Effect of 12 Weeks of Whole-Body Vibration Versus Multi-Component Training in Post-Menopausal Women

Effects of whole-body vibration training on muscle performance in healthy women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle performance in healthy women.

METHODS

A systematic search of studies available up to 30 May 2024 was conducted using seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Studies with a randomized and controlled protocol in which the effect of WBVT on muscle performance variables was compared to that of a) a non-exercise intervention or b) exercise intervention in healthy women were assessed for eligibility. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models, and the results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 21 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 748 healthy women, was included in the meta-analysis. WBVT demonstrated significantly greater effects on muscle strength and power when compared with the non-exercise control groups with regard to knee extension (SMD = 0.534, 95% CI: 0.303 to 0.766, p < 0.001), leg press (SMD = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.424 to 1.163, p < 0.001), ankle plantar flexion (SMD = 0.462, 95% CI: 0.019 to 0.904, p = 0.041), and the countermovement jump performance (SMD = 0.470, 95% CI: 0.211 to 0.729, p < 0.001). However, WBVT significantly improved only the countermovement jump performance (SMD = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.037 to 0.640, p = 0.028) when compared with the exercise control groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that longer periods (≥ 12 weeks) of WBVT resulted in greater benefits for both muscle strength and power compared to the non-exercise control group. Additionally, higher frequencies (> 30 Hz, SMD = 0.736, p < 0.001; ≤ 30 Hz, SMD = 0.284, p = 0.109) provided greater benefits for improving muscle strength. Last, post-menopausal women (post-menopausal, SMD = 0.561, p = 0.001; pre-menopausal, SMD = 0.354, p = 0.076) obtained greater benefits in muscle power with WBVT than pre-menopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

WBVT is efficacious in improving lower-body muscle strength and power in healthy women. However, the potential benefits of WBVT compared to other exercise interventions were only associated with an enhancement in countermovement jump performance. Longer periods (≥ 12 weeks) of WBVT resulted in greater benefits for both muscle strength and power compared to the non-exercise control group. Additionally, higher vibration frequencies (> 30 Hz) provided greater improvements in muscle strength, while post-menopausal women reaped greater benefits in muscle power than pre-menopausal women.

Therapeutic effects of whole-body vibration on postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral density (BMD), pain levels, and body composition in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (PMOP). Relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, CENTRAL, and PEDro databases. Thirteen randomized controlled trials with 783 patients were enrolled. The meta-analysis results showed that WBV can significantly increase lumbar spine BMD (WMD=0.018; 95%CI: 0.004 to 0.032; P=0.011), femoral neck BMD (WMD=0.005, 95%CI: 0.001 to 0.011, P=0.0493), and reduce pain degree (WMD=-0.786; 95%CI: -1.300 to -0.272; P=0.0027) in PMOP, but has no significant effect on patients' muscle mass (WMD=0.547; 95%CI: -1.104 to 2.199; P=0.5158) as well as fat mass (WMD=0.530; 95%CI: -2.389 to 3.448; P=0.7222). To conclude, WBV showed the potential to provide positive benefits in improving BMD and relieving pain of PMOP.

Effects of plyometric training on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Plyometric training (PT) is an effective training method for improving physical fitness among trained individuals; however, its impact on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants remains ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness among untrained participants. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched until March 2024. We included controlled trials that examined the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness indices in untrained participants. Twenty-one studies were eligible, including a total of 1263 participants. Our analyses revealed small to moderate effects of PT on body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility (ES = 0.27-0.61; all p > 0.05). However, no significant effects were detected for body fat percentage and lean mass (ES = 0.21-0.41; all p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that PT may be potentially effective in improving health-related physical fitness indices (i.e., body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility) in untrained participants. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to data limitations in some fitness variables.

Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0.

RESULTS

A total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.

New Evidence on Regucalcin, Body Composition, and Walking Ability Adaptations to Multicomponent Exercise Training in Functionally Limited and Frail Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Regucalcin, or senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), is a Ca2+-binding protein with multiple functions reported in the literature. Physical exercise has been shown to improve aging markers; nevertheless, SMP30 in humans has not been extensively researched. Older adults experience a decline in functional capacity and body composition. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a multicomponent training (MCT) program on SMP30 and its regulation of walking ability and body composition in functionally limited, frail, and pre-frail older adults.

METHODS

A total of 34 older adults (aged 80.3 ± 6.1 years) were divided into an intervention group (IG = 20) and control group (CG = 14). The IG performed a supervised MCT (strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and flexibility) program for 6 months, 3 days per week, whereas the CG continued their normal lives without any specific physical training. SMP30 was analyzed in plasma after 3 and 6 months of MCT, while some physical fitness variables (Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 6-min walk test (6MWT)) and body composition (fat mass and lean mass) were measured at baseline, as well as after 3 months and 6 months of MCT.

RESULTS

No significant changes were observed in SPM30 between the IG (877.5 a.u. to 940.5 a.u., respectively) and CG (790.4 a.u. to 763.8 a.u., respectively). Moreover, no SMP30 differences were found between groups after 3 and 6 months of MCT. The IG improved significantly in the 6MWT after 3 months (472.2 ± 84.2 m) compared to baseline (411.2 ± 75.2 m). The IG also significantly enhanced their TUG performance after 3 months (7.6 ± 1.6 s) and 6 months (7.3 ± 1.8 s) of training compared to baseline (9.3 ± 3.2 s) (all, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in body composition between the IG and CG through the 6 months of MCT.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that MCT did not change SMP30 levels from 3 to 6 months, where there were changes in neither walking ability nor body composition; however, MCT was effective in improving 6MWT and TUG performance from baseline to 3 months.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Strength in the Population Who Are Overweight and Obese: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on body composition, metabolic and cardiovascular risk variables, and lower limb strength in participants who are overweight/obese.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in 3 databases (PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) from inception through to January 26, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies analyzing the effect of WBVT on body composition variables, metabolic profile, blood pressure, heart rate, and lower limb strength in the population who are overweight/obese, with interventions of a minimum length of 2 weeks were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies involving 884 participants who were obese/overweight (experimental group: 543; weight=79.9 kg; body mass index (BMI) =31.3 kg/m², obesity class I according to World Health Organization) were used in the quantitative analysis. The sex of the participants involved in the studies were as follows: (1) 17 studies included only female participants; (2) 1 study included only boys, and (3) 5 studies included both sexes. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference (SMD; ± 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) as well as to analyze the effects of pre-post intervention WBVT and differences from control groups.

DATA SYNTHESIS

WBVT led to a significant decrease in fat mass (-1.07 kg, not clinically significant). In addition, WBVT reduced systolic blood pressure (-7.01 mmHg, clinically significant), diastolic blood pressure (-1.83 mmHg), and heart rate (-2.23 bpm), as well as increased the lower extremity strength (SMD=0.63; range, 0.40-0.86). On the other hand, WBVT did not modify the weight, BMI, muscle mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

WBVT could be an effective training modality to reduce blood pressure (clinically relevant) and resting heart rate. In addition, WBVT led to improved lower limb strength. However, these findings were not consistent with significant improvements on other variables associated with metabolic syndrome (body composition, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose).

Resistance Exercise, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, and Whole-Body Vibration in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

It has been shown that resistance exercise (RT) is one of the most effective approaches to counteract the physical and functional changes associated with aging. This systematic review with meta-analysis compared the effects of RT, whole-body vibration (WBV), and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on muscle strength, body composition, and functional performance in older adults. A thorough literature review was conducted, and the analyses were limited to randomized controlled trials. In total, 63 studies were included in the meta-analysis (48 RT, 11 WBV, and 4 EMS). The results showed that RT and WBV are comparably effective for improving muscle strength, while the effects of EMS remains debated. RT interventions also improved some outcome measures related to functional performance, as well as the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps. Muscle mass was not significantly affected by RT. A limitation of the review is the smaller number of WBV and particularly EMS studies. For this reason, the effects of WBV and EMS could not be comprehensively compared to the effect of RT for all outcome measures. For the moment, RT or combinations of RT and WBV or EMS, is probably the most reliable way to improve muscle strength and functional performance, while the best approach to increase muscle mass in older adults remains open to further studies.

C. R. Twelve Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Training Improve Regucalcin, Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Regucalcin or senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) is a Ca2+ binding protein discovered in 1978 with multiple functions reported in the literature. However, the impact of exercise training on SMP30 in humans has not been analyzed. Aging is associated with many detrimental physiological changes that affect body composition, functional capacity, and balance. The present study aims to investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) in postmenopausal women. (2) Methods: A total of 13 women (aged 54.3 ± 3.4 years) participated in the study. SMP30, body composition (fat mass, lean mass, and bone mass) and physical fitness (balance, time up and go (TUG) and 6-min walk test (6MWT)) were measured before and after the 12 weeks of WBV training. (3) Results: The WBV training program elicited a significant increase in SPM30 measured in plasma (27.7%, p = 0.004) and also in 6MWT (12.5%, p < 0.001). The WBV training also significantly reduced SPM30 measured in platelets (38.7%, p = 0.014), TUG (23.1%, p < 0.001) and total body fat mass (4.4%, p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: There were no significant differences in balance, lean mass or bone mass. The present study suggests that 12 weeks of WBV has the potential to improve SPM30, fat mass, TUG and 6MWT in postmenopausal women.

Does whole body vibration therapy assist in reducing fat mass or treating obesity in healthy overweight and obese adults? A systematic review and meta-analyses

PURPOSE

This review describes the effects of Whole Body Vibration therapy (WBV) for reducing fat mass (%/kg) among healthy (no comorbid disease) overweight and obese adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PubMed databases up to 27^th March 2019. Studies evaluating the effects of WBV therapy on fat mass as a primary or secondary outcome among healthy (no comorbid disease), overweight or obese adults (Body Mass Index ≥25) were included.

RESULTS

Following the search, 2,420 studies were reviewed and 1,603 studies were selected for title and abstract screening. Of 153 studies considered for full-text review, 13 controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Two meta-analyses were performed for five studies. The first random effects (I² = 70%, p-value = 0.02) meta-analysis, revealed a statistically significant mean change for percent fat mass (-2.56, 95% CI: -3.81, -1.31). The second fixed effects meta-analysis, revealed a significant mean change (-1.91, 95% CI: -2.64, -1.18) for fat mass/kg.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analyses indicate a positive effect of Whole Body Vibration therapy on reducing fat mass (%/kg), especially when combined with conventional weight loss interventions specifically, diet and exercise.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWhole Body Vibration therapy may assist obese and bariatric clients with weight loss.Whole Body Vibration therapy with conventional weight loss strategies may augment reductions in fat mass among obese clients in rehabilitation setting.

Effects of Two Different Neuromuscular Training Protocols on Regional Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Osteoporosis is a condition associated with a greater incidence of fractures, and one of the main health-related concerns in postmenopausal women. To counteract possible reductions in bone properties, physical exercise has been proposed as an effective strategy. Particularly, training interventions with a high osteogenic potential are recommended. Purpose: To analyze the effect of 24 weeks of whole-body vibration and multi-component training on lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mass, and to determine what type of training produces greater adaptations in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 38 women completed the study (Clinical Gov database ID: NCT01966562). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the study groups: whole-body vibration group (WBVG), multi-component training group (MTG), or control group (CG). The experimental groups performed a progressive 24-week training (3 sessions/week) program. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Significantly and clinically relevant increases in lumbar spine bone mass (BMD: F = 3.29; p = 0.03; +5.15%; BMC: F = 2.90; p = 0.05; +10.58%) were observed in WBVG. MTG showed clinically important pre-post-changes on lumbar spine BMC (+7.78%), although there was no statistical significance (F = 1.97; p = 0.14). At the femoral neck, no statistically significant increases on bone mass were obtained in either training group. No changes were obtained in any variable in the CG. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were found between groups. Conclusion: The results indicated that 24 weeks of supervised WBV and MT may counteract the rapid loss of bone mass after the cessation of menstruation, thus improving postmenopausal women bone health. However, in the absence of statistically significant differences between groups, it is not possible to determine which training protocol produces greater adaptations. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrialsgov, identifier: NCT01966562.

Evaluation of 18-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training in Normobaric Hypoxia on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength in an Elderly Population

Therapeutic benefits of hypoxic training have been suggested for clinical populations, such as elderly who could suffer loss of lower limb muscle strength and higher risk of falling. This study investigated the effects of 18 weeks of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in normobaric hypoxia on the strength parameters of an elderly population. Thirty-one healthy elderly participants were randomly assigned to a hypoxic whole-body vibration group (HWBV; n = 10), normoxic whole-body vibration group (NWBV; n = 11), or control group (n = 10). The experimental groups received the same vibration treatment in a hypoxia chamber (HWBV: 16.1% fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO₂]; NWBV: 21.0% FiO₂). Isokinetic leg muscle strength was evaluated using a Biodex System-3 isokinetic dynamometer. Body composition was obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. There were no significant differences between groups in either strength or body composition parameters. The NWBV group showed statistically significant improvements in the maximal strength of knee extensors, with a small effect size (p = 0.004; d = 0.54). No significant differences were found in any variable of the HWBV group. The combination of WBV training and exposure to normobaric cyclic hypoxia carried out in the present study did not have an effect on strength parameters in healthy elderly subjects.

The Efficacy and Safety of Lower-Limb Plyometric Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The aging process is associated with a progressive decline of neuromuscular function, increased risk of falls and fractures, impaired functional performance, and loss of independence. Plyometric training may mitigate or even reverse such age-related deterioration; however, little research on the effects of plyometric exercises has been performed in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of plyometric training in older adults.

METHODS

Papers reporting on randomized trials of plyometric training in older adults (≥ 60 years) and published up to December 2017 were sought in the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, and their methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A narrative synthesis of the findings is presented in this systematic review.

RESULTS

Of the 2236 identified papers, 18 were included in the review, reporting on 12 different studies with a mean PEDro score of 6.0 (range 4-7). Altogether, 289 subjects (176 females and 113 males) were included in 15 intervention groups with plyometric components (n = 8-36 per group); their mean age ranged from 58.4 to 79.4 years. The plyometric training lasted from 4 weeks to 12 months. Muscular strength, bone health, body composition, postural stability, and jump and physical performance were the most often reported outcomes. No study reported increased occurrence of injuries or other adverse events related to plyometric exercises.

CONCLUSION

Plyometric training is a feasible and safe training option with potential for improving various performance, functional, and health-related outcomes in older persons.

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.

Effect of combined treatment with focused mechano-acoustic vibration and pharmacological therapy on bone mineral density and muscle strength in post-menopausal women

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a reduction in bone mass and alterations in microarchitecture accompanied by increase in fracture risk, with a relevant decline in quality of life and important social, economic, and health implications, representing one of the most common causes of disability and a major financial item of health cost in many Countries. The best therapy for osteoporosis is prevention, consisting in measures to avoid or slow the onset of the disease. Treatment includes measures aimed at osteoporotic individuals, with or without previous fractures and a high risk of a first or additional fracture.

Method

We enrolled thirty post-menopausal osteoporotic women, allocated in the first group underwent a 6-month personalized drug therapy and focused mechanoacoustic vibration (2 sessions per week, each lasting 15 minutes); women allocated in the second group underwent only 6-month personalized drug therapy. Patients were evaluated performing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and isokinetic machine evaluation, and administration of Tinetti scale and ECOS-16 questionnaire.

Result

Show improvement of bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, handgrip strength and isokinetic strength of the knee estensors, balance and gait, and quality of life.

Conclusion

Hence, the combined treatment with focused mechano-acoustic vibration and pharmacological therapy has a beneficial effect on BMD and T-score as well as on the muscle strength and quality of life of osteoporotic subjects.

The effect of whole-body vibration training on lean mass: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) confers a continuous vibration stimuli to the body. Although some reports have discussed the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral density and muscle strength, study of WBV effects on lean mass have not been determined. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of WBVT on lean mass.

METHODS

We identified only RCTs by searching databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to March 2017. Data extraction, quality assessment, and meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with 5 RCTs concentrating on older people, 3 on young adults, and 2 on children and adolescents were included. We additionally explored the effect of WBVT on postmenopausal women (6 trials from the 10 trials). Significant improvements in lean mass with WBVT were merely found in young adults (P = .02) but not in other populations compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

The effect of WBVT found in the present meta-analysis may be used in counteracting the loss of muscle mass in younger adults. Moreover, optimal WBVT protocols for greater muscle hypertrophy are expected to be investigated.

Whole-body vibration as a potential countermeasure for dynapenia and arterial stiffness

Age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength are associated with decreased mobility, quality of life, and increased cardiovascular risk. Coupled with the prevalence of obesity, the risk of death becomes substantially greater. Resistance training (RT) has a well-documented beneficial impact on muscle mass and strength in young and older adults, although the high-intensity needed to elicit these adaptations may have a detrimental or negligible impact on vascular function, specifically on arterial stiffness. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with systolic hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial ischemia. Therefore, improvements of muscle strength and arterial function are important in older adults. Recently, whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise, a novel modality of strength training, has shown to exhibit similar results on muscle strength as RT in a wide-variety of populations, with the greatest impact in elderly individuals with limited muscle function. Additionally, WBV training has been shown to have beneficial effects on vascular function by reducing arterial stiffness. This article reviews relevant publications reporting the effects of WBV on muscle strength and/or arterial stiffness. Findings from current studies suggest the use of WBV training as an alternative modality to traditional RT to countermeasure the age-related detriments in muscle strength and arterial stiffness in older adults.