A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended.

Effects of rehabilitative exercise on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Clinical trials review

“…Twenty-nine articles were evaluated (figure 1). (12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,24,30,31,32,34,36,37,39) In contrast, Sauch-Valmaña et al (21) , Merriwether et al (22) and Haugmark et al (23) found no significant differences in outcomes after physical activity programs and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. The Ernberg et al (25) study found no significant anti-inflammatory effects on fibromyalgia symptoms or clinical and functional variables after progressive resistance exercise or relaxation therapy.…”

“…Flowchart for the review of the state of the art according to PRISMA methodology Several studies demonstrated significant improvements in the conditions of fibromyalgia patients through various physical treatment methods. These treatments included low-intensity exercise, stretching and resistance, core strengthening, Tai Chi, aquatic training, heavy weight exercise, Swiss ball exercise, telerehabilitation with aerobic exercise, physical activity programs, integrated physical training and cognitive-behavioral therapy, aquatic physical training, aerobic exercise, and vibration platform training (12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,24,30,31,32,34,36,37,39). In contrast, Sauch-Valmaña et al(21) , Merriwether et al(22) and Haugmark et al(23) found no significant differences in outcomes after physical activity programs and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.…”

Whole-Body Vibration to Enhance Skeletal Muscle Performance and Flexibility in Healthy Adults: A Narrative Review

“…Either a vibrating hand-grip device (Hand Arm Vibration) or a vibrating platform on which the subject is required to sit or stand (Whole-Body Vibration) can be used to undertake vibration training. The two prima-ry categories of vibrating platforms are platforms that vibrate in a vertical direction (vertical platform) and platforms that vibrate by rotating in a horizontal direction (oscillating platform) (20,21). There are primarily two ways to apply vibration to the targeted muscles: directly or indirectly.…”