Evidence of whole-body vibration exercises on body composition changes in older individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The aging process is associated with changes in body composition, including fat gain and skeletal muscle loss from middle age onward. Moreover, increased risk of functional decline and the development of chronic diseases are also related to aging. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE), as a physical exercise, on body composition in people over 60 years of age. Methods: Searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Only randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of WBVE on body composition in older individuals were considered. The methodological quality of the studies involved was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, recommendations from the Cochrane Collaboration were used to assess risk of bias, and quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RevMan 5.4 was used to calculate standardized mean differences and confidence intervals of 95% (CIs). Results: Eight studies were included in this review with a mean methodological quality score of 7.5, which is considered high quality on the PEDro scale. The included studies suggest that more robust research with protocols and well-designed comparison groups is required to better assess changes in the body composition of older individuals through WBVE. Quantitative results were calculated, with differences in weighted means, differences in standardized means, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Conclusion: WBVE evaluated by the studies included in this review did not demonstrate improvements in body composition, and no significant effect of WBVE was found on fat mass with standardized differences (SD = -1.92; 95% CI: -4.81 to -0.98; p = 0.19), lean mass with standardized mean differences (SMD = 0.06 CI 95% [-0.21; -0.33]; p = 0.67), or skeletal muscle mass with standardized differences (SD = 0.10; CI 95% [-1.62; 1.83]; p = 0.91). Therefore, to date, there is lack of adequate evidence to state that WBVE can benefit the body composition of men and women over 60 years of age. However, further studies are required to better understand the physiological impacts of WBVE on body composition. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprosperoCRD42021248871, identifier CRD42021248871.

Effectiveness of Using the FreeStyle Libre® System for Monitoring Blood Glucose during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Diabetic Individuals: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science/engineering that is aiming to spread technological systems. The COVID-19 pandemic caused economic and public health turbulence around the world. Among the many possibilities for using AI in the medical field is FreeStyle Libre® (FSL), which uses a disposable sensor inserted into the user's arm, and a touchscreen device/reader is used to scan and retrieve other continuous monitoring of glucose (CMG) readings. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the effectiveness of FSL blood glucose monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This systematic review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022340562). The inclusion criteria considered studies involving the use of the FSL device during the COVID-19 pandemic and published in English. No publication date restrictions were set. The exclusion criteria were abstracts, systematic reviews, studies with patients with other diseases, monitoring with other equipment, patients with COVID-19, and bariatrics patients. Seven databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Scielo, PEDro and Cochrane Library). The ACROBAT-NRSI tool (A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies) was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the selected articles. RESULTS: A total of 113 articles were found. Sixty-four were excluded because they were duplicates, 39 were excluded after reading the titles and abstracts, and twenty articles were considered for full reading. Of the 10 articles analyzed, four articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thus, six articles were included in the current systematic review. It was observed that among the selected articles, only two were classified as having serious risk of bias. It was shown that FSL had a positive impact on glycemic control and on reducing the number of individuals with hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the implementation of FSL during COVID-19 confinement in this population can be confidently stated to have been effective in diabetes mellitus patients.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Athletes with Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) or Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is a condition characterized by laxity and mechanical instability in the ankle joint. This instability interferes with the activities and physical-functional parameters of athletes, which leads to repetitive ankle sprains. The current systematic review was carried out to identify the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in athletes with CAI. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches in Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Academic Search Premier (ASP) (EBSCO) databases on 26 February 2022. Registers were identified, and studies were selected for inclusion according to the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Seven studies were included with a mean methodological quality score of 5.85, considered 'regular' quality on the PEDro scale. WBVE interventions in athletes with CAI showed that this exercise contributes to a better response on parameters of neuromuscular performance, muscle strength and consequently in balance and postural control, variables that are for the management of CAI. CONCLUSION: WBVE interventions in sports modalities promote physiological responses that may lead to positive effects in several parameters. The protocols proposed in each modality can be carried out in practice and are considered effective additional exercise and training methods beyond traditional types of training for athletes. However, more studies are needed on athletes with this condition, with specific protocols, to highlight the possible physiological and physical-functional responses. Protocol study registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020204434).

Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sleep Quality Evaluated by Wrist Actigraphy: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19 has probably contributed as a risk factor for sleep disturbance. Actigraphy has been used to evaluate sleep complaints in self-isolated populations and frontline doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review aims to summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep through wrist actigraphy, estimating sleep latency, total sleep time, awakening-after-sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. Searches were conducted of observational studies on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2022. Ninety articles were found, and given the eligibility criteria, fifteen were selected. Six studies were classified by the National Health and Medical Research Council as evidence level IV, two studies as level III-3, and seven studies as level III-2. According to the ACROBAT-NRSI instrument, three studies were classified as having a "serious" risk of bias, two as having "critical" risk, four as having "moderate" risk, and six as having "low" risk. In the selected publications, various populations were evaluated via actigraphy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports of "poor" sleep quality. Actigraphy may be a relevant tool to assess individual day-night rhythms and provide recommendations under enduring pandemic conditions. Moreover, as actigraphy presents objective data for sleep evaluations, it is suggested that this method be used in similar pandemics and that actigraphy be included as part of the sleep hygiene strategy.

Evidence of Use of Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome (MSy) is defined by a constellation of interconnected physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that directly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in metabolic syndrome (MSy) individuals. (2) Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and CINAHL databases in December 2022 was performed. Data regarding the included studies were extracted. The level of evidence, the methodological quality, and the risk of bias of each selected publication were individually evaluated. (3) Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four studies in the meta-analysis, with a mean methodological quality score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro scale) of 5.6, considered "fair" quality. The qualitative results suggested positive effects of the systemic vibration therapy in relevant outcomes, such as quality of life, functionality, pain level, trunk flexibility, cardiovascular responses (blood pressure and heart rate), neuromuscular activation, range of motion of the knees, rating of perceived exertion, and body composition. The quantitative results, with weighted mean differences, standard mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. Conclusions: WBVE may be an alternative capable of interfering with physical-mainly for flexibility with weighted mean differences (1.70; 95% CI 0.15, 3.25; n = 39)-functional, psychosocial, neuromuscular, emotional parameters, and consequently contribute to improvements in metabolic health and reduce the cardiovascular risk factor in MSy individuals. Nevertheless, further additional studies are required to understand the long-term effects of WBVE on MSy and its complications in a better way. Protocol study registration was as follows: PROSPERO (CRD 42020187319).

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.

Impact of Two Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Protocols on Body Composition of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of two 6-week whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) protocols on body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome (MSy). Thirty-three patients were allocated to either the Fixed Frequency WBVE Group (FFG-WBVE) or the Variable Frequency WBVE Group (VFG-WBVE). (2) Methods: A side-alternating vibration platform was used and the patients remained in the semi-squat position on this platform. In the FFG-WBVE (n = 12; median age = 50.50 years) and (body mass index BMI = 31.95 kg/m2), patients were exposed to 10 s of mechanical vibration at a fixed frequency of 5 Hz, followed by 50 s without vibration. In the VFG-WBVE (n = 10; median age = 57.50 years) and (BMI = 32.50 kg/m2), the patients performed 60 s of mechanical vibration at different frequencies from 5 to 16 Hz). Body composition evaluated through (bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements) were was evaluated before and after the all the interventions in each group. (3) Results: The VFG-WBVE decreased waist circumference, p = 0.01 and segmental fat mass [left arm, p = 0.01; right arm, p = 0.02 and trunk, p = 0.03]. Bone content increased, p = 0.01. No significant changes were observed in the FFG- WBVE. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that 6 weeks of WBVE with a protocol with variable frequency can positively modify the body composition of MSY patients. These findings might contribute to improvements in the metabolic health of these patients.

Can whole body vibration exercises promote improvement on quality of life and on chronic pain level of metabolic syndrome patients? A pseudorandomized crossover study.

Quality of life (QoL) is one of the most important health outcome concepts expressed subjectively. Chronic pain (CP) is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Taking into account the poor QoL and the CP already described in metabolic syndrome (MSy) individuals, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) on these parameters in this population. Thirty-three MSy patients were divided in subgroups A [whole body vibration exercise group (WBVeG), n = 17, 15 females/2 males, 61.1 ± 8.4 yr] and B (control group, n = 16, 14 females/2 males, 58.2 ± 9.1 yr). Subgroup A performed 10 sessions (2 times/wk) of WBVE (18 min/session, with a frequency from 5 up to 14 Hz and a peak-to-peak displacement of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm) on a side-alternating vibrating platform (VP). Subgroup B did the same protocol, but the VP was turned off. The individuals answered the World Health Organization Quality of Life bref (WHOQoL-bref) questionnaire before the first and after the 10th session. The chronic pain level (CPL) was measured by a numeric rating scale (0-10) before and at the end of each session. Significant improvements were found in physical health (P = 0.05) and psychological health (P = 0.04) domains of WHOQoL-bref in WBVeG. A significant acute reduction of the CPL was found in the WBVeG after the protocol, considering the first session and at the last session. WBVE marginally improved physical health and psychological health and decrease the CPL in acute interventions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Metabolic syndrome patients experience poor quality of life, frequently associated with lack of exercise and bad dietary habits. Additionally, factors such as obesity, neuromusculoskeletal impairment, and peripheral endothelial dysfunction result in a chronic pain level. Whole body vibration exercise might represent a suitable physical therapy, since it is easy to perform, low cost, safe, and capable of promoting an improvement of quality of life and reducing chronic pain level during acute interventions in metabolic syndrome individuals.

Evaluation of the temperature of posterior lower limbs skin during the whole body vibration measured by infrared thermography: Cross-sectional study analysis using linear mixed effect model.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been shown to improve muscular strength and power, and increase peripheral blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of the skin temperature (Tsk) on regions of the lower limbs from an acute bout of WBVE. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Cross-sectional study approved by local ethics committee (Certificado de Apresentação para Apreciação Ética-CAAE-19826413.8.0000.5259) and Trial registration (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos-REBEC-RBR-738wng). Using Infrared thermography (IRT), Tsk and thermal symmetry of the posterior lower extremities (thigh, knee, calf and heel) were examined in 19 healthy participants. IRT was assessed during 60-second WBVE exposures of 0, 30 and 50 Hz. From the adjusted linear mixed effects model, vibration frequency, time and regions of the lower extremity were significant (p<0.001). However, the variable laterality was not significant (p = 0.067) and was excluded from the adjusted statistical model. The adjusted model was significant (p<0.00001) and all variables in the model were significant (p<0.01) indicating that Tsk decreases with time, independently of the vibration frequency. The value of the Pseudo-R-Squared for the model was 0.8376. The presented mathematical model of the current study may be useful to justify the patterns observed for all vibration frequencies between and 0 and 50 Hz. The main limitations of the study were the reduced time of the intervention and not having evaluated other regions of the body. CONCLUSIONS: The acute exposure of 60-second mechanical vibration has effect on the behavior of Tsk of the posterior region of the lower limbs, which is likely to be associated with a decrease on the blood flow due to WBVE. It is speculated that during WBVE a greater supply of blood is required where the body responds by shunting blood flow from the skin to working muscle in the first seconds of exercise. Further investigative work is required to verify this hypothesis.