Whole-body Vibration Training Research Articles

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Trunk Muscle Strength: A Narrative Review

Mechanical vibration can improve neuromuscular function through postural control strategies, muscle tonic mechanisms, and tonic vibration reflexes. Whole body vibration (WBV) has also been announced to increase bone mineral density, muscle endurance and strength, as well as to enhance proprioceptive system. Moreover, WBV training was found to be a constructivestrategy for improving the physical performance of elite athletes and healthy individuals in terms of muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height. Although there is still no consensus in research in this area, it is argued that certainmolecular mechanisms involved in the physiological adaptations of exercise also emerge during WBV training. Clarifying these physiological mechanisms is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of WBV trainings. Previous studies have examined the effects of WBV and have indicated developments in muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, muscle cross sectional area, bone mineral density and body composition. However, no standard prescription has been established to optimize the effects of WBV, including the determination of vibration frequency and amplitude. In addition, the majority of previous studies have investigated the effects of WBV training on the extremities. There are few publications investigating its effectiveness on trunk and core musclestrength, which is one of the important indicators of athletic performance. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review of the literature, referring to the Cochrane Library and Medline databases, to summarize the most recent scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration on trunk muscle strength. This narrative review concludes that at least 8 weeks of WBV training is more effective on trunk muscle strength than those performing the same exercises without WBV.

Meta-analysis of the effect of whole-body vibration training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). An electronic search was performed on the databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SCI-hub, ScienceDirect, Embase, IEEE, Medline, Wiley, ClinicaIKey, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, Chinese Medical Association, and CBM Database from inception to May 2022 to collect randomized controlled studies on whole-body vibration training for patients with Parkinson's disease. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature, then used ReviewManager 5.4 software for quantitative statistical analysis, including heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, risk of bias assessment, combined outcome index effect size and effect size inspection. A total of 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 346 patients, 174 patients in the control group and 172 patients in the observation group. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with conventional physical therapy or drug therapy alone, whole-body vibration reduced the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRSIII) score and significantly improved the motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease [MD=-2.39, 95% CI (-4.41, -0.37), Z=2.14 (p=0.23)]. Moreover, whole-body vibration significantly improved the walking stability of Parkinson's patients [MD=-1.96, 95% CI (-2.71-1.21), Z=1.17 (p=0.03)]. However, its improvement in balance ability [MD=-0.06, 95% CI (-0.77, 0.65), Z=1.07 (p=0.19)] and daily living ability [MD=0.03, 95% CI (-1.68, 0.74), Z=0.24 (p=0.87)] of patients, it was not t statistically significant. Compared with conventional therapy, WBV has certain advantages in improving the balance function and gait performance of PD patients, but the effect on balance ability and daily living ability is not significant. Thus, more high-quality research is required for further verification.

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Hemodynamic Variables

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Hemodynamic Variables

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Hemodynamic Variables

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Hemodynamic Variables

Effects of whole-body vibration on sensorimotor deficits and brain plasticity among people with chronic ankle instability: a study protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is a form of musculoskeletal disease that can occur after a lateral ankle sprain, and it is characterized by pain, recurrent ankle sprains, a feeling of “giving way” at the ankle joint, and sensorimotor deficits. There has been increasing evidence to suggest that plastic changes in the brain after the initial injury play an important role in CAI. As one modality to treat CAI, whole-body vibration (WBV) has been found to be beneficial for treating the sensorimotor deficits accompanying CAI, but whether these benefits are associated with brain plasticity remains unknown. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the effect of WBV on sensorimotor deficits and determine its correlation with plastic changes in the brain.MethodsThe present study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 participants with CAI recruited from the university and local communities will be divided into 4 groups: whole-body vibration and balance training (WBVBT), balance training (BT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and control group. Participants will be given the WBV intervention (25-38 Hz, 1.3-2 mm, 3-time per week, 6-week) supervised by a professional therapist. Primary outcome measures are sensorimotor function including strength, balance, proprioception and functional performance. Brain plasticity will be evaluated by corticomotor excitability, inhibition, and representation of muscles, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Activation of brain areas will be assessed through functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Secondary outcome measures are self-reported functional outcomes involving the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. All tests will be conducted before and after the WBV intervention, and at 2-week follow-up. Per‑protocol and intention-to-treat analysis will be applied if any participants withdraw.DiscussionThis is the first trial to investigate the role of brain plasticity in sensorimotor changes brought by WBV for individuals with CAI. As plastic changes in the brain have been an increasingly important aspect in CAI, the results of the current study can provide insight into the treatment of CAI from the perspective of brain plasticity.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068972); registered on 02 March 2023.

The Impact of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower-Extremity Muscle Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This review aimed to analyze the impact of whole-body-vibration (WBV) training on strength, power, muscle endurance, functional lower-extremity flexibility (FLEF), and functional lower-extremity strength (FLES) in older adults and to evaluate the effectiveness of different WBV training periods. Electronic searches were conducted using four databases. The methodological quality and level of evidence of the selected articles were assessed by two reviewers. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Nineteen studies were included (474 participants; mean age 74.27 years). Strength was measured by isokinetic, isometric, or isotonic contraction using an isokinetic dynamometer or weight-training machines. Power was measured by an assessment task that required maximal force in a short period of time. Endurance was evaluated by maximal repetition of tasks, FLEF by chair stand-and-reach and functional reach tests, and FLES by the sit-to-stand test. Meta-analysis showed that WBV training had significant effects on strength (SMD = .54; CIs = .40, .67), power (SMD = .58; CIs = .28, .89), muscle endurance (SMD = .82; CIs = .36, 1.29), FLEF (SMD = .31; CIs = .06, .55), and FLES (SMD = -.75; CIs = -1.18, -.33). Our findings suggest that 1) WBV training improves overall lower-extremity muscle function in older adults, especially muscle endurance; 2) a minimum of 8 weeks of WBV training is recommended to improve strength, muscular endurance, and power; and 3) a longer period of the WBV training is more effective at improving muscle endurance, power, and strength but not FLEF and FLES. Therefore, WBV training is strongly recommended to improve various muscle function parameters in older adults.

Effects of different rehabilitation training on balance function in stroke patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Stroke is a major noninfectious disease that endangers patients' health. About 83% of patients have some degree of balance dysfunction. Rehabilitation training is an effective means to improve the balance function of stroke patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess which of the eight rehabilitation training methods was more effective in promoting balance recovery. Eight studies of rehabilitation training to improve balance function in stroke patients were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases. Data extraction was carried out by two independent researchers. The improvement in balance function included in the study was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). A random effects model was used to assess the mean difference in these values between patients who received different rehabilitation training and controls. A total of 46 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, including 3741 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the clinical effectiveness in promoting balance recovery in stroke patients was ranked as follows: core stability training (odds ratio (OR) = 14.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.18-27.44) > whole-body vibration training (OR = 10.27, 95% CI: 4.36-24.18) > mirror therapy (OR = 5.15, 95% CI: 2.40-11.04). This results suggested that core stability was more beneficial for improving balance function in stroke patients.

Whole Body Vibration Training Improves Maximal Strength of the Knee Extensors, Time-to-Exhaustion and Attenuates Neuromuscular Fatigue

Whole-body vibration (WBV) training programs were reported to improve knee extensor muscle (KE) strength in healthy participants. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of these strength gains remain unresolved. In addition, WBV training was shown to increase the time-to-exhaustion of a static submaximal endurance task. However, the effects of WBV training on neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., a decrease of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction; MVIC) induced by an endurance task is unknown. We, therefore, investigated the influence of WBV training on (i) KE MVIC and neuromuscular function, (ii) the time-to-exhaustion of the KE associated with a submaximal isometric fatiguing exercise, and (iii) KE neuromuscular fatigue and its etiology. Eighteen physically active males were assigned to a WBV group (n = 10) or a sham training group (SHAM; n = 8). The MVIC of the KE, voluntary activation, and electrically evoked responses of the KE were assessed (i) before and after a fatiguing exercise (i.e., submaximal isometric contraction) performed until failure, and (ii) before (PRE) and after a 6-week training (POST) period. At POST, the WBV training increased the KE MVIC (+12%, p = 0.001) and voluntary activation (+6%, p < 0.05) regardless of the fatiguing exercise. The time-to-exhaustion was also lengthened at POST in the WBV group (+34%, p < 0.001). Finally, the relative percentage of MVIC decrease after fatiguing exercises diminished in the WBV group between PRE and POST (−14% vs. −6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Significant neural adaptation enhancements account for the trend in KE strength improvements observed after the WBV training program. In addition, the WBV training was effective at increasing the time-to-exhaustion and attenuating neuromuscular fatigue.

The effect of whole-body vibration training on selected breast cancer risk factors in obese postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Menopause is associated with various hormonal changes leading to many complications such as obesity, hot flashes and increased liability for breast cancer, that intractably alter female quality of life. This study was conducted to determine the effect of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on body mass index and serum prolactin concentration, as risk factors for breast cancer and severity of hot flashes in obese postmenopausal women. A prospective, randomized, parallel group, active controlled study with a 1:1 allocation ratio was carried out. A total of 40 obese postmenopausal women (aged 50 to 60 years, postmenopausal for at least 3 years, with a body mass index BMI between 30-39.9 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into two equal groups (group A and B). Group A (WBVT, n = 20) received WBVT, 3 sessions per week for 3 months, while group B (control group, n = 20) was asked to retrain their usual lifestyle pattern. They were all instructed about healthy dieting. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing SPSS for windows, version 18 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). The results of our study showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in all measured variables in group A in post-study (p < 0.05), while the control group (B) showed a non-statistically significant decrease in these variables in comparison to the pre-study (p > 0.05). Comparison of the two groups after treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in the measured variables, in favor of the study group A (p < 0.05). From the obtained results, it was concluded that whole body vibration is effective in decreasing BMI and waist circumference, in addition to reducing serum prolactin concentration and the severity of hot flashes in obese postmenopausal women. Therefore, it could be used to decrease the risk of breast cancer in obese postmenopausal women.

Whole-Body Vibration Training Protocols for People with Cerebral Palsy: a Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract Objectives Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for cerebral palsy (CP); however, reported efficacy is inconsistent and methodological approaches differ substantially. This study aimed to review the methodological protocols adopted by randomised controlled trials reporting on the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP. Methods Electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials reporting on the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP. Data were extracted from included studies related to study and participant characteristics and WBVT protocols including training programmes, patient positioning, and machine and vibration specifications. Results Eighteen randomised controlled trials were identified. Training programmes varied considerably, including duration, number of sessions per week, session length, and whether static, dynamic, or combination exercises were performed. Positioning of participants on the vibration platform also varied, including foot, knee, hip, and hand positioning. The machine specifications were poorly reported, with variations in frequency, amplitude, and peak acceleration settings. Conclusions This review highlights the inconsistency in the use and reporting of training protocols, machine specifications, and patient positioning when investigating the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP. Current clinical trials continue to poorly acknowledge WBVT research recommendations, which may contribute to ongoing misunderstanding of basic WBVT principals and safety considerations, as well as contribute to the inconclusive results with regard to treatment efficacy.

Whole-body vibration versus supervised aerobic exercise on hormonal parameters and inflammatory status in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and aerobic exercise on the hormonal profile and inflammatory status in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A prospective, randomized, pre-post-test, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted in 105 women diagnosed with PMS. They were randomized into three equal groups. All women received magnesium and vitamin B complex supplementation once daily. WBV training was added three times per week to the WBV group. The aerobic exercise group added aerobic exercise three times per week, while the control group received no additional intervention. The Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ) was used to assess PMS symptoms. Blood analysis was performed to measure hormone assays (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisol) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at the start and after the end of the treatment program. There was no statistically significant difference between WBV and aerobic exercise according to PMSQ and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P= 0.99 and P= 0.98, respectively), but there was a statistically significant difference between both groups in cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, and estradiol (P= 0.001), with more favor given to the WBV group. WBV and aerobic exercise have positive effects on women with PMS, with more favor given to WBV.

The effect of whole-body vibration on lower extremity function in children with cerebral palsy: A meta-analysis.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration training on lower limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers systematically searched the records of nine databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, etc.) from inception to December 2022. Tools from the Cochrane Collaboration were used to assess risk of bias. Standard meta-analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 and Revman 5.3. For continuous variables, the arms difference was calculated as the weighted mean difference (WMD) between the values before and after the intervention and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Of the 472 studies identified, 13 (total sample size 451 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that WBV training could effectively improve GMFM88-D [WMD = 2.46, 95% CI (1.26, 3.67), P<0.01] and GMFM88-E [WMD = 3.44, 95% CI (1.21, 5.68), P = 0.003], TUG [WMD = -3.17, 95% CI (-5.11, -1.24), P = 0.001], BBS [WMD = 4.00,95% CI (3.29, 4.71), P<0. 01] and the range of motion of ankle joint and the angle of ankle joint during muscle reaction in children with cerebral palsy. The effect of WBV training on 6MWT walking speed [WMD = 47.64, 95% CI (-25.57, 120.85), p = 0.20] in children with cerebral palsy was not significantly improved. WBV training is more effective than other types of conventional physical therapy in improving the lower limb motor function of children with cerebral palsy. The results of this meta-analysis strengthen the evidence of previous individual studies, which can be applied to the clinical practice and decision-making of WBV training and rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy.

The effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Different Protocols for Low Whole-Body Vibration Frequency for Spasticity and Physical Performance in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a therapeutic exercise tool that can be used in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A low vibration frequency with different protocols has been suggested, but no optimal dose has been explicitly indicated. We aimed to determine the superiority of a gradually increased 7-18 Hz WBV protocol over a static 11 Hz WBV and the immediate and short-term effects of WBV training on improving spasticity, functional strength, balance, and walking ability in children with spastic CP. Twenty-four participants with CP (mean age: 11.5 ± 2.9 years) were randomly allocated into protocols of a static 11 Hz vibration frequency group (SVF) or one that increased from a 7 to an 18 Hz vibration frequency (IVF) (n = 12/group). The WBV programmes were completed for 30 min/session/day to identify immediate effects, and the short-term programme then continued for four days/week for eight weeks. Modified Ashworth Scale scores significantly and immediately improved in the IVF group (hip adductor and knee extensor, p < 0.05), and after eight weeks showed significant improvement in the SVF group (ankle plantar flexor, p < 0.05). Within groups, the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), the Time Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test significantly improved in the SVF group, whereas only the FTSTS improved in the IVF group (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences at the eight-week postintervention, except reduced spasticity. A protocol of 7-18 Hz WBV seems to offer superior immediate results in terms of improved spasticity; however, a static 11 Hz protocol appears to offer superior results after eight weeks, although the two protocols did not differ significantly in effects on physical performance. This finding may facilitate preparations to normalise muscle tone before functional mobility therapy. The study results may support future studies about the dose-response of WBV frequency.

Whole-Body Vibration Training on Oxidative Stress Markers, Irisin Levels, and Body Composition in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance seem to be involved in fibromyalgia (FM) pathogenesis. The results of our previous studies suggest that whole-body vibration training (WBVT) would improve redox status markers, increase blood irisin levels, and ameliorate the body composition of women with FM. (2) Objective: The current study aimed to investigate WBVT on oxidative stress markers, plasma irisin levels, and body composition in women with FM. (3) Methods: Forty women with FM were randomized into WBVT or untrained (UN) groups. Before and after 6 weeks of WBVT, body composition was assessed by dual-energy radiological absorptiometry (DXA), and inflammatory marker activities were measured by enzymatic assay. (4) Results: Body composition, blood irisin levels, and oxidative stress markers were similar between UN and WBVT groups before the intervention. After 6 weeks of intervention, the WBVT group presented higher irisin levels (WBVT: 316.98 ± 109.24 mg·dL³, WBVT: 477.61 ± 267.92 mg·dL³, p = 0.01) and lower TBARS levels (UN: 0.39 ± 0.02 nmol MDA/mg protein, WBVT: 0.24 ± 0.06 nmol MDA/mg protein, p = 0.001) and visceral adipose tissue mass (UN: 1.37 ± 0.49 kg, WBVT: 0.69 ± 0.54 kg, p = 0.001) compared to the UN group. (5) Conclusions: Six weeks of WBVT improves blood redox status markers, increases irisin levels, and reduces visceral adipose tissue mass, favoring less cell damage and more outstanding oxidative balance in women with FM.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Hemorheological Blood Indices in Young, Healthy Women.

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of single and 12-week WBVT and training without vibration on changes in hemorheological blood indices and plasma fibrinogen levels in young, healthy women. Three groups are distinguished: the experimental group-participating in WBVT (n = 17); the comparison group-implementing the same physical exercise protocol without the vibration factor (n = 12); and the control group-no intervention (n = 17). In the experimental and comparison group, blood is collected before and after the first and last training, while in the control group, blood is collected twice, 3 months apart. After a series of WBVT, a significant decrease in the mean erythrocyte volume and mean hemoglobin mass in erythrocytes, as well as a slight increase in the mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, is found, and the effect of the last training is a significant decrease in plasma volume. Under the influence of repeated WBVT, there is an increase in erythrocyte deformability at low shear stress and an increase in the aggregation amplitude. The study shows that WBVT improves blood flow in the vessels and does not affect erythrocyte aggregation and the level of fibrinogen, which confirms the safety of this form of exercise.

Effect of whole-body vibration on cardiac function and functionality in patients with chronic non-communicable disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate evidence of the use of whole-body vibration training (WBV) on cardiac autonomic function and functionality in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases related to the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems. Methods: The search involved Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, PEDro and Scopus databases. Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials were eligible for this review when comparing a group of patients with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic conditions who trained with WBV with a control group without intervention or other training modalities. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. Subgroup analyzes were performed considering sample size and age of participants. WBV training improved sympathovagal balance and reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with obesity and hypertension. There was a trend towards an increase in the distance covered on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in COPD patients and a decrease in heart rate (HR) in overweight or obese women and hypertension after WBV, but no difference was found between the groups. No repercussions were observed in kidney transplant patients. Conclusion: WBV can be an alternative training modality to improve cardiac autonomic function and systolic blood pressure in obese and hypertensive patients, with moderate quality of evidence. We suggested that larger studies be carried out to assess the effect of WBV on outcomes such as distance covered in the 6MWT, HR, VO2max, diastolic blood pressure, gait speed and balance.

Beyond physiology: Acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration on well-being, flexibility, balance, and cognition using a light and portable platform A randomized controlled trial.

A good body-balance helps to prevent slips, trips and falls. New body-balance interventions must be explored, because effective methods to implement daily training are sparse. The purpose of the current study was to investigate acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration (SS-WBV) training on musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance, and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated into a verum (8.5 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 28) or sham (6 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 27) condition. The training consisted of three SS-WBV series that lasted one-minute each with two one-minute breaks in between. During the SS-WBV series, participants stood in the middle of the platform with slightly bent knees. During the breaks in between, participants could loosen up. Flexibility (modified fingertip-to-floor method), balance (modified Star Excursion Balance Test), and cognitive interference (Stroop Color Word Test) were tested before and after the exercise. Also, musculoskeletal well-being, muscle relaxation, sense of flexibility, sense of balance, and surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire before and after the exercise. Musculoskeletal well-being was significantly increased only after verum. Also, muscle relaxation was significantly higher only after verum. The Flexibility-Test showed significant improvement after both conditions. Accordingly, sense of flexibility was significantly increased after both conditions. The Balance-Test showed significant improvement after verum, and after sham. Accordingly, increased sense of balance was significant after both conditions. However, surefootedness was significantly higher only after verum. The Stroop-Test showed significant improvement only after verum. The current study shows that one SS-WBV training session increases musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance and cognition. The abundance of improvements on a light and portable platform has great influence on the practicability of training in daily life, aiming to prevent slip trips and falls at work.

Effekte eines Ganzkörpervibrationstrainings mit zwei unterschiedlichen Vibrationsamplituden auf die Leistungsfähigkeit der unteren Extremität

Effekte eines Ganzkörpervibrationstrainings mit zwei unterschiedlichen Vibrationsamplituden auf die Leistungsfähigkeit der unteren Extremität

The Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration and Heat Therapy on the Muscle Strength, Flexibility, and Balance Abilities of Elderly Groups.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a novel exercise training measure that promotes the muscle strength, flexibility, and balance abilities of elderly groups. The feasibility and applicability of 20-30 min (lowering a heat pack at 73 °C by wrapping it in multiple layers of towels to 40-43 °C before it touched the skin) thermotherapy are increasingly being demonstrated by applications and clinical trials. Studies show that it increases the flexibility of macules and ligament. However, no studies have examined the interactions between the pre-exercise and post-exercise application of heat therapy (duration a training course). Therefore, this study investigates the effects of WBV and heat therapy on the muscle strength, flexibility, and balance abilities of elderly groups. Eighty middle-age and elderly participants with no regular exercise habits were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to a WBV group, a WBV plus heat therapy group, a heat therapy alone group, and a control group. The WBV groups underwent 5-min, fixed-amplitude (4 mm), thrice-weekly WBV training sessions for 3 consecutive months on a WBV training machine. Participants' balance was measured using the limits of stability (LOS) test on a balance system. The pretest and posttest knee extensor and flexor strength were tested using an isokinetic lower extremity dynamometer. Pretest and posttest flexibility changes were measured using the sit-and-reach test. Significantly larger pretest and posttest differences in flexibility and muscle strength were observed in the WBV and WBV plus heat therapy groups. The addition of heat therapy to WBV resulted in the largest flexibility improvements.