Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Alone or in Combination With Maximal Voluntary Contractions on Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromotor Fitness in Obese Male Adolescents.

Musculoskeletal and neuromotor fitness (MSMF) is reduced in obesity. Physical exercise (including whole-body vibration exercise [WBVE]) is reported to improve components related to MSMF. The aim of the study is to evaluate the acute effects of WBVE and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), alone and in combination, on the cardiorespiratory and MSMF in obese adolescents. Eight obese adolescents performed 3 tests (WBVE, MVC, and MVC + WBVE) in different days and randomly. The outcome measures were diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), handgrip strength (HS), one-leg standing balance (OLSB) test, sit-and-reach (SR) test, stair climbing test (time: T SCT and power: P SCT), and sit-to-stand test (time: T STSand power: P STS). No significant changes were observed in SBP, DBP, MAP, and SpO2 after the 3 tests, only an HR increase being observed after MVC + WBVE (P < .01) and MVC alone (P < .05). No significant differences were found in HS, OLSB, T STS, and P STS after the 3 different sessions. An increase in SR was found after MVC + WBVE, MVC, and WBVE (P < .01, P < .05, and P < .01, respectively), while a decrease in T SCT (P < .01) and an increase in P SCT were observed only after WBVE (P < .01). Taking into account the positive WBVE effects on cardiorespiratory and MSMF, WBVE might represent a nonimpact, viable, and safe exercise suitable for obese patients, which need MSMF improvement without overloading joints.

Assessment Through the Short Physical Performance Battery of the Functionality in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome Exposed to Whole-Body Vibration Exercises.

Physical activity is recommended in the management of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and recent studies have suggested whole-body vibration exercise (WBVe) for this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in individuals with MetS after WBVe. The SPPB evaluates the balance, the gait speed, and the lower limb strength (five-chair stand [5CS] test). Forty-four individuals with MetS were divided into WBVe (WBVeG) and control (CG) groups. The individuals of the WBVeG performed 10 sessions of WBVe in an oscillating/vibratory platform (OVP), barefoot, for 3 minutes at the peak-to-peak displacements of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm, with a resting period of 1 minute (total time: 18 minutes/session). The frequencies ranged from 5 up to 14 Hz. The individuals of the CG performed all the steps of the study, but the OVP was turned off. Before the first and after the tenth session, the individuals performed the SPPB. Significant responses were found in the WBVeG, analyzing the total score of the SPPB (P = .005), the balance test (P = .01), the gait speed (P = .006), and the 5CS test (P = .03), resulting in the improvement of the functionality of individuals with MetS.

Can whole body vibration exercises affect growth hormone concentration? A systematic review.

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been recognized as an effective alternative exercise modality to resistance exercise for its ability in enhancing force and power, generating capacity in skeletal muscle, increasing bone mass and improving cardiovascular function. Since the effect of WBV exercises on growth hormone (GH) levels has been never compared and discussed, the aim of this study was to review systematically the literature to verify the WBV effects on GH concentration. By using PubMed, Scopus and PEDRo databases with the keywords 'growth hormone' or GH and 'whole body vibration' or WBV, we found and analysed 12 papers (182 subjects recruited), verifying their level of evidence (National Health and Medical Research Council hierarchy of evidence) and the methodological quality (PEDRo scale). Although WBV induced GH responses in nine out of 12 publications, caution should be however taken when considering the results due to the markedly different methodologies among these publications.

Chenopodium ambrosioides associated with whole body vibration exercises alters the feed intake in Wistar rats.

The consequences of treatment involving the use of a natural product and whole body vibration (WBV) exercise have been investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the joint treatment with an aqueous extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides and WBV on physiological parameters in rats. Wistar rats (n=20) were divided equally into four groups: control group (CG), treated with C. ambrosioides (CHE) group, exposed to 50 Hz of mechanial vibration (VBR), and treated with C. ambrosioides and exposed to 50 Hz of mechanical vibration (VBR + CHE) daily for 6 weeks. The body mass of the animals was determined weekly, the feed intake and the stool consistency were measured daily. One day after the 6 weeks of treatment, samples of blood were collected and used for biochemical analysis. Along 6 weeks, there was an increase (P<0.001) in the feed intake in VBR group and a decrease in the CHE group in comparison with other groups. The levels of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in VBR + CHE group decreased (P<0.05) in comparison with other groups. No differences were found in body mass and stool consistency. WBV altered the feed intake without directly affecting the body mass. Moreover, WBV in association with C. ambrosioides caused alteration in the enzymatic activity of AST.

EFFECT OF A SHORT PERIOD WHOLE BODY VIBRATION WITH 10 HZ ON BLOOD BIOMARKERS IN WISTAR RATS.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to whole body vibration exercises (WBVE), besides some biological effects, causes alterations in the concentration of some blood biomarkers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of vibration (10 Hz) of WBVE on the concentration of blood biomarkers in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided in 2 groups. The experimental group (EG) was subjected to vibrations of 10Hz (one min per day, one week, total time of seven min), while the control group (CG) has not experienced vibration. Samples of whole blood were drawn for biochemical analysis of the concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, glucose, CPK, albumin, alkaline phosphates, TGP, TGO, γGT, lipase, amylase, urea and creatinine. RESULTS: White blood cell count and a platelet-hemogram were also performed. Significant (p<0.05) increase in TGP, TGO and white blood cells and decrease in LDL concentration was found after exposure of 10Hz mechanical vibration. CONCLUSION: Although these findings were obtained with rats, they might contribute to try to understand better these mechanisms that occur following exposure to a frequency of 10Hz.

RELEVANCE OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE IN SPORT: A SHORT REVIEW WITH SOCCER, DIVER AND COMBAT SPORT.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been used as a safe and accessible exercise and important reviews have been published about the use of this exercise to manage diseases and to improve physical conditions of athletes The aim of this paper is to highlight the relevance of WBVE to soccer players, divers and combat athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was made through a systematic review of publications involving WBVE and the selected sports in two databases (Pubmed and PEDRo). RESULTS: It were identified 10 studies involving WBVE and sports (6 of soccer, 2 of diving and 2 of sport combat) with 156 subjects (80 soccer players, 32 divers and 44 combat athletes), with age from 17 to 44 years old. CONCLUSION: The use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve the physical conditions of players of different sports. These findings may have clinical relevance and should be considered as a strategy to be used to try improve the physical conditions of players.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES ON BLOOD FLOW KINETICS OF DIFFERENT POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH A SUITABLE APPROACH.

BACKGROUND: The ability to control skin blood flow decreases with advancing age and some clinical disorders, as in diabetes and in rheumatologic diseases. Feasible clinical strategies such as whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) are being used without a clear understanding of its effects. The aim of the present study is to review the effects of the WBVE on blood flow kinetics and its feasibility in different populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The level of evidence (LE) of selected papers in PubMed and/or PEDRo databases was determined. We selected randomized, controlled trials in English to be evaluated. RESULTS: Six studies had LE II, one had LE III-2 and one III-3 according to the NHMRC. A great variability among the protocols was observed but also in the assessment devices; therefore, more research about this topic is warranted. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations, it is can be concluded that the use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve blood flow. However, more studies with greater methodological quality are needed to clearly define the more suitable protocols.

EFFECT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATION GENERATED IN OSCILLATING/VIBRATORY PLATFORM ON THE CONCENTRATION OF PLASMA BIOMARKERS AND ON THE WEIGHT IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise has been used in health sciences. Authors have reported that changes on the concentration of plasma biomarkers could be associated with the WBV effects. The aim of this investigation is to assess the consequences of exposition of 25 Hz mechanical vibration generated in oscillating/vibratory platform (OVP) on the concentration of some plasma biomarkers and on the weight of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups. The animals of the Experimental Group (EG) were submitted to vibration (25 Hz) generated in an OVP with four bouts of 30 seconds with rest time of 60 seconds between the bouts. This procedure was performed daily for 12 days. The animals of the control group (CG) were not exposed to vibration. RESULTS: Our findings show that the WBV exercise at 25 Hz was not capable to alter significantly (p<0.05) the weight of the rats. A significant alteration in the concentrations of amylase was found. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a modulation of the WBV exercise with vibration of 25 Hz of frequency (i) in the pathways related to the weight and (ii) in the concentration of some biomarkers, such as amylase.

QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME IS IMPROVED AFTER WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) improve the quality of life (QoL) of different populations. Metabolic syndrome patients (MetS) may be favored by physical activity. Questionnaires are used to assess the QoL. The aim was to evaluate the QoL of patients with MetS that have undergone WBVE with a brief WHOQOL (WHOQOL-BREF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: MetS patients were randomly divided into three groups: (i) control group (CG), (ii) treated with WBVE once per week (WBVE1) and (iii) treated with WBVE twice per week (WBVE2). In the first session, the patient was sat in a chair in front of the platform with the feet on its base in 3 peak to peak displacements (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mm) and frequency of 5 Hz was used. From the second to the last session, patients were subjected to the same protocol, however they were standing on the base of the platform and the frequency was increased up to 14 Hz. The patients fulfilled the WHOQOL-BREF before the first and after the last sessions. Cronbach coefficients were determined to each domain of the WHOQOL-BREF and test Wilcoxon (p<0.05) was used. RESULTS: The patients of the WBVE1 group had improvements in the physical, psychological and environment domains while in the WBVE2, the improvements were in the physical and social relationships domain of the WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the WBVE in a protocol (one or two times per week) with a progressive and increased frequency improves the QoL of patients with MetS in different domains of the WHOQOL-BREF.

WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE IMPROVES FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH A SUITABLE APPROACH.

BACKGROUND: Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have abnormal bone modelling and resorption. The bone tissue adaptation and responsivity to dynamic and mechanical loading may be of therapeutic use under controlled circumstances. Improvements due to the wholebody vibration (WBV) exercises have been reported in strength, motion, gait, balance, posture and bone density in several osteopenic individuals, as in post-menopausal women or children with disabling conditions, as patients with OI. The aim of this investigation was to systematically analyse the current available literature to determine the effect of WBV exercises on functional parameters of OI patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three reviewers independently accessed bibliographical databases. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and PEDro databases using keywords related to possible interventions (including WBV) used in the management of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. RESULTS: Three eligible studies were identified by searches in the analysed databases. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that WBV exercises could be an important option in the management of OI patients improving the mobility and functional parameters. However, further studies are necessary for establishing suitable protocols for these patients.