Effect of whole body vibration training on physical performance among institutionalized older people: A 10-WK pilot blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective(s): The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) training on physical performance among institutionalized older adults with low physical function. Material & Methods: A pilot (double)-blinded RCT was conducted among nursing home residents (mean age 84 yrs). Screened participants (n015) were randomised into WBV group (n08) and sham group (n07). The intervention comprised a 10-week twice a week individually supervised, progressive WBV training on a side-alternating device with simultaneous body transferring and slight squatting exercises. Both low(12 Hz) and high (26Hz) frequencieswere to be used. The sham group did the same exercises on the WBV device, but without vibration. Physical performance was assessed by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 4-m walk time (fast), TUG- and grip strength tests at baseline and at 10-week. The between-group differences were analysed with ANCOVA using age and baseline values as covariates. Results: Regarding the feasibility, about 70% of potentially eligible residents (i.e., were ambulatory and had adequate physical and cognitive function) were excluded due to contraindications to WBV training. The main reasons were hip or knee prosthesis, clinically unstable cardiac or other systemic disease, untreated hernia or high risk of thrombosis. Further, while the 12 Hz WBV training was well accepted, the 26 Hz frequency was found intolerable. Thus, the 26 Hz frequency was replaced by lower 18 Hz, which neither was tolerated quite well. Among the 15 participants who completed the study the mean SPPB baseline points were 3.7 in the WBV group and 3.3 in the sham group. After the intervention, the mean points were 4.1 and 3.2, respectively. However, no statistically significant training effects were seen at 10-week, but a trend (p00.15) for faster walking in WBV group was observed. Also, chair rising performance suggested some improvement. Conclusion(s): The wide use of WBV training among old nursing home residents with low physical function remains fairly limited due to many prevalent contraindications. Also, the high frequency may be too demanding for some of these people. However, among those without contraindications the WBV training may be beneficial for physical performance.