Whole-body Vibration Research Articles

Effect of different training modalities on lipid metabolism in patients with type ii diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis.

This study to evaluate the effects of different training modalities on blood lipids in type II diabetic patients by Network Meta-analysis, and provide a relevant basis for patients to develop exercise prescriptions to regulate blood lipids. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from Zhiwang, Wanfang, Wipu, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science that were published from the establishment to February 2023. Relevant statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 software and Revman 5.4. A total of 35 randomized controlled trials with 2771 patients with type II diabetes were finally included. The results of Network Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, Chinese traditional fitness exercise (CTF), resistance training (RT), and aerobic training (AT) could reduce total cholesterol (TC) levels; CTF, RT, whole body vibration training (WBV), and AT could reduce triacylglycerol (TG) levels; CTF, WBV and AT could increase High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels; CTF, RT and AT could reduce Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels. SUCRA probability ranking results showed that CTF was the most effective in reducing TC[SMD= -0.57, 95% CI (-0.83, -0.31), p < 0.001], TG[SMD= -0.24, 95% CI (-0.36, -0.12), p < 0.001], LDL[SMD= -0.52, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.35), p < 0.001]; RT was the most effective in increasing HDL[SMD = 0.14, 95% CI (0.03, 0.26), p < 0.05]. CTF is more effective in improving TC, TG and LDL levels, while RT is most effective in improving HDL levels.

Whole-body vibration elicits 40Hz cortical gamma oscillations and ameliorates age-related cognitive impairment through hippocampal astrocyte synapses in male rats.

Age-related cognitive impairment is a prevalent issue in developed societies. Gamma oscil2lations at 40Hz have been identified as a potential therapeutic approach for age-related cognitive decline and can be induced through various modalities, including auditory, visual, electrical, and magnetic stimulation. In this study, we investigated a novel modality of stimulation: whole-body vibration at 40Hz. We examined the effects of 40Hz vibration on cognitive performance and associated neuronal activity in the brains of aged male rats. Our findings revealed that only vibration at 40Hz, rather than 20Hz or 80Hz, elicited cortical gamma oscillations in aged male rats. Additionally, following 8weeks of prolonged treatment, the implementation of 40Hz whole-body vibration significantly augmented the cognitive function of aged male rats as evidenced by behavioral assessments. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that these beneficial effects were attributed to the reduction of neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 through regulation of synaptic connections between astrocytes and neurons via 40Hz gamma oscillations. Collectively, this suggests a promising intervention for age-related cognitive decline and identifies neuron-astrocyte synapses as potential therapeutic targets.

Establishment of a measuring unit based on Arduino board for recording vibrations on an agricultural tractor during tillage process

When it comes to agricultural tractor ergonomics, vibration is one of the most important factors to consider. However, little research has been done to evaluate this parameter and its impact on workers’ health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate a portable vibration measurement unit (PVMU) based on an Arduino microcontroller and a vibration sensor (accelerometer ADXL335). The PVMU performance was tested in combination with a commercially available three-axis USB vibration measurement device (VB10). Furthermore, the vibration measurements were used to calculate the tractor driver’s whole-body vibration load according to ISO 2631-1 along three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z) during soil tillage using a disk harrow under different tillage speeds of 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 km/h at a tillage depth of 15 cm in a sandy loam soil. Performance tests of the PVMU and the commercially available three-axis USB vibration meter (VB10) revealed a highly significant level of agreement based on a correlation coefficient of 0.9822. It was found that the vibration level increases with increasing tillage speed. The highest vibration level, 0.80 m/sec2, was observed in the vertical direction (Z-axis) at a tillage speed of 7.0 km/h. The lowest vibration level, 0.12 m/sec2, was observed in the lateral direction (Y-axis) at a tillage speed of 4.0 km/h. The dominant frequency range of vibration transmitted to the tractor seat was found to be between 2.04 Hz and 20.14 Hz. The daily exposure values that is, A (8) determined during this study to assess the health hazards due to vibration for tractor drivers ranged from 0.01 m/sec2 to 0.06 m/sec2 lower than the recommended exposure action value (EAV) limit that is, 0.5 m/sec2. This means that there is no health risk for the driver during the soil tillage using a disk harrow plow. The PVMU proposed in this study is very reliable and can be used as a vibration assessment tool for other agricultural tractor-implement combinations.

Effects of Pilates compared to whole-body vibration on range of motion in postmenopausal women.: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Postmenopause is marked by a sudden drop in hormone levels, leading to several physical, psychological, and functional changes. Thus, range of motion (ROM), an important component for maintaining functionality, is also affected. One way to improve ROM is by using the Pilates method, which has already proven effective for this component. Another intervention option is whole-body vibration (WBV), however, little is known about the effectiveness of this therapy in ROM. Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates vs. WBV on ROM in postmenopausal women. Methods: Randomized, single-blind, controlled study with 51 postmenopausal women. Pilates and WBV were performed three times a week for six months, totaling 78 sessions. The control group maintained their usual routine. ROM was assessed in trunk flexion and extension movements using a fleximeter. Results: Post-intervention, no difference (p &gt; 0.05) was observed between Pilates and WBV (trunk flexion: 4.9º [95% CI, -0.4 to 10.2] p=0.247, d=0.62; trunk extension: 1.9º [-0.2 to 4.0] p=0.262, d=0.62). Compared with the control group, only Pilates was significantly superior for trunk flexion (8.8º [95% CI, 3.4 to 14.3] p=0.009, d=1.09) and extension (3.2º [95% CI, 0.8 to 5.6] p=0.024, d=0.90), with a large effect size (d &gt; 0.80). Conclusions: Pilates and WBV did not differ significantly for ROM, either in trunk flexion or extension in postmenopausal women. However, only Pilates was superior to the control group, which maintained the usual routine.

Vertical-dominant and multi-axial vibration associated with heavy vehicle operation: Effects on dynamic postural control

Heavy vehicle operators suffer from increased fall risk, potentially due to exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) that compromises postural control. This study aimed to characterize the relative impacts of multi-axial WBV vs. vertical-dominant WBV on dynamic postural control during sit-to-stand transition and stair descent, following prolonged vibration exposures. We also compared the effectiveness of a standard (single-axial passive suspension) seat with a multi-axial active suspension seat intervention. Vertical-dominant WBV adversely affected dynamic postural control. However, multi-axial WBV had no added adverse effects on postural control compared to vertical-dominant WBV. The multi-axial active suspension system did not outperform the standard seat in mitigating vibration effects on postural control during exposures but led to faster recovery during breaks between exposures. Overall, our results confirmed the negative effects of WBV on dynamic postural control but did not detect any additional negative effects associated with multi-axial WBV when compared to vertical-dominant WBV.

Exploring Whole-Body Vibration Transmission Through the Human Body in Different Postures on a Large Vibration Platform

The positive effects of whole-body vibration exercise in rehabilitation, sport, fitness and preventive medicine have led to a proliferation of vibrating platforms. However, discrepancies have been claimed between the manufacturers’ vibration parameters and the vibration applied by the platforms. In addition, the dimensions, materials and motors used in their manufacture mean that each platform behaves differently. These factors can influence their transmission to the human body and, consequently, their effects. Thus, measured vibration parameters were recommended to report the vibration parameters as accurately as possible. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the feasibility of a large vibration platform. Measurements of vibration parameters and their transmission were added. These parameters were measured using six accelerometers (platform, ankle, knee, hip, third lumbar vertebra, and head) throughout five postures (toe-standing, erect, high squat, deep squat, and lunge) and three vibration frequencies (20 Hz, 25 Hz, and 30 Hz). On the platform, peak accelerations of 1 ± 0.2 g, displacements of 1 ± 0.1 mm at 20 Hz and 25 Hz and 0.6 mm at 30 Hz, and a frequency from the setting of +0.5 Hz were obtained. In the human body, peak accelerations can exceed 2 g, and these transmissibility amplifications were found at the ankles and knees. However, at the hip, accelerations plummet and transmissibility attenuation occurs all the way to the head. The signal purity was highly satisfactory, although at the hip and third lumbar vertebra when adopting the toe-standing and lunge, some less satisfactory results were found—especially at 20 Hz and 30 Hz. Present data indicate that the long vibration platform can be used for exercise and health in a safe way, although its specific behaviours have to be taken into account in order to optimise its applicability.

Rebuilding Stability: Exploring the Best Rehabilitation Methods for Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is a common condition characterized by repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" and impaired balance, leading to functional limitations. Various rehabilitation techniques, including balance training, proprioceptive exercises, whole-body vibration (WBV), and novel approaches like stroboscopic vision, are used to address these deficits. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation interventions for CAI management. Methods: A review was conducted by analyzing 11 randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of balance and proprioceptive training programs on CAI. The primary outcomes assessed were the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the ROB 2 tool. Results: All rehabilitation interventions demonstrated significant improvements in SEBT, CAIT, and FAAM scores. However, no single intervention was found to be consistently superior. Traditional balance training, strength exercises, BAPS, and WBV all provided meaningful functional gains. Stroboscopic vision training showed similar effectiveness compared to conventional approaches. The evidence supports a combination of balance and strength training for optimal recovery. Conclusions: Balance and proprioceptive exercises are effective in managing CAI, with improvements in both dynamic stability and subjective outcomes. No intervention stands out as the best, but personalized programs incorporating various methods are recommended. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential synergies of combined interventions.

Smart whole-body vibration attenuation, cushion for heavy equipment seating: Model and simulation

Off-road mobile machine operators are exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) which can result in adverse health effects. Seat suspensions are used to reduce WBV exposure, but typical passive seats cannot attenuate frequencies below 1.13 Hz. The proposed device is designed to minimize transmissibility from 0 to 20 Hz because this bandwidth contains the dominant frequency for most off-road vehicles. The semi-active smart device uses bang-bang control and is designed to be installed in place of the seat-pan cushion in OEM passive seats. Modelled as a two degree of freedom system, simulations were performed using a lumped mass model (ωn = 3 Hz; sinusoidal base excitation 0-20 Hz). Using a hexapod robot, a prototype reduced transmissibility compared to a passive OEM seat. The device was up to 5 times more effective than a passive seat in reducing vibration transmissibility. Simulations revealed that operator mass and seat stiffness variations have little effect on device WBV attenuation performance.

A Sequence-Based Hybrid Ensemble Approach for Estimating Trail Pavement Roughness Using Smartphone and Bicycle Data

Trail pavement roughness significantly impacts user experience and safety. Measuring roughness over large areas using traditional equipment is challenging and expensive. The utilization of smartphones and bicycles offers a more feasible approach to measuring trail roughness, but the current methods to capture data using these have accuracy limitations. While machine learning has the potential to improve accuracy, there have been few applications of real-time roughness evaluation. This study proposes a hybrid ensemble machine learning model that combines sequence-based modeling with support vector regression (SVR) to estimate trail roughness using smartphone sensor data mounted on bicycles. The hybrid model outperformed traditional methods like double integration and whole-body vibration in roughness estimation. For the 0.031 mi (50 m) segments, it reduced RMSE by 54–74% for asphalt concrete (AC) trails and 50–59% for Portland cement concrete (PCC) trails. For the 0.31 mi (499 m) segments, RMSE reductions of 37–60% and 49–56% for AC and PCC trails were achieved, respectively. Additionally, the hybrid model outperformed the base random forest model by 17%, highlighting the effectiveness of combining ensemble learning with sequence modeling and SVR. These results demonstrate that the hybrid model provides a cost-effective, scalable, and highly accurate alternative for large-scale trail roughness monitoring and assessment.

The importance of different body parts for the (un-)pleasantness of whole-body vibration on an aircraft seat bench

Noise and vibration are two physical factors that can reduce the perceived comfort of passengers during a flight. To reduce the detrimental impact of seat transmitted vibration, it is necessary to understand which body parts and, thus, which corresponding seat parts are relevant for the pleasantness assessment. In this study, 40 participants (19 female, 21 male) rated the pleasantness of sinusoidal whole-body vibrations in the vertical direction while seated on a typical aircraft seat bench and listening to a synthetic broadband aircraft cabin noise over headphones. The vibration signals covered seven frequencies and four vibration levels, and pleasantness ratings were made on a verbally anchored scale. In addition, the participants separately marked those body parts that contributed significantly to their rating and those where they felt a vibration for each of the vibroacoustic stimuli. The results showed that not all body parts at which vibration were felt were also classified by the participants to reduce the ratings significantly, especially at higher vibration levels. A median split of the participants into groups of lighter and heavier participants indicates which body properties might be underlying factors for certain judgments.

Time-delay feedback control on vertical vibration of maglev train under unsteady aerodynamic force

The stability and safety of maglev trains are significantly affected by unsteady aerodynamic forces during high-speed operation. In this paper, we employ a time-delay feedback control strategy to suppress the nonlinear vertical vibrations of maglev train under periodic unsteady aerodynamic force. Firstly, the amplitude-frequency response equation of the maglev vehicle is derived using the multiple scales method, and the stability of the steady-state solutions is determined. Then, the influences of velocity feedback gain coefficient and velocity time delay on the nonlinear vibrations of the maglev vehicle are investigated. The optimal value range of the time delay is identified. The results demonstrate that the time delay feedback control can effectively suppress the nonlinear vibration of maglev vehicles and enhance their operational stability under the premise of reasonable selection of time delay parameters. The theoretical research presented in this paper can serve as a theoretical reference for the design, improvement, and optimization of control systems for high-speed maglev trains.

Physical and numerical tests on adjustable–height structures of high–speed railway transition section

The disparity in stiffness and differential settlement between the subgrade and rigid structures can lead to track irregularities within transition sections, resulting in significant train vibrations and impacts. This study proposes an adjustable–height subgrade structure for transition sections by introducing a raft slab to divide the subgrade into upper and lower parts. When settlement occurs in the subgrade, the raft slab can be elevated using height–adjustment techniques to compensate for the settlement. To this end, large–scale physical model tests are conducted under train loading to verify the design's rationality and to elucidate the influence of settlement magnitude and train speed on the stress and deformation of the slab. The experimental results indicate that the maximum principal stress and maximum shear stress of the slab generally increase with settlement magnitude and train speed, and the area near the abutment end is the most unfavorable position for the deformation of the slab. However, it is still lower than the design compressive strength of the C40 concrete structure. Thus, the designed adjustable–height structure meets the load–bearing requirements under train loading. Additionally, a numerical simulation model of the adjustable–height structure is developed to investigate the recovery capabilities and stress distribution of the settled raft slab. The results indicated that whether the lifting operation employed linear load or equal load methods, the raft slab primarily endured compressive stress, and there is stress concentration at the lifting points. For the same lifting displacement, the linear load method proved to be more reasonable than the equal load method. These findings have significant practical and theoretical implications for ensuring the safe and smooth operation of high–speed railways, effectively addressing the post–construction settlement deformation control challenges in ballastless track transition sections.

Impact of whole-body vibration training on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough whole-body vibration (WBV) training is acknowledged for its benefits in enhancing motor functions across several neurological disorders, its precise influence on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients is still not well understood. This research seeks to assess the impact of WBV training on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients, thereby filling this important research void.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, thirty-five stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the WBV group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 18) using a random number table method. The control group received daily general rehabilitation for four weeks, while the WBV group received an additional 30 min of WBV training each day with the Trunsan S110 Vibration Training System. Blinded outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and post-treatment, utilizing the Berg balance scale (BBS), Functional reach test (FRT), Romberg test length (RTL) and area (RTA), and completion rates of ankle joint dorsiflexion-plantar flexion (DP) and inversion-eversion (IE) tests. Follow-up assessments were performed after four weeks of intervention, focusing on RTL, RTA, DP, and IE as primary outcomes.ResultsAnalysis of intra-group changes from baseline to post-treatment revealed significant improvements across the BBS, FRT, RTL, RTA, and DP and IE assessments (p < 0.001). Notably, the WBV group showed significant enhancements compared to the control group in DP and IE (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), with mean values increasing from 13.556 to 16.765 (23.7%) and from 5.944 to 8.118 (36.6%), respectively. However, WBV did not provide additional benefits over the control treatment for balance recovery parameters such as BBS, FRT, RTL, and RTA (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that WBV therapy is equally effective as conventional methods in enhancing proprioception and balance in stroke patients, but it does not provide additional benefits for balance recovery. WBV significantly improves proprioceptive functions, particularly in DP and IE parameters. However, it does not surpass traditional rehabilitation methods in terms of balance recovery. These findings indicate that WBV should be incorporated into stroke rehabilitation primarily to enhance proprioception rather than to optimize balance recovery.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN Registry on 29/07/2024 (https://www.isrctn.com/, ISRCTN64602845).

Influence of whole-body vibration and drop jump on the range of motion in the ankle joint and running parameters-Arandomized crossover study.

Warm-up (WU) is a commonly practiced technique aimed at preparing athletes for physical activity. Although coaches and athletes consider WU essential, there is still an ongoing debate about its effectiveness. This might be due to the fact that WU procedures often rely on experiences rather than scientific research. During WU, athletes may pursue intermediate goals such as ensuring proper ranges of motion in joints, which seem crucial particularly for runners' ankle joints. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate influence of whole-body vibration (WBV), drop jump (DJ), and a combination of both (WBV+DJ) in terms of ankle dorsiflexion and running parameters among recreational runners. Sixteen runners performed as a WU: five sets of 30s calf raises without WBV (CTRL), five sets of 30s calf raises during WBV, five sets of six DJ, five sets of 30s calf raises during WBV followed by 6 DJ. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint was measured in a prone position using an inclinometer for the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, separately. Measurements were conducted before and after WU, and after a 3000m run. There was no interaction for time and WU for left (p=0.926) and right (p=0.738) soleus muscle as well as for left (p=0.748) and right (p=0.197) gastrocnemius muscles. No difference (p=0.914) for the running time was found. WBV, drop jumps, or a combination of both did not affect ankle dorsiflexion and running time.

The Effects Of Unweighting And Vibration Training On Balance, Mobility, And Strength Of Community-dwelling Older Adults

The Effects Of Unweighting And Vibration Training On Balance, Mobility, And Strength Of Community-dwelling Older Adults

Numerical analysis of sloshing effects in cryogenic liquefied-hydrogen storage tanks for trains under various vibration conditions

This study examines the effects of hydrogen sloshing on internal pressure, temperature, and fluid behavior liquefied-hydrogen storage tanks designed for train usage by applying the natural frequency and frequency conditions from train vibration test standards. Notably, it investigates the impact on BOG generation using a transient volume-of-fluid phase change model. Here, simulations were conducted at vibrations of 0, 0.53, 1.53, and 3 Hz, which were established using sine wave acceleration. The results demonstrated that sloshing increased with higher frequencies, thereby resulting in a more intense heat transfer between the wall of the tanks and free surface of hydrogen and an increase in the BOG generation. Compared to the 0 Hz baseline, BOG generation increased by 13, 44, and 66 % at 0.53, 1.53, and 3 Hz, respectively.

Influence of collapsible shape of Loess Foundation on high-speed railway subgrade under train vibration loading

Collapsible loess has special sensitivity to water, and its engineering mechanical properties deteriorate significantly after immersion in water, causing the foundation to sink, which seriously threatens the safety and stability of the high-speed railway subgrade under train vibration loading. Studying this effect is essential to prevent and control the disasters of high-speed railway subgrades. In this study, a model with the function of simulating foundation settlement is established to conduct disaster testing of high railway subgrade under train vibration loading. The results indicate that when different foundation shapes are settled, the surface of the subgrade under static load is gradually settled in a short time, and the settlement value of the track surface is lower than that of the corresponding subgrade surface. Under train vibration load, the maximum dynamic settlement occurs at the middle of the subgrade slope, which is smaller than the corresponding settlement under static load. The number of stabilization times required from different monitoring positions on the subgrade surface is different under different excitation forces, and the number of stabilization times required is more in the middle of the subgrade slope and the slope shoulder. The influence of train speed on subgrade has a critical respond speed that increases with increasing vibration times. There are horizontal, vertical and 45° angle cracks in the middle of subgrade slope. It is qualitatively assessed that the slope of the high-speed railway subgrade in the collapsible loess area is unstable under the effect of train load. The data and rules provided in this document provide some reference values for the construction of a high-speed railway in the collapsible loess area.

Assessment of whole-body vibration and development of mitigation intervention for single-axle tractor–trailer combination

IntroductionTractarization is synonymous with farm mechanization in India. Tractor-trailers are extensively used for the transportation of farm inputs and produce on and off-road, exposing drivers to excessive vibration.ObjectivesThe study was undertaken to assess tractor drivers’ vibration exposure while using trailers and to develop low-cost mitigation interventions.MethodologyThe whole-body vibrations were measured at the tractor seat during the transportation with a no, half (3715 kg soil) and full payload (5910 kg soil) trailer on two terrain conditions, namely, asphalt and farm terrains. The speeds recommended by ISO 5008-1979 of 10, 12 and 14 km/h on asphalt roads and 4, 5 and 7 km/h on farm roads, as well as actual working speeds preferred by the operator (18, 20 and 22 km/h on asphalt road and 8, 10 and 12 km/h on farm terrain), were selected for experiments. Two vibration reduction interventions, namely spring suspended single point hitch (I1) and polyurethane (PU) bush (I2), were developed and installed between the tractor and trailer. Whole-body vibration (WBV) was measured by repeating the experiments.ResultsThe maximum vibration reduction on asphalt road at 22 km/h with I1 was found as 14.3, 19.03 and 23.1%, whereas on-farm terrain at 12 km/h was found as 15.16, 22.43, and 25.56% for no, half and full payload. Similarly, with I1 + I2 interventions, the maximum total vibration reduction at 22 km/h was 16.86, 21.12 and 25.51% on asphalt roads, whereas on-farm tertian at 12 km/h was 17.07, 23.77 and 28.67%. The average value of lower health guidance caution zone (HGCZ) limits on asphalt roads increased by 1.11, 0.95 and 0.92 h and on-farm tertian 1.55, 1.14 and 0.83 h with no, half, and full payload. The average value of upper HGCZ limits on asphalt roads increased by 3.13, 3.21 and 3.68 h and on-farm tertian by 2.24, 2.94 and 3.31 h with intervention.ConclusionsThis infers that with developed interventions an operator can safely perform for a longer duration and at higher operational speeds because of the reduced vibration.

Vitamin D combined with whole-body vibration training for the treatment of osteo-sarcopenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Osteo-sarcopenia (OS) has become a global public health problem and a frontier research problem, as a combination of sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP) diseases. The clinical performances include muscle weakness, systemic bone pain, standing difficulty, even falls and fractures, etc., which seriously affect the patient's life and work. The pathological mechanism of the OS may be the abnormal metabolism which disrupts the equilibrium stability of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study combined vitamin D (Vit. D) and whole-body vibration training (WBVT) to intervene in subjects of OS, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the diagnosis and treatment protocol and to explore the efficacy mechanism. We propose a multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vit. D combined with WBVT intervention in OS. Subjects who met the inclusion or exclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form would be randomly assigned to the WBVT group, Vit. D group, or WBVT+ Vit. D group. All subjects will be treated for 1 month and followed up after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and handgrip strength measured by grip strength meter. Secondary outcomes include serum markers of myostatin (MSTN), irisin and bone turnover markers (BTM), SARC-CalF questionnaire, 1-min test question of osteoporosis risk, patient health status (evaluated by the SF-36 health survey), physical performance measurement that includes 5-time chair stand test, 6-m walk, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). If Vit. D combined with WBVT can well relieve OS symptoms without adverse effects, this protocol may be a new treatment strategy for OS. After therapeutic intervention, if the serum marker MSTN/irisin is significant, both have the potential to become sensitive indicators for screening OS effective drugs and treatments, which also indicates that WBVT combined with Vit. D plays a role in improving OS by regulating MSTN/irisin. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400082269 . Registered on March 26, 2024.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Versus Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Spasticity, Balance, and Lower Limb Motor Function in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke can lead to spasticity, balance impairments, and lower limb motor dysfunction. Whole-body vibration (WBV) and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) are two therapeutic interventions that may address these deficits.Objective: To compare the effects of WBV and RAS on spasticity, balance, and lower limb motor function in hemiplegic stroke patients.Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 chronic hemiplegic stroke patients, divided into two groups: Group A (WBV) and Group B (RAS). WBV was applied using a vibration platform at 30-40 Hz for 3-minute sessions, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. RAS involved 90-minute sessions of music-based exercises, incorporating rhythmic cues and conventional therapy, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Spasticity, balance, and motor function were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, Berg Balance Scale, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.Results: Group A showed greater improvements in spasticity (MAS: 1.2±0.4 vs. 2.6±0.3), balance (BBS: 49±5 vs. 43±5), and motor function (FMA: 29±5 vs. 18.5±5) compared to Group B (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: WBV is more effective than RAS in improving spasticity, balance, and motor function in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients.