Acute effects of a whole body vibration session on the vibration perception threshold in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that affects millions of people, and according to the International Diabetes Federation, 46.5% of people have undiagnosed diabetes. One of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus is loss of peripheral sensation. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a therapy, and it would be interesting to know if it can be considered as a training method to improve the Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT). The aim of the study is to verify whether there are really acute effects on the VPT after a WBV training session in people with T2DM. Methods: Ninety people with T2DM (56 men and 34 women) were randomly allocated to two groups: the WBV group and the placebo group. The ninety subjects went through a VPT training test before receiving the assigned intervention, and they performed the VPT test using the Vibratron II device. Results: After one session of WBV, an increase of the VPT in the WBV group was found, with respect to the placebo group. Conclusions: Vibration perception threshold is increased after a WBV training session in people with T2DM, compared to a placebo group.