throughout duration of the study. The control group (CON) performed the same exercises next to the vibration platform. Isometric knee extension (IKET) and Sensory Organization (SOT) tests were performed the beginning of the study and then at six and 12 weeks. The average of three performances in the IKET was used for analysis. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed before and after the training program to measure percent body fat (%BF), lean body mass (LBM), and bone mass density (BMD). To assess quality of life (QOL), the Short Form-36 Health Survey was used. A repeated measures ANOVA design was used and significant differences were set at an alpha level of p≤0.05. RESULTS: A significant 3-way interaction occurred for the IKET (p=0.016). While WBV group women experienced a 22% increase in knee strength compared to a 3% increase in the control group, the men in the control group experienced a 14% increase compared to a 3% decrease in the men of the WBV group. No other significant changes were seen for the other variables measured. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week WBV training program utilized in this study did not enhance overall health of older, healthy adults. It might be that the program utilized was not of sufficient length (3 months) or intensity.