Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Physical Performance Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Effects of low-frequency vibration training on walking ability and body composition among older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background

As life expectancy rises, age-related decline in mobility and physical function poses challenges for older adults. While traditional exercise can help, limitations and injury risks persist. This study explores low-frequency vibration training as a potential alternative to improve walking ability and body composition in older adults.

Methods

A lottery was used to randomly assign 50 participants (mean age 80.08 years) to either a vibration group (n = 25, 10 males, 15 females) or a control group (n = 25, 11 males, 14 females). While the control group continued their regular daily schedule, the vibration group completed 8 weeks of low-frequency vibration training (frequency: 4-13 Hz; amplitude: two mm), three sessions per week, with each session lasting 20-30 minutes. The walk ability was assessed using the 30-second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and six-meter (six m) walk speed, while body composition was measured via body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Results

Low-frequency vibration training significantly increased walking speed in the six m walk speed (F (1,36) = 4.50, p = 0.04, η p 2 = 0.11) and TUG (z =  - 2.72, p = 0.007), compared with the control group. Observed improvements on the 30-s CST were not statistically significant (F (1,36) = 0.05, p = 0.81, η p 2 = 0.002). In the WC, the effect of time (F (1,36) = 7.19, p = 0.01, η p 2 = 0.16) was significant. The main effect of the group for HC (F (1,36) = 0.06, p = 0.80, η p 2 = 0.002) and WHR (F (1,36) = 2.00, p = 0.16, η p 2 = 0.05) were not significant, but the interaction effects for HC (F (1,36) = 6.37, p = 0.01, η p 2 = 0.15) and WHR (F (1,36) = 9.08, p = 0.005, η p 2 = 0.20) were significant. However, the intervention showed no statistically significant effects on BMI and body fat percentage.

Conclusion

Low-frequency vibration training significantly enhanced walking speed and WHR in older adults. This low-intensity intervention is especially beneficial for those with exercise limitations or a high risk of injury. Although its effects on BMI and body fat percentage were limited, the study offers valuable insights for developing personalized vibration training programs.

Low intensity, high frequency vibration training to improve musculoskeletal function in a mouse model of volumetric muscle loss

This study's objective was to investigate the extent to which two different levels of low-intensity vibration training (0.6 g or 1.0 g) affected musculoskeletal structure and function after a volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury in male C57BL/6J mice. All mice received a unilateral VML injury to the posterior plantar flexors. Mice were randomized into a control group (no vibration; VML-noTX), or one of two experimental groups. The two experimental groups received vibration training for 15-min/day, 5-days/week for 8 weeks at either 0.6 g (VML-0.6 g) or 1.0 g (VML-1.0 g) beginning 3-days after induction of VML. Muscles were analyzed for contractile and metabolic adaptations. Tibial bone mechanical properties and geometric structure were assessed by a three-point bending test and microcomputed tomography (µCT). Body mass-normalized peak isometric-torque was 18% less in VML-0.6 g mice compared with VML-noTx mice (p = 0.030). There were no statistically significant differences of vibration intervention on contractile power or muscle oxygen consumption (p ≥ 0.191). Bone ultimate load, but not stiffness, was ~16% greater in tibias of VML-1.0 g mice compared with those from VML-noTx mice (p = 0.048). Cortical bone volume was ~12% greater in tibias of both vibration groups compared with VML-noTx mice (p = 0.003). Importantly, cross-section moment of inertia, the primary determinant of bone ultimate load, was 44% larger in tibias of VML-0.6 g mice compared with VML-noTx mice (p = 0.006). These changes indicate that following VML, bones are more responsive to the selected vibration training parameters than muscle. Vibration training represents a possible adjuvant intervention to address bone deficits following VML.

Effects of 12-week whole-body vibration training versus resistance training in older people with sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a syndrome commonly found in older people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) and resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscle strength, physical performance and blood biomarkers in older people with sarcopenia. We conducted a 12-week, 3-times-weekly assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial of 27 older people with sarcopenia aged ≥ 65 years. Subjects were randomized into WBVT group (n = 14) and RT group (n = 13). The primary outcome was knee extension strength (KES). Secondary outcomes were body composition [body weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI)], muscle strength [handgrip strength (HS)], physical performance [gait speed (GS), 5-time chair stand test (5CST), and short physical performance battery (SPPB)], blood biomarkers (inflammatory factors, hormones, growth factors, and muscle injury biomarker), and quality of life questionnaire [medical outcomes study short-form 36 (SF-36)]. After 12-week intervention, in the WBVT group, we observed significant improvements in body composition (weight, BMI, PBF and ASMI), muscle strength (KES), physical performance (GS, SPPB and 5CST), blood biomarkers [insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone, follistatin (FST) and creatine kinase (CK)] and quality of life. In the RT group, we observed significant improvements in body composition (weight, BMI and PBF), muscle strength (KES), physical performance (GS and SPPB), blood biomarkers (growth hormone, FST and CK) and quality of life. Between-group comparisons were only significant for KES (P = 0.007) and the role-physical (RP) dimension of the SF-36 (P = 0.007). WBVT and RT both improved the physical condition of older people with sarcopenia. RT excelled in muscle strength, but WBVT offered an alternative for those with restrictions. WBVT's low risk and flexibility suited diverse conditions, providing a new rehabilitation option for patients with sarcopenia.

Acute Effects of a Single Whole-Body Vibration Session on Mobility and Postural Control in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Whole-body vibration is a modality of exercise that uses high-frequency mechanical stimuli to enhance motor functions. Previous studies have demonstrated benefits of whole-body vibration in older adults. However, prolonged use of this modality of exercise may be detrimental to certain conditions. Objectives: to verify the acute effects of a single whole-body vibration session on mobility and postural control in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In this two-arm, single-blind clinical trial, fifty-two participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental (subject to a single whole-body vibration session with a vibration amplitude of 2 mm and a frequency of 40 Hz) or placebo group. The exercise sessions were conducted using a tri-planar vibration platform. The tri-plane plates were adjusted to vibrate up and down, side to side, and front to back. The assessments included mobility and postural control tests. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to examine the main effect of group (experimental vs. placebo), time (baseline vs. after the intervention), and group × time interaction effect. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Compared with the placebo group, participants who underwent whole-body vibration showed positive outcomes in terms of mobility (p = 0.014, effect size: 0.115). Contrastingly, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of postural control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Benefits of a single whole-body vibration session were observed on mobility. Using whole-body vibration to improve postural control may require additional sessions. Contraindications typical of aging should be taken into account.

Effects of whole-body vibration training as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation exercise on pain, physical function and disability in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint condition that impairs mobility and quality of life. While whole-body vibration training (WBVT) shows promise as an adjunct to conventional KOA rehabilitation, its efficacy remains unclear due to inconsistent clinical evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the combined effects of WBVT and rehabilitation exercise on pain, physical function, and disability in KOA management through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across eight electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) up to February 2024. Inclusion criteria were (i) randomized controlled trials comparing combined WBVT and rehabilitation exercise versus rehabilitation alone in KOA (ii) reported clinical outcomes (iii) human studies, and (iv) publications in English or Chinese. Trial quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The meta-analysis employed random-effects models in Review Manager 5.3 to account for heterogeneity, supported by sensitivity analyses for robustness and subgroup analyses on WBVT frequency effects.

RESULTS

Sixteen RCTs comprising 589 participants were included. The systematic review found that WBVT combined with conventional rehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in KOA patients. The meta-analysis quantified these effects, showing that WBVT significantly (i) reduced knee pain (MD = -0.43, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.16], p = 0.002), with greater reductions observed from high-frequency WBVT, and (ii) increased isokinetic knee peak torque compared to rehabilitation exercise alone. No significant differences were found in balance, functional mobility, and disability outcomes. Sensitivity analysis of high-quality trials supported these results. However, the heterogeneity among studies and variations in control group interventions warrant cautious interpretation.

CONCLUSION

WBVT seems to be effective in reducing pain and enhancing muscle strength in KOA patients when used in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation. Future high-quality RCTs must standardize WBVT protocols, emphasize long-term follow-up, and refine dosage for clinically meaningful outcomes. Systematic review registration: International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42024508386).

Whole-body vibration elicits 40 Hz 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 40 Hz 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 40 Hz. We examined the effects of 40 Hz vibration on cognitive performance and associated neuronal activity in the brains of aged male rats. Our findings revealed that only vibration at 40 Hz, rather than 20 Hz or 80 Hz, elicited cortical gamma oscillations in aged male rats. Additionally, following 8 weeks of prolonged treatment, the implementation of 40 Hz 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 40 Hz gamma oscillations. Collectively, this suggests a promising intervention for age-related cognitive decline and identifies neuron-astrocyte synapses as potential therapeutic targets.

Efficacy of Combining Whole-body Vibration Training and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Preliminary Study

Objectives

We aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of integrating whole-body vibration training (WBVT) into conventional closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises as an intervention strategy for early knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

: This non-randomized comparative study conducted at an orthopedic clinic involved 53 patients (with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-2); 37 patients received only physical therapy (CKC group), and 16 patients received both physical therapy and WBVT (WBVT group). The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscale score for pain, and the secondary outcomes were the WOMAC subscale score for physical function and muscle-strength assessments [isometric knee extension strength and the 30-second chair-stand test (CS-30) score]. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for bias between the control and intervention groups.

Results

: After PSM adjustment, 13 patients were selected from each group. The WBVT group showed a significant improvement in the WOMAC pain score (d=1.16, P=0.007) and a significant increase in the CS-30 score (d=0.81, P=0.049). However, for the WOMAC physical function score, the between-group difference remained statistically insignificant (d=0.59, P=0.146).

Conclusions

: WBVT may be effective in reducing the pain of early KOA. WBVT is a non-invasive and convenient method, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic option.

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

The current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) training for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. To address this gap, the present study seeks to undertake a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate the impact of WBV on physical function and quality of life outcomes in CKD patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to March 2023 and updated in June 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled studies, quasi-experimental studies, and single-arm trials that evaluated the impact of WBV on physical function, encompassing cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, mobility, and balance, in CKD patients. Adverse events that were included in the study reports were recorded. The pooled evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method.

RESULTS

Nine studies were identified, of which seven were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant improvement in upper (mean difference: 3.45 kg; 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 5.29) and lower (standardized mean difference: 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.59) extremity muscle strength in patients with CKD who underwent WBV training compared to baseline (low-level evidence). Furthermore, WBV training favored improved cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and balance function, but no statistical difference was observed. The impact of WBV training on quality of life in patients with CKD requires further validation. Notably, only one adverse event (nausea) was reported in the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

WBV has demonstrated efficacy and feasibility in enhancing muscle strength among patients with CKD. However, further investigation is warranted to determine its potential for improving cardiorespiratory adaptations, mobility, balance function, and quality of life. Additionally, future research should prioritize comprehensive reporting of WBV protocols to establish an optimal training regimen for the CKD population.