Whole-body Vibration Training Research Articles

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.

Short-term vibration training and female jump performance: A feasibility study investigating a relatively low-cost, platform

This study investigated the effects of a short-term vibration training intervention, using a relatively low-cost side-alternating platform, on the jump performance and corresponding lower body power of a young recreationally active female population. Following institutional ethics approval, nine recreationally active females (mean: age = 21.1 ± 0.6 years; height = 1.66 ± 0.08 m; mass = 68.1 ± 9.8 kg), recruited via a convenience sampling method, were randomly assigned to a whole-body vibration training (WBVT) or control group. The WBVT group performed static squats and lunges, once-per-week over a six-week period, on a side-alternating vibration platform. The control group followed an identical training protocol without vibration exposure. Lower body muscular power was assessed pre- and post- intervention using three maximal vertical countermovement jumps (VCMJ), performed on a contact mat. Results of a repeated measures t-test revealed the WBVT group significantly improved their VCMJ performance (P= 0.012) over the six-week intervention. The control groups’ performance remained relatively stable with no significant increase in jump performance (P =0.68). The current study supports the inclusion of vibration training as part of an exercise regime to increase jumping performance and power in a recreationally active female population. As findings show comparable improvements to those from other studies following similar training protocols, using more expensive vibration platforms, further investigation is now warranted to ascertain responses to vibratory signals received from the variety of low-cost, vibration platform types currently available.

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.

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.

Effects of whole-body vibration training in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. MS is characterised by nerve demyelination that can alter nerve transmission and lead to such symptoms as fatigue, muscle weakness, and impaired motor function. There are 47000 people with MS in Spain. Vibration training can be an effective and complementary alternative to traditional exercise to treat patients with MS. The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of vibration training programmes in patients with MS. DevelopmentWe searched 5 electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, Lilacs, IBECS, and ISI Web of Knowledge) in August 2015. By using a set of keywords, we found studies linking vibration training and MS and included randomised controlled trials that applied vibration training to patients with MS. Our search yielded 71 studies. Only 9 of them were included after removing duplicate studies and those which were not relevant according to our selection criteria. These studies obtained different outcomes. ConclusionsSome studies found improvements in muscle strength, functional capacity, coordination, resistance, balance, and some areas of 88-Item Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale. However, we identified limitations in some of these studies and there are still few publications on vibration training and MS to ensure training effectiveness.

Acute Whole Body Vibration Decreases the Glucose Levels in Elderly Diabetic Women.

Type II diabetes (TIIDM) is characterized by high levels of blood glucose followed by excessive insulin release so that the target cells become less sensitive, developing insulin resistance and maintaining hyperglycemic levels. Physical activity is the strongest element to prevent and to manage the TIIDM, and the majority of patients do not remain in regularly active levels, because the premature fatigue in these patients decreases the adherence to the training. Contrastingly, the whole body vibration (WBV) training may improve the glucose metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the peripheral blood sugar, decreasing the physical discomfort and perceived exertion. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of an acute WBV session as therapy to promote fasting decreases in insulin levels in peripheral blood in TIIDM when compared to healthy elderly. For this, fifteen healthy elderly women and fourteen diabetic elderly women, all sedentary, were allocated in diabetic or control groups, and we made an acute whole body session composed of 10 bouts lasting 2 minutes each one, separated by a 30-second rest period. The WBV was executed in a triaxial platform MY3 Power Plate® at 35 hertz and has been chosen a peak-to-peak displacement of 4 millimeters. After the protocol, both groups decreased the glycemic levels and increased lactate production in relation to the basal levels and when compared diabetic and control, where the most important results have been shown in diabetic women. This study revealed that WBV training in TIIDM has had significant beneficial effects on the control of glucose levels, still in an acute session. So that, the complete training probably will show better results about glycemic control and this finding could be especially important when prescribing exercise for elderly who are unable or unwilling to use traditional loads or who show poor exercise compliance.

Whole-body vibration training as a workplace-based sports activity: a randomized, controlled trial

Whole-body vibration training as a workplace-based sports activity: a randomized, controlled trial

Effects of whole-body vibration on heart rate variability: acute responses and training adaptations.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive and practical measure of cardiac autonomic nervous system function, mainly the sympathetic and parasympathetic modulations of heart rate. A low HRV has been shown to be indicative of compromised cardiovascular health. Interventions that enhance HRV are therefore beneficial to cardiovascular health. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been proposed as an alternative time-efficient exercise intervention for the improvement of cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effect of WBV both acute and after training on HRV. WBV training appears to be a useful therapeutic intervention to improve cardiac autonomic function in different populations, mainly through decreases in sympathovagal balance. Although the mechanisms by which WBV training improves symphathovagal balance are not yet well understood; enhancement of baroreflex sensitivity, nitric oxide bioavailability and angiotensin II levels seem to play an important role.

Effects of the type of exercise performed on the vibration delivered during whole-body vibration exercises

While the internal load factors of whole-body vibration training have been widely investigated, the study of external load magnitude has been overlooked. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in whole-body vibration stimulus magnitude between static/dynamic whole-body vibration training at various vibration conditions. Four Pro 5 Plate vibration platforms were exposed to twelve different vibration conditions and a triaxial USB Impact X250-2 accelerometer was used to measure platform acceleration during each condition. Paired samples t-test was calculated to evaluate differences among amplitude, frequency, time of acceleration and time of deceleration of each platform at each vibration condition and during static (squat of 90° knee flexion) or dynamic exercise (from stand to 90° knee flexion squat). Also, the intra-class correlation coefficients were examined in order to assess the inter-instrument reliability. Peak-to-peak amplitude, frequency, time of acceleration and deceleration of the vibration platform were not modified by the type of exercise performed. Moreover, the four platforms tested showed high repeatability values during the execution of free vibration, static or dynamic squat in all vibration conditions. This study confirms that the vibration delivered by the Pro 5 Plate vibration platform is not modified during the realization of static or dynamic exercises.

Whole body vibration training increases physical measures and quality of life without altering inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers in patients with moderate COPD.

Whole body vibration training (WBVT) has been identified as an alternative intervention to improve exercise capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of WBVT on inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers remains unknown. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of WBVT on quality of life and physical and inflammatory-oxidative parameters in patients with COPD. Twenty patients were equally divided into 1) an intervention group (IG) that performed the WBVT, and 2) a control group (CG) that did not receive any intervention. Intervention consisted in performing static squatting on a vibrating platform, in six series of 30 s, 3 days/wk, for 12 wk. Patients were evaluated for plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, soluble receptors of TNF-α; white cell count; plasma levels of oxidant and antioxidant markers; 6-min walking distance (6MWD); peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak); handgrip strength; quality of life; timed 5-chair sit-to-stand (5STS); and timed get-up and go test (TUG). After WBVT, patients from IG showed a significant increase in the 6MWD, V̇o2peak, and handgrip strength ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients from the IG reached minimal clinically important difference regarding quality of life. No significant differences were found in 5STS, TUG, inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers, and white cell count in the IG. The CG did not show significant improvement in all assessments ( P > 0.05). Taken together, our results demonstrated that the WBVT induced clinically significant benefits regarding exercise capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with COPD that were not related to inflammatory-oxidative biomarker changes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whole body vibration training is a new option for nonpharmacological treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study showed the potential of this training to improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with COPD. Furthermore, to our knowledge this was the first study showing that vibration exercise does not modify the plasma levels of inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers, suggesting that the beneficial effects on physical measures and quality of life are independent of changes in biomarkers.

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

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

Whole-Body-Vibration Training and Balance in Recreational Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability.

Deficits in the propioceptive system of the ankle contribute to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Recently, whole-body-vibration (WBV) training has been introduced as a preventive and rehabilitative tool. To evaluate how a 6-week WBV training program on an unstable surface affected balance and body composition in recreational athletes with CAI. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Research laboratory. Fifty recreational athletes with self-reported CAI were randomly assigned to a vibration (VIB), nonvibration (NVIB), or control group. The VIB and NVIB groups performed unilateral balance training on a BOSU 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. The VIB group trained on a vibration platform, and the NVIB group trained on the floor. We assessed balance using the Biodex Balance System and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After 6 weeks of training, improvements on the Biodex Balance System occurred only on the Overall Stability Index ( P = .01) and Anterior-Posterior Stability Index ( P = .03) in the VIB group. We observed better performance in the medial ( P = .008) and posterolateral ( P = .04) directions and composite score of the SEBT in the VIB group ( P = .01) and in the medial ( P < .001), posteromedial ( P = .002), and posterolateral ( P = .03) directions and composite score of the SEBT in the NVIB group ( P < .001). No changes in body composition were found for any of the groups. Only the VIB group showed improvements on the Biodex Balance System, whereas the VIB and NVIB groups displayed better performance on the SEBT.

Evaluation of maslinic acid with whole-body vibration training in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

PurposeMaslinic acid (MA) is a component derived from a natural olive-based extract known to have pharmacological functions that include suppressing inflammation. This study examined how MA, in conjunction with whole-body vibration training (WBVT), can improve knee and muscle function in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThe study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized intervention study that enrolled individuals with knee pain. Participants were 26 females aged 65–85 years with knee OA. They performed WBVT and ingested either 16.7 mg of MA or a placebo daily for 20 weeks. We compared the effect of WBVT with placebo (WBVT/P) and WBVT with MA (WBVT/MA) in participants with various degrees of knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grade) using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and isokinetic dynamometer measurements to evaluate knee and muscle function with two-way ANOVA.ResultsBased on the results of two-way ANOVA analysis of muscle function measurements, there was significant interaction (time × group) (P = 0.03) in the “isokinetic extension peak torque” domain for severe OA (K-L grade ≥ 3). The simple main effect of time in the WBVT/MA group (P = 0.04) contributed to this interaction. The JOA score for WBVT/MA supported the main effect of group as having a significant correlation in the “pain on walking” (P = 0.04) and “range of motion” (P < 0.01) domains. Participants with severe knee OA in the WBVT/MA group improved in these domains, whereas the WBVT/P group had few positive results.ConclusionsParticipants with severe OA who ingested MA in conjunction with WBVT improved their knee and muscle function. This study suggests that ingesting the anti-inflammatory supplement MA while participating in WBVT, elderly women can reduce knee OA and improve their knee muscle strength.

Transmission of vibration from a vibrating plate to the head of standing people

Little is known about the transmission of vibration to the head when using whole-body vibration (WBV) training machines. This paper investigates the effect of frequency and posture on the transmission of vibration from a vibrating plate to the head of standing people. Nine male participants were exposed to vertical vibration at nine frequencies in the range of 17–46 Hz and vibration acceleration in the range of 7.85–18.64 m/s2 (peak). The participants adopted four standing postures described as standing with locked knee (LK), bent knee (BK), one leg (OL), and one foot to the front and the other to the back (FB). The transmissibility to the head differed among postures (t-test, p < 0.05) and was greatest with the FB posture and smallest with the BK posture. The transmissibility to the head decreased with increasing the frequency (t-test, p < 0.05) but the extent of the decrease depended on the adopted posture. This frequency-posture interaction effect on the transmissibility should be considered when designing a training program. The data will be useful for developing standards/protocols that govern the use of WBV machines as well as for building human body models that can predict potential risks arising from using WBV machines.

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.

Metabolic effect of bodyweight whole-body vibration in a 20-min exercise session: A crossover study using verified vibration stimulus.

The ability of whole body vibration (WBV) to increase energy expenditure (EE) has been investigated to some extent in the past using short-term single exercises or sets of single exercises. However, the current practice in WBV training for fitness is based on the execution of multiple exercises during a WBV training session for a period of at least 20 min; nevertheless, very limited and inconsistent data are available on EE during long term WBV training session. This crossover study was designed to demonstrate, in an adequately powered sample of participants, the ability of WBV to increase the metabolic cost of exercise vs. no vibration over the time span of a typical WBV session for fitness (20 min). Twenty-two physically active young males exercised on a vibration platform (three identical sets of six different exercises) using an accelerometer-verified vibration stimulus in both the WBV and no vibration condition. Oxygen consumption was measured with indirect calorimetry and expressed as area under the curve (O2(AUC)). Results showed that, in the overall 20-min training session, WBV increased both the O2(AUC) and the estimated EE vs. no vibration by about 22% and 20%, respectively (P<0.001 for both, partial eta squared [η2] ≥0.35) as well as the metabolic equivalent of task (+5.5%, P = 0.043; η2 = 0.02) and the rate of perceived exertion (+13%, P<0.001; ŋ2 = 0.16). Results demonstrated that vibration is able to significantly increase the metabolic cost of exercise in a 20-min WBV training session.

Effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, bone mineral content and density, and balance and body composition of children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a systematic review.

The aim of this study is to verify the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the muscle strength of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, SciELO, Lilacs and PUBMED databases and included manual searches to identify randomised controlled trials to investigate the effects of WBV on the structure and body function of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and performed statistical analysis. In total, five studies with 171 patients that compared WBV with exercise and/or control were included. Two studies demonstrated a significant difference between the muscle strength of children and adolescents with Down syndrome who received WBV training and that of those who did not receive the intervention. The studies included in this systematic review showed that WBV training has positive effects on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and balance. Results of this study showed that WBV training improves muscle strength, BMD, body composition and balance of children and adolescents with Down syndrome, and a more in-depth analysis of its effects on other variables in this population is required, as well as of parameters to be used.

Whole-body Vibration Training as a Supportive Therapy During Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation – A Randomised Controlled Trial

Effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remain unknown. We examined whether additional WBV training during hospitalisation may stabilise the physical capacity of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fatigue status of these patients. In this randomised controlled trial, 26 subjects were randomly allocated 1:1 in an intervention group (INT; n=13) or a control group (CON; n=13). Patients in the CON received conventional physical therapy and patients in the INT completed further WBV training every other day. Isokinetic measurement of the muscular capacity of the lower extremities, functional endurance capacity and HRQOL were evaluated before and after the intervention period. No unwanted side effects were observed. We found a significant positive effect of the intervention on the maximum relative peak torque in extension in the INT compared to the CON (p=0.019) and patients in the INT experienced less pain (p=0.05). WBV training can be successfully implemented as a supportive therapy for patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. Furthermore, WBV training represents a safe and effective option in the maintenance of muscular capacity of the musculature of the lower extremities and may contribute to pain release.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Whole Body Vibration in Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives The goals of this study were to assess the effectiveness of WBV (whole body vibration) training through an analysis of effect sizes, identify advantages of WBV training, and suggest other effective treatment methods. Methods Four databases, namely, EMBASE, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science, were used to collect articles on vibration. Keywords such as “vibration” and “stroke” were used in the search for published articles. Consequently, eleven studies were selected in the second screening using meta-analyses. Results The total effect size of patients with dementia in the studies was 0.25, which was small. The effect size of spasticity was the greatest at 1.24 (high), followed by metabolism at 0.99 (high), balance, muscle strength, gait, and circulation in the decreasing order of effect size. Conclusions The effect sizes for muscle strength and balance and gait function, all of which play an important role in performance of daily activities, were small. In contrast, effect sizes for bone metabolism and spasticity were moderate. This suggests that WBV training may provide a safe, alternative treatment method for improving the symptoms of stroke in patients.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training in Drop Landing Jump

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training in Drop Landing Jump