Whole-body Vibration Training Research Articles

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Improving Physical Function, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality for Older People with Dynapenia in Long-Term Care Institutions: A Randomized Controlled Study

As the global demographic shifts toward an aging population, aging-related problems, particularly in older individuals with dynapenia, are increasingly gaining attention. However, interventional studies focusing on physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in such individuals are limited, indicating a need for further exploration. The present study investigated the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in older people with dynapenia residing in long-term care institutions. This study was a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group underwent WBV training three times a week for 3 months, whereas the control group continued with their regular daily care routine. Statistical analyses were performed using the Traditional Chinese version of SAS Statistics version 9.4. Paired t tests, a one-way analysis of variance, independent t tests, and generalized estimating equation analysis were performed. The results revealed that compared with the control group, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in grip strength, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, and sleep quality in terms of latency and duration. These findings suggest that 3 months of WBV training can effectively enhance physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in older people with dynapenia residing in long-term care institutions.

Whole Body Vibration Training Has No Effect on Vascular Endothelial and Inflammatory Markers in Young Healthy Women.

Background: The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the impact of single and repeated whole body vibration training (WBVT) and training without vibration on changes in the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy, young, non-training women. Methods: The study involved 46 women (age 20.48 ± 1.72 years), who were divided into three groups: the experimental group participating in WBVT (EVG, n = 17); the comparison group performing the same exercises but without the vibration factor (EXG, n = 12); and the control group, which did not participate in any training (CON, n = 17). The program included participation in 36 training sessions conducted over 12 weeks, with a frequency of 3 times per week. In the EVG and EXG groups, venous blood was collected before and after the first and last training sessions, while in the CON group, blood was collected twice at a 3-month interval. Results: No significant changes were observed in the concentrations of the studied markers either after a single or repeated training session in both experimental groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed WBVT protocol appears to be a safe form of exercise that does not induce negative inflammatory reactions. The applied vibration stimulus combined with physical exercises did not initiate pro-angiogenic processes or stimulate eNOS activity in healthy women, suggesting that similar studies should be conducted in individuals with circulatory problems or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on ankle motion smoothness in individuals with chronic ankle instability

BackgroundHigh ankle motion smoothness involves small acceleration or deceleration, which is related to ankle stability. Interventions for ankle motion smoothness are important to reduce the progression of chronic ankle instability (CAI) symptoms and prevent recurrent ankle sprains. Training using whole-body vibration (WBV) may easily and effectively improve ankle motion smoothness; however, its effects have not yet been investigated. ObjectivesWe aimed to clarify the acute effects of WBV training on ankle motion smoothness in patients with CAI. DesignRandomized controlled trials. MethodOverall, 31 university students from a basketball team with CAI were included. Training was performed using a WBV device in both groups. The WBV group was administered with WBV using the device, whereas the NWBV group was not administered with WBV. Only one training session was performed in each group immediately after the premeasurements. The main outcome measure was the mean angular jerk cost of the ankle joint in plantar/dorsal flexion and in inversion/eversion during the star excursion balance test (SEBT), which were measured using accelerometers.Results/findings: No significant group × time interaction was noted for the mean angular jerk cost of the ankle joint in any direction (anterior, posterolateral, or posteromedial) during ankle inversion/eversion or plantar/dorsal flexion. Pre and postintervention comparisons of each group showed no significant differences in any of the SEBT directions in both ankle inversion/eversion and plantar/dorsal flexion in the NWBV and WBV groups. ConclusionsUsing WBV training on individuals with chronic ankle instability did not acutely improve ankle motion smoothness.

Effect of 10-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training on Falls and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial with 1-Year Follow-Up.

Whole-body vibration training (WBV) training has shown positive effects on bone strength, muscle strength, and balance, but the evidence on fall prevention is not yet persuasive. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of WBV training in preventing falls and improving physical performance among older adults at fall risk. The study was an assessor- and participant-blinded, randomized, and controlled 10-week training trial with a 10-month follow-up. One hundred and thirty older adults (mean age 78.5 years, 75% women) were randomly allocated into the WBV group (n = 68) and the low-intensity wellness group (n = 62). Falls were prospectively collected using monthly returned and verified diaries. Physical performance was evaluated at baseline before randomization, after the intervention, and follow-up with established methods. The data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratios for falls, and Cox regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios for fallers. Between-group differences in physical performance were estimated by generalized linear mixed models. The retention rate was 93%, and the mean adherence to the WBV training was 88% and 86% to the wellness training. Sixty-eight participants fell at least once, and there were 156 falls in total. In the WBV group, the incidence rate of falls was 1.5 (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 2.5) compared to the wellness group (p = 0.11). The hazard ratio for fallers in the WBV group was 1.29 (0.78 to 2.15) (p = 0.32). There was no between-group difference in physical performance after the training period, but by the end of the follow-up, WBV-related benefits appeared. The chair-rising capacity was maintained in the WBV group, while the benefit disappeared in the wellness group (p = 0.004). Also, the 0.5-point difference in short physical performance battery (SPPB) score favored WBV training (p = 0.009). In conclusion, progressive side-alternating WBV training was feasible and well-tolerated among fall-prone older adults. During the one-year follow-up, WBV training was associated with improved physical performance but did not prevent falls compared to chair-based group exercises.

Preventive Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly prevalent and clinically relevant adverse effect of chemotherapy, negatively impacting patient quality of life. The lack of effective preventive or therapeutic options regarding CIPN often requires changes in cancer therapy, potentially resulting in reduced survival. To determine whether sensorimotor training (SMT) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training reduce symptoms and decrease the onset of CIPN. This prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial (STOP) followed up patients over 5 years at 4 centers in or near Cologne, Germany. Patients undergoing treatment with oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids were recruited. Participants were recruited from May 2014 to November 2020. Data were last analyzed in June 2021. Participants in the intervention groups performed supervised SMT or WBV training sessions twice a week, each lasting approximately 15 to 30 minutes, concomitant to medical therapy. The primary end point was the incidence of CIPN. Secondary end points included subjective neuropathy symptoms, balance control, physical activity levels, quality of life, and clinical outcome. For cross-stratum evaluations, the Mantel-Haenszel test (MH) was used, and within individual strata, Fisher exact test was used for analysis. A total of 1605 patients were screened, and 1196 patients did not meet all inclusion criteria, with 251 further excluded or declining participation. A total of 158 patients (mean [SD] age, 49.1 [18.0-82.0] years; 93 [58.9%] male) were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 55 (34.8%) in SMT, 53 (33.5%) in WBV, and 50 (31.6%) in treatment as usual (TAU). The incidence of CIPN in participants was significantly lower in both intervention groups compared to the control group (TAU): (SMT, 12 of 40 [30.0%; 95% CI, 17.9%-42.1%] and WBV, 14 of 34 [41.2%; 95% CI, 27.9%-54.5%] vs TAU, 24 of 34 [70.6%; 95% CI, 58.0%-83.2%]; P = .002 for intention to treat-MH). Patients receiving vinca alkaloids and performing SMT benefited the most. Results were more pronounced in a per-protocol analysis (>75% participation in the intervention) (SMT, 8 of 28 [28.6%; 95% CI, 16.6%-40.5%] and WBV, 9 of 24 [37.5%; 95% CI, 24.4%-50.5%] vs TAU, 22 of 30 [73.3%; 95% CI, 61.6%-85.6%]). Improvements in favor of SMT compared to TAU were found for balance control bipedal with eyes open; bipedal with eyes closed; monopedal, vibration sensitivity, sense of touch, lower leg strength, pain reduction, burning sensation, chemotherapy dose reductions, and mortality. This randomized clinical trial provides initial evidence that neuromuscular training decreases the onset of CIPN. German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00006088.

Effects of whole-body vibration on body composition, microbiota, cardiometabolic markers, physical fitness, and quality of life after bariatric surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMorbid obesity is a complex chronic condition characterized by a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or higher. The incidence of the condition is on the rise in developed countries, and bariatric surgery has been proposed as a potential solution to address this trend. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery may also result in adverse effects, including a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass, as well as an increased risk of fractures. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of bariatric surgery and whole-body vibration (WBV) training on body composition, microbiota, physical fitness, quality of life, and cardiometabolic markers.MethodsTwenty-eight participants (14 females), aged 18 to 50 years, will undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery. They will be randomly allocated into a control group or a WBV training group. The WBV group will train three times per week with increasing intensities and duration ranging from 30 to 45 min over the 4-month training period. Measurements of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography), physical fitness (muscular strength, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance), gait biomechanics, cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, quality of life, and physical activity levels will be collected at four different time points: (1) prior to the surgery, (2) 45 days post-surgery, (3) 6 months post-surgery, and (4) 18 months post-surgery.DiscussionBoth groups are expected to experience improvements in most of the aforementioned variables. Nonetheless, we expect the WBV group to show larger improvements proving that the training is effective and safe.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT05695599. Registered on January 25, 2023.

The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults

The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults

Intervention Hypothesis for Training with Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Fitness Levels: An Umbrella Review.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a training modality, and it seems to be a safe and efficient exercise especially to improve different aspects of physical fitness in different populations. The protocols for WBV are still not standardized. The difficulty in comparing the data confuses the real efficacy of this instrument. Consequently, the objective of this umbrella review is to analyze the protocols previously adopted and eventually to propose a standard operating procedure for WBV training. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on WBV were searched on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until 18 March 2024. A quality assessment of the studies included has been performed. A total of 20 studies were included in this umbrella review and frequency, magnitude, and amplitude intensity data were recorded. Detailed information about the protocols (static or dynamic exercises, barefoot or with shoes, intensity duration, weekly frequency, and vibration characteristics) was also collected. WBV presents widely different protocols. Consequently, a standard operating procedure has not been proposed for WBV training. A hypothesis of intervention was instead written in which parameters for frequency, amplitude, acceleration, and training mode were proposed.

Effects of 6 weeks of whole-body vibration training on ankle motor control: a randomized controlled trial.

Interventions on ankle motor control are important to prevent recurrent ankle sprains. Training using whole-body vibration may easily and effectively improve ankle motor control, but the effects have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of 6 weeks of training with whole-body vibration on ankle motor control in a dynamic movement task among healthy participants. Twenty healthy university students (6 males and 14 females) were randomly allocated to whole-body vibration training and control groups, with 10 participants in each group. The training was performed twice a week for 6 weeks in both groups. Primary outcome was mean ankle angular jerk cost in the star excursion balance test. Secondary outcomes were maximum ankle motion angle and maximum reach distance in the star excursion balance test, ankle proprioception, and range of ankle dorsiflexion motion in the loaded position. There was a significant group × period (pre- and postintervention) interaction for mean ankle angular jerk cost in the direction of ankle abduction/adduction during posterolateral reaching, which was significantly lower at postintervention than that at preintervention in the whole-body vibration group In the whole-body vibration group, the maximum ankle dorsiflexion motion angle during anterior and posterolateral reaching was significantly higher at postintervention than that at preintervention. Training with whole-body vibration improves ankle motor control in dynamic movement tasks, although the direction of reach and plane of motion are limited. Additionally, training with whole-body vibration is also effective in increasing the ankle dorsiflexion angle during dynamic movement tasks.

Effects of whole-body vibration training on lower extremity muscle strength and physical function in elderly patients with sarcopenia

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the feasibility and benefits of WBV training in enhancing muscle strength and physical performance in older inpatients with sarcopenia. Methods We included 40 patients with sarcopenia (mean age 85 years; age range 80~90 years) and randomly separated into the WBV group or control (CON) group. The WBV group underwent 8 weeks of conventional rehabilitation training combined with WBV, whereas the CON group received 8 weeks of conventional rehabilitation training alone. The primary outcome was maximal isometric muscle strength. The secondary outcomes were the time-up-and-go test (TUGT), the five-times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), the 6-m gait speed test, and the Morse Fall Scale (MFS). Results After an 8-week intervention, only the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles in the CON group showed substantial gains in strength. In the WBV group, significant increases were observed in iliopsoas (P<0.05), quadriceps (P<0.01), hamstring(P<0.01), and tibialis anterior muscle (P<0.01) respectively. For all physical performance assessments, improvements were observed in both CON and WBV groups (P<0.05), the improvement in the WBC group was greater than the CON group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in fall risk between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion This result highlights a eight weeks of whole-body vibration training can increase the lower-limb muscular strength and physical performance of older inpatients with sarcopenia.

Influence of physical exercise on respiratory muscle function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Respiratory function decreases with aging. The literature showed that non-ventilatory specific exercise could have a positive impact on respiratory muscles. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the effects of non-ventilatory specific exercise on maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in older adults. The included 9 trials investigated the effects of resistance training, yoga, Pilates, physical activity based on walking, and whole-body vibration training. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in MIP, MEP, and PEF after implementation of a non-ventilatory specific exercise program in older individuals. Between-study heterogeneity was substantial for MIP and MEP outcomes but it was not statistically significant for PEF. Further RCTs will be necessary to determine the effects of physical exercise interventions. PROSPERO registry CRD42023478262.

Balance Changes Following a Controlled Whole-Body Vibration Training: A Pilot Analysis Addressing Balance Control in Adult Women with Obesity

Background: The prevalence of obesity among older individuals has significantly increased in recent years, potentially doubling the risk of postural imbalance and falls. Controlled whole-body vibration (CWBV) training is considered an alternative/complementary therapy for fall prevention, but its mechanisms still require further investigation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of CWBV on balance and fall risk among older adult women with obesity. Methods: Fifteen adult women over the age of 60 (mean age 68.55 ± 4.86, BMI: 30.57 ± 2.97) participated in this quasi-experimental study. They underwent CWBV training three times weekly for six weeks. Gait stability and balance were assessed using a gait analysis system before and after the intervention. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in both static and dynamic balance parameters, except for the variability of velocity index (P = 0.9) and fear of falling (FES-I score, P = 0.56), after the intervention. Conclusions: CWBV training appears to be an effective method for improving static and dynamic balance parameters in older adult women. However, further research is necessary to explore different dosages and protocols of vibration training, incorporating more challenging/specialized proprioceptive exercises to potentially improve the fear of falling in this population.

Passive exercise is an effective alternative to HRT for restoring OVX induced mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle.

Postmenopausal women are more prone to develop muscle weakness, which is strongly associated with impairment of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to examine the impact of a passive exercise modality, whole-body vibration training (WBVT), on muscle mitochondrial function in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, in comparison with 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement. Female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups: sham operation control group (Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX), OVX with E2 supplement group (OVX+E), and OVX with WBVT group (OVX+W). The estrous cycle, body weight, body composition, and muscle strength of the mice were monitored after the operation. Serum E2 level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ATP levels were determined using a luciferase-catalyzed bioluminescence assay. The activity of mitochondrial respiration chain complexes was evaluated using high-resolution respirometry (O2K). Expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using western blotting. We observed decreased muscle strength and impaired mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle of OVX mice. The vibration training alleviated these impairments as much as the E2 supplement. In addition, the vibration training was superior to the ovariectomy and the estradiol replacement regarding the protein expression of PGC-1α and TFAM. WBVT improves the OVX-induced decline in muscle strength and impairment of mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle. This passive exercise strategy may be useful as an alternative to E2 replacement for preventing menopausal muscular weakness. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of WBVT on various physiological systems, and precautions should be taken when implementing it in patient treatment.

Effects of intermittent hypoxia and whole-body vibration training on health-related outcomes in older adults

BackgroundAging is associated with a health impairment and an increase of the vulnerability of the older people. Strength training under intermittent hypoxic conditions has been shown to have therapeutic effects on individual’s health.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined intermittent hypoxia (IH) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training program on health-related outcomes in older people.MethodsA total of 60 adults (over the age of 65) voluntarily participated in an intervention that lasted 20 weeks (three 30-min sessions per week). The participants were divided into four experimental groups subjected to different environmental conditions (IH vs normoxia) and exercise (non-exercise vs WBV). Functional fitness, body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, and bone turnover were evaluated before and after the intervention. A multifactorial ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to explore differences within and between groups.ResultsThe results showed that IH and WBV had a positive synergistic effect on inflammatory parameters (CRP and IL-10), bone formation biomarker (PINP), and body composition (muscle and bone mass).ConclusionIn conclusion, a combined IH and WVB training could be a useful tool to prevent the deterioration of health-related outcomes associated with aging.Clinical trial registration NCT04281264. https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on physical function in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) training for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. To address this gap, the present study seeks to undertake a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate the impact of WBV on physical function and quality of life outcomes in CKD patients.MethodsA systematic search was performed on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to March 2023 and updated in June 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled studies, quasi-experimental studies, and single-arm trials that evaluated the impact of WBV on physical function, encompassing cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, mobility, and balance, in CKD patients. Adverse events that were included in the study reports were recorded. The pooled evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method.ResultsNine studies were identified, of which seven were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant improvement in upper (mean difference: 3.45 kg; 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 5.29) and lower (standardized mean difference: 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.59) extremity muscle strength in patients with CKD who underwent WBV training compared to baseline (low-level evidence). Furthermore, WBV training favored improved cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and balance function, but no statistical difference was observed. The impact of WBV training on quality of life in patients with CKD requires further validation. Notably, only one adverse event (nausea) was reported in the included studies.ConclusionsWBV has demonstrated efficacy and feasibility in enhancing muscle strength among patients with CKD. However, further investigation is warranted to determine its potential for improving cardiorespiratory adaptations, mobility, balance function, and quality of life. Additionally, future research should prioritize comprehensive reporting of WBV protocols to establish an optimal training regimen for the CKD population.

Effects of whole-body vibration on chronic ankle instability: a systematic review.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is one of the most common sports injuries, and whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been used lately as a potential rehabilitation modality for these patients. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether WBV training positively affects patients with CAI. The authors systematically searched four databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, for randomized and non-randomized trials evaluating the effects of WBV on individuals with CAI. The authors used Cochrane RoB2 to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. A meta-analysis was conducted if three or more studies measured the same outcome. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results were retrieved from seven articles encompassing 288 participants who had CAI. The reach distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was regarded as the study's main finding. The authors saw a significant training effect on certain planes of motion on dynamic balance. The findings showed that the post-intervention measurements in the WBV group compared to control groups showed improvements in the posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial directions, respectively. There were also promising results on improvements in muscle activity, strength, and proprioception sense measurements with a great diversity in the reported parameters. The authors observed a significant WBV training effect on dynamic balance over posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial reach distances. These findings suggest future studies on the effects of WBV on muscle activity, strength, and proprioception in addition to dynamic and static balance.

A157: The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on the Motor Abilities of Patients with Sarcopenia

Purpose: The highly morbid condition known as sarcopenia affects middle-aged and elderly people and is characterized by a progressive loss of whole-body muscle mass accelerated by aging. It is also accompanied by a decline in muscle strength and physiological function. These weakening functions manifest as impaired physical movement, increased risk of falls, disability, lower quality of life, and even death. Sarcopenia is progressively emerging as a new public health issue in China with a quickly aging population, making it vital to investigate effective exercise therapies for sarcopenic patients. Methods: Sixty sarcopenic patients (aged 60-75) from a local hospital in northeast China participated in the study. They were randomly divided into a test group and a control group, with 30 patients in each. The test group underwent a 40-minute whole-body vibration training session for 12 weeks, five times a week, while the control group kept regular routines. Data were collected at the end of the experiment, including muscle strength, muscle mass, muscle function, gait speed, berg balance scale (BBS), five sit-to-stand test (FTSST), activities of daily living (ADL), fall risk assessment scale (FRA), and Sarcopenia Quality of Life Scale (SarQoL) scores. Results: The 12-week whole-body vibration training intervention resulted in a significantly higher value of muscular strength, muscle mass, and muscle function among the test group compared to the control group. The former achieved substantially higher SPPB, ADL, FTSST, and BBS scores than the latter (p < 0.01). With much lower FRA scores and significantly better SarQoL ratings compared to baseline, the test group also significantly outperformed the control group in terms of fall risk and quality of life (p < 0.01). Conclusion: With whole-body vibration training, people with sarcopenia can increase their skeletal muscle strength, considerably enhance their motor function, lower their risk of falls and accidents, and generally improve their quality of life. Whole-body vibration training is worthy of therapeutic use since it is both feasible and practical.

Evaluating physical therapy interventions for pediatric developmental disorders: Enhancing motor skill

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of specific physical therapy interventions, including Metaverse Physical Therapy, Nintendo Wii-integrated therapy, Whole-Body Vibration training, Segmental trunk and head control training, Ride-on car training, swimming programs, structured bimanual skill training, and running interventions in enhancing motor skills in children with pediatric developmental disorders. Methodology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies published from 2013 to 2023 was conducted. Studies that compared the effects of innovative physical therapy interventions such as metaverse physical therapy, virtual reality-enhanced treatments, and Nintendo Wii-integrated therapy, and traditional physical therapies on children with developmental disorders were included. Primary outcomes assessed included improvements in motor skills, cognitive functions, and social interactions. Results: The review identified significant improvements in motor function across various interventions. Innovations like metaverse physical therapy and virtual reality-enhanced treatments showed additional benefits in engagement and motivation. While all interventions generally improved motor skills, those incorporating advanced technologies and integrative approaches also positively impacted cognitive and social development, although to varying degrees. Conclusion: Physical therapy, particularly when integrating new technologies and holistic approaches, is crucial for improving overall development in children with developmental disorders. The review highlights the need for personalized, multifaceted therapy plans that address not only physical but also cognitive and social needs to optimize outcomes.

Comparison of Static Stretching on Whole Body Vibration and Strength Training for Improving and Maintaining Hamstring Range of Motion

Background: Hamstring strains are prevalent among individuals engaged in sports and recreational activities. Addressing this, static stretching, whole-body vibrations (WBV), and strength training are recognized for enhancing range of motion (ROM) and reducing muscle injury risks. However, the comparative effectiveness of these modalities on hamstring flexibility and ROM requires further exploration. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of static stretching combined with whole-body vibrations and strength training on improving and maintaining hamstring range of motion. Methods: This crossover randomized control trial in Karachi involved 44 participants aged 18-25 years, actively participating in various recreational activities. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one underwent static stretching on whole-body vibration, and the other received strength training. The interventions lasted four weeks, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of active and passive range of motion (AROM and PROM). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The static stretching with whole-body vibration group showed an increase in AROM from a pre-intervention mean of 131.05° to a post-intervention mean of 136.55°, and in PROM from 131.67° to 137.41°. The strength training group exhibited an increase in AROM from a pre-intervention mean of 135.21° to 142.42°, and in PROM from 135.98° to 144.81°. Both interventions demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring ROM. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both static stretching on whole-body vibration and strength training are effective in enhancing the flexibility and range of motion of hamstrings. These findings suggest their beneficial incorporation in rehabilitation and athletic training programs.

Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Hind Limb Muscles, Gait and Pain in Lame Dogs with Borderline-to-Severe Hip Dysplasia-A Pilot Study.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on hind limb muscles, gait and pain in lame dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia. Ten lame client-owned dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia, aged from 1.5 to 9.0 years and weighing 14.5 to 53.0 kg, were enrolled. The WBV training program consisted of 15 min sessions three times weekly for 16 weeks. Muscles of the hind limbs were evaluated using measurements of thigh circumference, the cross-sectional thickness of selected hind limb muscles by ultrasound assessment, and vastus lateralis muscle activity determined by surface electromyography (EMG). Lameness and clinical signs of pain were assessed by visual lameness scoring, orthopedic examination and an owner-based questionnaire. Kinetic analysis was performed by using a pressure-sensitive walkway. Manual thigh circumference measurements of both hind limbs showed significant increases over the trial period with a greater degree of change observed after week 8. Ultrasound measurements of the left gluteal muscles and the quadriceps femoris muscles of both hind limbs showed significant increases in the cross-section thickness post WBV. Owner's perception of pain also showed a decrease in signs of pain at week 12 and week 16 compared to baseline. Based on graphs of the EMG activity patterns of the vastus lateralis muscle, 65% of the hind limbs had an improvement after 48 WBV sessions when compared to pre-session patterns. However, no significant differences were observed in visual lameness evaluation and kinetic analysis. Therefore, further studies will help to better clarify the role of WBV in canine rehabilitation protocols.