Does Acute Whole-Body Vibration Training Improve the Physical Performance of People with Knee Osteoarthritis?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a single session of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on the physical performance of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in 3 tests designed to simulate activities of daily living (ADLs). Fifteen individuals with symptomatic knee OA completed the Timed-Up-and-Go Test, step test, 20-m walk test, and visual analog scale (VAS) recordings of knee pain intensity. A main effect was detected for time to complete the step test (F[2,28] = 6.243, p = 0.006, (Equation is included in full-text article.)). Post hoc analyses revealed that the time to complete the step test at 5 minutes after WBVT improved significantly (p = 0.042) from that of the pretest. A moderate correlation (r = 0.465, p = 0.001) was found between the VAS scores and the time to complete the step test across all trials. A main effect was found for time to complete the walk test (F[2,28] = 4.370, p = 0.022, (Equation is included in full-text article.)). Post hoc analyses did not indicate significant improvements from pretest seen at 5 minutes after WBVT (p = 0.110) and 1 hour after WBVT (p = 0.224). The WBVT was well tolerated in nearly all the participants, and we observed that an acute bout of WBVT was effective in improving the ability of individuals with knee OA to perform a step test and 20-m walk test. Our findings suggest that WBVT may be an effective nonpharmacologic modality to treat some knee OA symptoms and improve ADLs.

Effect of the Combined Intervention with Passive Whole-Body Vibration and Auriculotherapy on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis Assessed by the WHOQOL-Bref: A Multi-Arm Clinical Trial

“…As reported, several limitations are common complaints that interfere with activities of daily living and recreation in people with KOA [8]. We can find in the literature improvements in physical function [25], pain levels and functionality [27] after WBVE; by contrast, in the current study, the physical domain remained stable after this intervention. One possible explanation to these discrepancies is related to differences in the intervention variables.…”

“…Parameters must be considered in the WBVE protocols [20][21][22][23][24] (e.g., frequency, peak-to-peak displacement-D, acceleration peak-a Peak , position, work and rest time and number of bout and sessions). Studies reported improvements in various clinical manifestations related to KOA after WBVE [23,25,26], including the decrease of pain levels, improvements of muscle strength and flexibility, and reduction of number of falls [27][28][29][30][31][32].…”

Whole Body and Local Muscle Vibration Reduce Artificially Induced Quadriceps Arthrogenic Inhibition

“…Though limited evidence is currently available regarding the effects of vibratory stimuli in individuals with knee pathologies, several positive outcomes have been reported, including decreases in pain and inflammation and improved self-reported function, strength, balance, and proprioception. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] Our findings indicate that WBV and LMV may also reduce quadriceps AMI, potentially supporting a paradigm shift in the treatment of knee pathologies by suggesting that AMI should be minimized before attempting to strengthen the quadriceps. These findings imply that WBV and LMV may be useful adjuncts to current techniques for rehabilitation of knee pathologies which incur quadriceps AMI.…”

Whole-body vibration of mice induces articular cartilage degeneration with minimal changes in subchondral bone

“…Clinical trials have recently evaluated the therapeutic effect of WBV on joint pain and functional performance in patients with chronic knee OA 17 . A number of studies report beneficial effects including reduced pain intensity, increased muscle strength, and reductions in the plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers in OA patients following WBV training 18,19 .…”