Effects of whole-body vibration on balance and mobility in institutionalized older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Clin Rehabil. 2018 Apr;32(4):462-472. doi: 10.1177/0269215517733525. Epub 2017 Oct 11.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether a comprehensive exercise program was effective in improving physical function among institutionalized older adults and whether adding whole-body vibration to the program conferred additional therapeutic benefits.

Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Setting: This study was carried out in residential care units.

Participants: In total, 73 older adults (40 women, mean age: 82.3 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled into this study.

Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: strength and balance program combined with whole-body vibration, strength and balance program without whole-body vibration, and social and recreational activities consisting of upper limb exercises only. All participants completed three training sessions per week for eight weeks.

Outcome measures: Assessment of mobility, balance, lower limb strength, walking endurance, and self-perceived balance confidence were conducted at baseline and immediately after the eight-week intervention. Incidences of falls requiring medical attention were recorded for one year after the end of the training period.

Results: A significant time × group interaction was found for lower limb strength (five-times-sit-to-stand test; P = 0.048), with the exercise-only group showing improvement (pretest: 35.8 ± 16.1 seconds; posttest: 29.0 ± 9.8 seconds), compared with a decline in strength among controls (pretest: 27.1 ± 10.4 seconds; posttest: 28.7 ± 12.3 seconds; P = 0.030). The exercise with whole-body vibration group had a significantly better outcome in balance confidence (pretest: 39.2 ± 29.0; posttest: 48.4 ± 30.6) than the exercise-only group (pretest: 35.9 ± 24.8; posttest: 38.2 ± 26.5; P = 0.033).

Conclusion: The exercise program was effective in improving lower limb strength among institutionalized older adults but adding whole-body vibration did not enhance its effect. Whole-body vibration may improve balance confidence without enhancing actual balance performance.

Keywords: Exercise; aging; balance; mobility; whole-body vibration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Residential Facilities
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vibration / therapeutic use*