Contents

Search

whole-body vibration training (WBVT)

Procedure: - whole-body vibration training generates vibrations through a vibrating platform that produces shock stimuli to body muscle groups - this can increase active muscle activity, improve biological activity of high threshold motor units & increase neuromuscular excitability [2] - training protocols vary from a few minutes vibration to 20 minutes [1] - vibration plates may be used at home, in local community or rehabilitation units - different forms of monitoring & supervision have been employed [1] Clinical significance: - can improve balance & enhance body control in older adults - may improve strength, balance, & mobility of older nursing home residents [5] - may prevent fractures by reducing risk of falls in the elderly [1,2] - seems to have no effect on bone mineral density* [1,3,4] * vibration plates originally marketed directly to patients for bone health, but no benefit for bone mineral density was found [1] * although original market based on animal studies, targeted bone, further studies in elderly found whole body vibration training can improve balance & enhance body control in older adults, thus reducing fractures through prevention of falls [3,4] Notes: - prices for the vibration plates (2011) ranged from US $200 to $2000

General

exercise for seniors

References

  1. Jepsen DB, Thomsen K, Hansen S et al Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in preventing falls and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2017 Dec 29;7(12):e018342. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018342. PMID: 29289937 PMCID: PMC6027066 Free PMC article. Review.
  2. Liu P, Li Y, Xiao Y et al Effects of whole-body vibration training with different frequencies on the balance ability of the older adults: a network meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 Apr 17;14:1153163. PMID: 37123276 PMCID: PMC10140584 Free PMC article.
  3. Tan X, Jiang G, Zhang L et al. Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Physical Performance Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 May 10:S0003-9993(23)00242-3 PMID: 37169245
  4. Slatkovska L et al. Effect of 12 months of whole-body vibration therapy on bone density and structure in postmenopausal women: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2011 Nov 15; 155:668. PMID: 22084333
  5. Sanudo B, Reverte-Pagola G, Seixas A et al. Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Function Parameters in Nursing Home Residents Older Than 80 Years: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2024 May 1;104(5):pzae025 PMID: 38423527 PMCID: PMC11116829 Free PMC Article