The vibration training as sarcopenia intervention: Impact on the neuromuscular system of the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: aging is accompanied by a progressive reduction of muscle mass that contributes to the development of functional limitations, and where vibration training may be an option for optimal intervention in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of whole-body vibration in the neuromuscular system of the elderly. Methods: systematic review in Medline, CINAHL, WOS and PEDro data by combining the descriptors of Medical Subject Headings concerning vibration training, muscle strength, muscle mass and older adults. Results: a total of 214 studies were found on the vibration training in older people as either the only intervention or in combination with other exercises, of which 45 met the selection criteria. Of these, 30 items were eliminated by not more than 5 points according to the PEDro scale. They were included 15 clinical trials for final analysis. Conclusion: WBV training proves to be a safe, adequate and effective strength training method in the elderly population, but results are similar to conventional resistance exercise in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.