A comparison between the effects of vibration exercise and needle therapy on fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized control study.

This randomized controlled pilot study compared the efficiency of exercise on a vibration machine combined with needle therapy versus needle therapy alone in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being among older adults. Conducted at King Khalid Hospital in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, the study involved eighty-six patients aged 60 to 67 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VENT (Vibration Exercise Device) group or the NT (Needle Therapy) group. The VENT group underwent 10-minute vibration training sessions twice a week, paired with 30-minute needle acupuncture sessions once a week, while the NT group received needle therapy alone. Both interventions were carried out over 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured disability, pain, balance, and quality of life. Data analysis showed that 94.1% of participants completed the study, with significant improvements in disability observed in the VENT group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, balance, and well-being. However, post-intervention comparisons favored the VENT group, showing significantly better outcomes. The findings suggest that combining vibratory exercise with needle therapy offers enhanced benefits for older adults with fibromyalgia.

A Standing Low-frequency Vibration Exercise Device for Improving Balance in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of the standing low-frequency vibration exercise device (SLVED) and walking training on balance ability on an unstable surface in community-dwelling elderly people. METHODS: Thirty-eight older adults were randomly allocated to the SLVED sessions: the intervention group (n = 19), and the walking sessions: the control group (n = 19). Each group session lasted 20 min and was performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Standing balance was assessed by the change in center-of-gravity sway of the participant standing on foam rubber with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). The primary outcome measures were the root mean square (RMS) values of the center of foot pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions and the RMS area. Secondary outcome measures were the results of the 10-m walking time test (10 MWT), five-times sit-to-stand (5T-STS) test, and timed up-and-go (TUG) test. RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed a significant group × time interaction for the TUG test. Significant improvements were observed in Y-RMS for EO condition; RMS, X-RMS, Y-RMS, and RMS area for EC condition; and 10 MWT, 5T-STS test, and TUG test for the main effect of the time factor. CONCLUSION: SLVED for intervention in community-dwelling older adults showed a greater improvement than walking training in the TUG test. In addition, SLVED improved the Y-RMS for the EO condition on foam rubber; RMS, X-RMS, Y-RMS, and RMS area for the EC condition on foam rubber in standing balance; and the 10 MWT and 5T-STS test, suggesting that it has similar effects to walking training.

Effects of a Single Session of Systemic Vibratory Therapy on Flexibility, Perception of Exertion and Handgrip Strength in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Individuals: A Quasi-Experimental Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration exercises (WBVE), that are generated in systemic vibratory therapy (SVT), may benefit individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study evaluated acute effects of SVT on the flexibility, on the perception of exertion to perform the anterior trunk flexion (ATF), and on the handgrip strength (HG). METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals, separated into two groups, performed a single session of SVT (five bouts, 25 Hz, 2.5 of amplitude) on a side-alternating vibrating platform (SAVP), in two postures: sitting (Sitting group-SitG, n = 21) or standing (Stand group-StandG, n = 17). In both positions, the feet were on the base of the SAVP. The HG and the AFT were performed before and after the session, and the perception of effort (RPE) was measured during the ATF. RESULTS: The ATF in the SitG (p ≤ 0.05) and in the StandG (p ≤ 0.05) was significantly improved, but in the comparison between both groups, no significant reduction was found (p = 0.14). The RPE was not influenced by the session. A significant increase of the HG in StandG post session (33.49 ± 10.30 kgf) p = 0.03 was found, but not in the SitG (p = 0.12) or between the two groups (p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: SVT, in a single acute session, would be capable of promoting some functional benefits for the COPD individuals without altering the perception of exertion to perform the ATF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 49219115.3.0000.5259, RBR-72dqtm.

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Improves the Functionality in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

Background: Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's aging process. Menopause leads to the decrease of the estrogen levels, and in consequence the functionality worsening. Physical exercise can improve the functionality of postmenopausal woman. This review aimed to assess the effect of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) on the functionality of postmenopausal women. Methods: PRISMA guideline were used. Only English language were considered. Searches were conducted using relevant keywords for papers prior to Sep 16th, 2021, in Embase, Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, PED-ro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Results: Eight articles were selected to be in this systematic review. The mean score of methodological quality was moderate, the risk of bias was low for two studies, high for four studies, and unclear for two studies. The level of evidence of the studies was II. Improvements on muscle strength, jump, balance and maximum trunk flexion strength in the post menopause woman were reported. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated the functionality increase in postmenopausal women through WBVE. WBVE has been recommended as a non-pharmacological option relevant to postmenopausal management, helping to control the decline in bone density and symptoms related to osteoporosis and sarcopenia. However, further studies are needed to reinforce these findings.

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on sleep disorders, body composition and clinical parameters in down syndrome children: A study protocol for a randomized cross-over trial.

Down-syndrome (DS) the most common genetic disorder worldwide. Whole-body-vibration-exercise (WBVE) has been recommended for individuals with DS. To verify the efficacy of WBVE on sleep disorders, body-composition (BC) and clinical parameters of children with DS. It is a randomized cross-over-trial. Children with DS, 5-12 years, both-genders will be selected. The sleep disorders will be evaluated by the "Infant sleep questionnaire Reimão and Lefevre" and by the "Sleep disturbance scale in children". The BC will be measure by bioimpedance and the skin temperature using infrared-thermography. WBVE will be performed seating in an ancillary-chair or sitting on the base of the vibrating platform, with 2.5 mm, 5Hz. Each session (5 series, 30-seconds on vibration, 1-minute of rest). It is expected improvement responses on sleep, BC and some clinical parameters. It is expected that this WBVE protocol will bring important clinical contributions for children with DS.

Effects of Exercise and Omega-3-Supplemented, High-Protein Diet on Inflammatory Markers in Serum, on Gene Expression Levels in PBMC, and after Ex Vivo Whole-Blood LPS Stimulation in Old Adults.

Inflammaging is related to cell senescence and reflects an erratic immune system, which promotes age-associated diseases. Exercise and nutrition, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are able to affect inflammation. Therefore, we examined the effects of an 8-week exercise and dietary intervention on the inflammatory response in community-dwelling old adults. All participants received weekly vibration and home-based resistance exercise. Furthermore, participants were randomized to either a control, high-protein (1.2-1.5 g/kg), or high-protein, omega-3-enriched (2.2 g/day) diet. Before and after treatment, inflammatory markers in fasting serum and after whole-blood ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were assessed. Gene expression levels of inflammatory markers were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Sixty-one participants (age: 70.6 ± 4.7 years; 47% men) completed the study. According to generalized linear mixed models, a high-protein, omega-3-enriched diet decreased circulating anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL-) 10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Sex-stratified analyses showed also significantly reduced pro-inflammatory markers in men with a high-protein, omega-3-enriched diet. Gene expression of IL-1RA was significantly reduced after both protein-enriched diets compared with controls. In comparison to a high-protein diet, exercise alone showed lower LPS-induced release of c-c motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL-2), which tended to be more pronounced in men compared with women. Eight weeks of a high-protein, omega-3-enriched diet combined with exercise decreased circulating anti-inflammatory markers, and pro-inflammatory markers in men. A high-protein diet attenuated anti-inflammatory markers on gene expression level in PBMC. Exercise alone resulted in a lower pro-inflammatory response to LPS-exposure in whole-blood cultures.

Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is considered to be a vital defense mechanism for health, acting as a protective response of the immune system through a satisfactory inflammatory biomarker response (IBR). IBR, as well as being beneficial to the organism, can be also responsible for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise is a type of physical exercise that can act on inflammation responses due its capacity for stimulating the sensory components that promote systemic responses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV on IBR in different clinical status. METHODS: This is a systematic review that includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of WBV exercise on IBR. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and level of evidence were rated. RESULTS: Four RCTs met the selection criteria. The studies showed benefits associated with IBR (e.g., cytokines, adipokines, and C-reactive protein) in various clinical conditions, including healthy populations and some chronic diseases (such as obesity, aging disorders, and knee osteoarthritis), using several WBV protocols. CONCLUSIONS: WBV might be useful in the management of inflammatory conditions.

Efeitos do treinamento físico de vibração de corpo inteiro nos níveis de força de membros inferiores em idosos / Efectos del entrenamiento con ejercicios de vibración de cuerpo entero en los niveles de fuerza de miembros inferiores de adultos mayores / Effects of whole-body vibration exercises on strength levels of lower limb on elderlies

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os efeitos do exercício de vibração de corpo inteiro sobre os níveis de força nos membros inferiores de idosos. A amostra foi composta por 15 homens fisicamente ativos (idade: 62,5 ± 2,62 anos). Foram realizadas oito semanas de treinamento com plataforma vibratória, com sessões de 20 minutos de vibração utilizando frequências crescentes de 15 a 30 Hz, com exposição de 30 segundos de vibração e 30 segundos de descanso. A cada dois minutos houve um aumento de frequência de 1 Hz. Os indivíduos foram instruídos a ficar em pé, com os pés afastados na largura dos ombros, joelhos flexionados a 130°, braços estendidos, segurando firmemente a máquina. O procedimento foi realizado duas vezes por semana com intervalo de um dia. A força foi avaliada usando um dinamômetro dorsal em exercícios de extensão de joelho e extensão de coluna lombar. Os testes de força foram realizados na quarta e oitava semana após a última sessão de treinamento. Resultados: Ao final de oito semanas, foi possível observar ganhos significativos de força nos músculos envolvidos no exercício de extensão do joelho (p = 0,01) e na extensão da coluna lombar (p = 0,031). Conclusão: observou-se que o treinamento com vibrações de corpo inteiro promoveu melhora nos níveis de força nos membros inferiores dos idosos participantes do estudo.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los efectos del ejercicio de vibración de todo el cuerpo sobre los niveles de fuerza en los miembros inferiores de adultos mayores. La muestra estuvo formada por 15 hombres físicamente activos (edad: 62,5 ± 2,62 años). Se realizaron ocho semanas de entrenamiento con plataforma vibratoria, con sesiones de 20 minutos de vibración utilizando frecuencias crecientes de 15 a 30 Hz, con exposición de 30 segundos de vibración y 30 segundos de descanso. Cada dos minutos había un aumento de frecuencia de 1 Hz. Se indicó a los individuos que permanecieran de pie con los pies separados a la altura de los hombros, las rodillas flexionadas a 130º y los brazos extendidos sujetando firmemente los apoyamanos de la máquina. El procedimiento se realizó dos veces por semana con un intervalo de un día. La fuerza se evaluó mediante un dinamómetro dorsal en los ejercicios de extensión de rodilla y extensión de columna lumbar. Las pruebas de fuerza se realizaron en la cuarta y octava semana después de la última sesión de entrenamiento. Resultados: Al final de las ocho semanas, fue posible observar ganancias significativas en la fuerza en los músculos involucrados en el ejercicio de extensión de rodilla (p = 0,01) y en la extensión de columna lumbar (p = 0.031). Conclusión: se pudo observar que el entrenamiento con vibraciones de todo el cuerpo promovió una mejora en los niveles de fuerza en los miembros inferiores de los adultos mayores participantes del estudio.

ABSTRACT The present study was to analyze the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on strength levels in the lower limbs in elderly subjects. The sample consisted of 15 physically active individuals (62.5±2.62 years old). All volunteers were male gender. They were submitted to eight weeks of training with a vibrating platform were carried out, with sessions of 20 minutes of vibration using increasing frequencies from 15 to 30 Hz, with exposure of 30 seconds of vibration and 30 seconds of rest. Every two minutes there was an increase in the frequency of 1 Hz. The individuals were instructed to stay in the standing position with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees flexed at 130º, arms outstretched holding firmly on the machine's hand rests. The procedure was performed twice a week with an interval of one day. Strength was assessed using a dorsal dynamometer in the knee extension and lumbar spine extension exercises. Strength tests were performed in the fourth and eighth weeks after the last training session. Results: At the end of eight weeks, it was possible to observe significant gains in strength in the muscles involved in the knee extension exercise (p = 0.0001) and in the lumbar spine extension (p = 0.031) after the eight weeks of intervention. Conclusion: It was possible to observe that the whole-body vibration training promoted an improvement in the strength levels of the elderly participants in the study.

[Repair impact of vibration exercise with different frequencies on articular cartilage of rats with early knee osteoarthritis and its JNK/NF-κB, SOX9 mechanisms].

Objective: To investigate the repair effect and JNK/NF-κB,SOX9 mechanisms of vibration exercise with different frequencies on articular cartilage in rats with early knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty-eight adult male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8):model control group(MC),high frequency vibration group 1 (GP1,60 Hz),high frequency vibration 2 group (GP2,40 Hz),medium frequency vibration group (ZP,20 Hz),minor frequency group(DP,10 Hz)and normal control group(NC). Except for NC group,the rats in each group were made into early knee osteoarthritis model after six weeks of knee joint cavity injection of papain solution and 2% mixture l-cysteine on the 1st,4 th and 7th day. Each exercise group was subjected vibration to 40 minutes a day with amplitude of 2～5 mm and 5 days a week. Four weeks later, the articular cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle of the both back leg knee joints were detected by HE staining,serine O staining and Mankin scores for morphological observation. The expression levels of JNK,NF-κB p65 and Sox9 mRNA in articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle were detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expressions of JNK,NF-κB p65 and Sox9 were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the NC group,the Mankin score in other groups was significantly higher (P＜0.01). Compared with the MC group,the Mankin score of each vibration group was significantly lower(P＜0.05),the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK and NF-κB p65 in each vibration training group were significantly lower (P＜0.01),the expressions of Sox9 mRNA and protein in vibration training group were increased significantly (P＜0.01). Compared with the higher frequency group,the Mankin score,the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK and NF-κB p65 of lower frequency group were significantly lower (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). But the expressions of Sox9 mRNA and protein were significantly higher (P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: Vibration exercise of different frequencies may present varying degrees of cartilage repair impact in rats with early knee osteoarthritis,and the cartilage repair by low-frequency vibration training is better than that by high-frequency vibration. This can be one of the mechanisms on controlling collagen synthesis by down-regulating JNK/NF-κB expression and increasing SOX9 activity of OA articular cartilage.

Acute effects of whole body vibration exercise on post-load glucose metabolism in healthy men: a pilot randomized crossover trial.

PURPOSE: Exercise on a whole body vibration (WBV) platform, namely WBV exercise (WBVE), has long-term beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, similarly to conventional moderate-intensity exercise. Conventional moderate-intensity exercise reduces post-load plasma glucose levels at the acute phase. This study aimed to reveal acute effects of WBVE on post-load glucose metabolism. METHODS: This randomized crossover trial enrolled 18 healthy men. They completed the following three interventions in a random order: (1) a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) without WBVE (OGTT-alone), (2) 20-minute WBVE before an OGTT (WBVE → OGTT), and (3) 20-minute WBVE during an OGTT (OGTT → WBVE). Post-load glucose metabolism in the WBVE → OGTT and OGTT → WBVE interventions were compared with that in the OGTT-alone intervention. RESULTS: Plasma glucose levels in the WBVE → OGTT and OGTT → WBVE interventions were not significantly different from those in the OGTT-alone intervention at any time point except 15 min, wherein the WBVE → OGTT intervention had higher glucose levels (111 [interquartile range, 102-122] mg/dL vs 122 [111-134] mg/dL, P = 0.026). Higher plasma glucagon levels were observed at 0 min in the WBVE → OGTT intervention and at 60 min in the OGTT → WBVE intervention (P = 0.010 and 0.015). Cortisol, Growth hormone, and adrenaline levels were significantly increased after WBVE, whereas noradrenaline levels were not. Serum insulin levels in the WBVE → OGTT intervention were significantly higher than those in the OGTT-alone intervention at 0 min (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: WBVE did not decrease post-load plasma glucose levels at the acute phase. Acute effects of WBVE on post-load glucose metabolism would not be identical to those of conventional exercise. The unique trial number and the name of the registry: UMIN000036520, www.umin.ac.jp , date of registration, June 12, 2019.

Effects of Controlled Whole-body Vibration Training on Balance and Fall Outcomes Among Healthy Older Adults: A 6-Week Pilot Study.

Background: Falling is the second leading cause of injury-related death worldwide and is a leading cause of injury among older adults. Whole-body vibration has been used to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. No study has assessed if vibration benefits can be retained over time. Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine if six-weeks of whole-body vibration could improve balance and fall outcomes, and to assess if benefits associated with the training program could be sustained two months following the final training session. Design and Setting: Repeated measures randomized controlled design. Participants: Twenty-four independent living older adults were recruited and were randomly assigned to the whole-body vibration or control group. Intervention: Participants performed three sessions of whole-body vibration training per week with a vibration frequency of 20 Hz or with only an audio recording of the vibration noise. An assessment of balance and fall outcomes was performed prior to, immediately following, and two-months after the completion of the training program. Main Outcome Measures: Composite balance scores from the Berg Balance Scale and treadmill fall rates were assessed pre-training, post-training, and two-months post-training. Results: Seventeen participants completed the study. No between groups differences were found (p<0.05) in the measures of balance or fall rates. Conclusions: Findings revealed that six weeks of whole-body vibration was not effective in improving balance scores or fall rates.

Use of surface electromyography to evaluate effects of whole-body vibration exercises on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Reduction of muscle strength and lean mass, increase in the risk of falls, higher mortality, and morbidity are observed in geriatric syndromes. Physical activity is an effective intervention in reducing signs and symptoms of geriatric syndromes. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) is an intervention with low cost and has been effective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of WBVE on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly. Searches in PubMed, Embase, Science direct, and Scopus databases were conducted. Six studies, that analyzed the use of surface electromyography evaluating effects of WBVE on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly, published in English, were included. RESULTS: Six studies were included. One hundred forty-six individuals participated in the studies and 24 were males (16.43%), with an average age of 74.20 ± 7.66 years. Five publications were defined as "fair" methodological in the PEDro scale, the risk of bias was high and the risk of bias for non-randomized studies was moderate/high. In general, increased strength muscle was reported in the studies. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that WBVE might promote desirable neuromuscular responses in healthy elderly. However, it is necessary to perform further studies to reinforce the reported findings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe reduction in lean mass and consequent reduction in muscle strength are present in healthy elderly people and the whole-body vibration exercise can reduce or alleviate these symptoms caused by the geriatric syndrome.Whole-body vibration exercise is a training modality that increases neuromuscular activation and muscle strength.Surface electromyography is a useful tool for the evaluation of the neuromuscular activation of the muscle fibers.

Reporting Guidelines for Whole-Body Vibration Studies in Humans, Animals and Cell Cultures: A Consensus Statement from an International Group of Experts.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality or treatment/prophylaxis method in which subjects (humans, animals, or cells) are exposed to mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform or device. The vibrations are defined by their direction, frequency, magnitude, duration, and the number of daily bouts. Subjects can be exposed while performing exercises, hold postures, sitting, or lying down. Worldwide, WBV has attracted significant attention, and the number of studies is rising. To interpret, compare, and aggregate studies, the correct, complete, and consistent reporting of WBV-specific data (WBV parameters) is critical. Specific reporting guidelines aid in accomplishing this goal. There was a need to expand existing guidelines because of continuous developments in the field of WBV research, including but not limited to new outcome measures regarding brain function and cognition, modified designs of WBV platforms and attachments (e.g., mounting a chair on a platform), and comparisons of animal and cell culture studies with human studies. Based on Delphi studies among experts and using EQUATOR recommendations, we have developed extended reporting guidelines with checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, including information on devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. In addition, we provide explanations and examples of how to report. These new reporting guidelines are specific to WBV variables and do not target research designs in general. Researchers are encouraged to use the new WBV guidelines in addition to general design-specific guidelines.

Effects of 12-week whole-body vibration exercise on fatigue, functional ability and quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex rheumatic autoimmune disease characterized by periods of exacerbations that can present damage in organs with important clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12-week whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) on the fatigue, functional ability and quality of life of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in chronic glucocorticoids use (CGU). METHODS: Twenty-one women were allocated randomly in the WBVE group or isometry group. The participants of WBVE group were positioned on the vibrating platform with 130° knee flexion and received the intervention twice a week for 12 weeks. The isometry group performed the same position and time, but without the stimulus of mechanical vibration. Fatigue, functional ability and the quality of life were evaluated at weeks 0, 6, and 12. RESULTS: From a sample of seventy-seven individuals, seventeen participants completed the study, 8 in WBVE group and 9 in isometry group. Fatigue reduced in the WBVE group at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention (p = 0.04) and (p = 0.03) respectively. There was a significant improvement in the functional ability evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire in the WBVE group compared to the isometry group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: WBVE would be a useful intervention for control of fatigue and improvement of the functional ability of women with SLE in CGU.

Effects of Controlled Whole-Body Vibration Training on Functional Performance Among Healthy Older Adults: A 6-Week Pilot Study.

Background: Falling is the second leading cause of injury-related death worldwide and is a leading cause of injury among older adults. Whole-body vibration has been used to improve fall risk factors in older adults. No study has assessed if vibration benefits can be retained over time. Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine if six-weeks of whole-body vibration could improve fall risk factors and to assess if benefits associated with the training program could be sustained two months following the final training session. Design and Setting: Repeated measures randomized controlled design. Participants: Twenty-four independent living older adults were recruited and were randomly assigned to the WBV or control group. Intervention: Participants performed three sessions of whole-body vibration training per week with a vibration frequency of 20Hz or with only an audio recording of the vibration noise. An assessment of fall risk factors was performed prior to, immediately following, and two-months after the completion of the training program. Main Outcome Measures: Fall risk factors including functional capacity, mobility, strength, and walking speed were assessed pre-training, post-training, and two-months post-training. Results: Seventeen participants completed the study. No improvements (p<0.05) between groups were found in the measures of physical performance. Conclusions: Findings revealed that six weeks of whole-body vibration is not effective in improving fall risk factors or producing benefits post-training.

MNX (Medium Duration Nutrition and Resistance-Vibration Exercise) Bed-Rest: Effect of Resistance Vibration Exercise Alone or Combined With Whey Protein Supplementation on Cardiovascular System in 21-Day Head-Down Bed Rest.

Current inflight countermeasures do not completely prevent bone and cardiovascular changes induced by microgravity. High load Resistance Exercise combined with whole body Vibration (RVE) demonstrated benefits on bone and cardiovascular system during previous Head-Down Bed Rest (HDBR) studies. We examined the effectiveness of RVE alone or combined with a nutritional supplementation of Whey protein (NeX) on cardiovascular deconditioning. Eight male subjects (age 34 ± 8 years) in a crossover design completed three 21-day HDBR campaigns (Control-CON, RVE, and NeX). Pre and post HDBR Orthostatic Tolerance (OT) was evaluated by a 15-min head-up tilt test followed by increasing levels of Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP). Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and Sympathetic Index (ΣI) through spectral analysis were measured during OT test. Plasma Volume (PV), and Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max) were measured before and after each campaign. Left ventricular mass, left ventricular end diastolic (LVEDV), end systolic (LVESV), stroke (SV) volumes, and circumferential deformation at rest and during an orthostatic stress simulated by a 30 mmHg LBNP were measured by cardiac MRI. RVE failed to prevent any change in these variables and NeX did not have any additional effect over exercise alone. In the 3 groups, (1) OT time dropped similarly (bed rest p < 0.001), (2) HR and ΣI were increased at rest at the end of HDBR and HR increased markedly during LBNP-tilt test, with inability to increase further the ΣI, (3) PV dropped (bed rest p < 0.001), along with LVEDV, LVESV and SV (p = 0.08, p < 0.001, and p = 0.045, respectively), (4) Left ventricle mass did not change significantly, (5) Deformation of the heart assessed by global circumferential strain was preserved and early diastolic circumferential strain rate was increased during orthostatic stress at the end of HDBR, illustrating preserved systolic and diastolic function respectively, without any difference between groups. Despite the drop in PV and LV volumes, RVE and NeX tended to alleviate the decrease in VO2max. In conclusion, RVE and NeX failed to prevent the cardiovascular deconditioning induced by a 21 day-HDBR.

Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise For Improving The Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review From the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel.

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease which leads to several clinical conditions related to the dysfunction of the respiratory system along with other physical and psychological complaints. Severely affected patients are referred to intensive care units (ICUs), limiting their possibilities for physical exercise. Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise is a non-invasive, physical therapy, that has been suggested as part of the procedures involved with pulmonary rehabilitation, even in ICU settings. Therefore, in the current review, the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVEX) reviewed the potential of WBV exercise as a useful and safe intervention for the management of infected individuals with COVID-19 by mitigating the inactivity-related declines in physical condition and reducing the time in ICU. Recommendations regarding the reduction of fatigue and the risk of dyspnea, the improvement of the inflammatory and redox status favoring cellular homeostasis and the overall improvement in the quality of life are provided. Finally, practical applications for the use of this paradigm leading to a better prognosis in bed bound and ICU-bound subjects is proposed.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Functional Mobility, Balance, Gait Strength, and Quality of Life in Institutionalized Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of whole-body vibration on balance, functional mobility, gait, functional performance, and quality of life in institutionalized older people. Eight databases were systematically reviewed, as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. This systematic review was designed to answer the acronym set by the participants, interventions, comparators, and outcomes (PICO)-model. Ten randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis of the mean differences (MDs) of the functional mobility assessed with Time Up and Go test was MD = -2.49 s (95% confidence interval, CI, [-4.37, -0.61]; I2 = 68%). In 279 participants from five studies, the overall MD = 0.49 (95% CI [-0.13, 1.11]; I2 = 23%) for gait, and MD = 0.96 (95% CI [-0.45, 2.37]; I2 = 85%) for balance, which represents the total Tinetti score, MD = 1.59 (95% CI [-0.52, 3.70]; I2 = 82%). In summary, whole-body vibration could have benefits on functional mobility in institutionalized older people.

Acute and Cumulative Effects With Whole-Body Vibration Exercises Using 2 Biomechanical Conditions on the Flexibility and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial Pilot Study.

This study evaluated the effects of 6 weeks of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on flexibility and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) individuals using 2 biomechanical conditions (fixed frequency [FF] and variable frequency [VF]). Nineteen MetS individuals were randomly allocated in FF-WBV (n = 9, 7 women and 2 men) and VF-WBV (n = 10, 8 women and 2 men) groups. Anterior trunk flexion (ATF) and RPE were determined before and after each session. The acute cumulative exposure effects were analyzed. The FF-WBV group was exposed to 5 Hz on a side alternating vibrating platform (SAVP), exposed to 10 and 50 seconds with the SAVP turned off. The VF-WBV group individuals were intermittently exposed (1 minute WBV exercise/1 minute rest) to 5 to 16 Hz, increased by 1 Hz per session and the peak-to-peak displacement (PPD) were 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm. Regarding to ATF, significant improvements (P < .05) were observed in the in the acute (VF group) and cumulative intervention (FF and VF-WBV groups). The RPE significantly (P < .05) improved only in VF-WBV (cumulative intervention). In conclusion, WBV exercise improved the flexibility and decreased the RPE in MetS individuals. These findings suggest that WBV exercise can be incorporated into physical activities for MetS individuals.