Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Author: Nam-Gyu Jo1,2, Seung-Rok Kang2, Myoung-Hwan Ko1,2, Ju-Yul Yoon1,2, Hye-Seong Kim2, Kap-Soo Han2, Gi-Wook Kim1,2
Affiliation:
1 Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
2 Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
Conference/Journal: Healthcare (Basel)
Date published: 2021 May 31
Other: Volume ID: 9 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 652 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/healthcare9060652. , Word Count: 211


Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after stretching exercise in older adults. The WBVT group (n = 20) performed WBVT using a vibrating platform (SW-VC15™), followed by strengthening exercises. The control group (n = 20) performed stretching instead of WBVT. Both groups underwent a total of 12 sessions (50 min per session). The primary outcome was isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, short physical performance battery (SPPB), a 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and body composition analysis. In all results, only the time effect was significant, and the group effect or time x group effect was not. Both groups showed a significant increase in isokinetic dynamometer. Although there was no significant group effect, the increase in mean peak torque was greater in the WBVT group. The only WBVT group showed significant improvement in SPPB. In SF-36, only the control group showed significant improvements. WBVT can be safely performed by older adults and may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise.

Keywords: aged; muscle strength; physical activity; physical exercise; quality of life.

PMID: 34072657 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060652

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