Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Lower Body Strength and Balance in Osteoarthritis Knee

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis causes pain, functional limitation, and disability in the elderly. Whole-body vibration has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It is currently used in alleviating pain and improve physical function along with strength and balance. Methods: 34 individuals aged between 50-70 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and randomized into two groups. Baseline assessment was done using the VAS scale, WOMAC scale, Berg Balance Scale, and 30seconds chair stand test. Group A received whole-body vibration, and knee strengthening exercises, and group B received only strengthening exercises. The treatment was given thrice in a week for four weeks. The assessment was done by the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks. Results: Whole body vibration had shown greater improvement of VAS on rest (p<0.05) compared to VAS on activity. Also, the WOMAC score was statistically improved between and within the group with p<0.05. Conclusion:Whole body vibration, along with strengthening exercises, showed superior effects in reducing pain, stiffness, physical function, balance, and lower limb strength in osteoarthritis knee patients.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Sample size ranged from 15 to 99 participants. The studies were conducted in 7 countries, including Brazil ( 16 , 19 – 22 ), India ( 23 ), China ( 14 , 15 , 24 , 25 ), Korea ( 26 ), Japan ( 27 ), Denmark ( 28 ), and Iran ( 29 ). In order to assess for knee OA, 8 studies used the American College of Rheumatology guidelines ( 14 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 ), 2 studies used Kellgren and Lawrence classification ( 27 , 29 ), 3 studies used Lequesne index ( 15 , 23 , 25 ), and 1 study used Ahlbäck classification ( 21 ).…”

“…Twelve studies used vertical vibration ( 15 , 16 , 19 – 23 , 25 – 29 ), and 2 studies used multi-directional vibration ( 14 , 24 ). The frequency of vibration varied from 5 to 40 Hz, with 6 studies using high frequency, at 30–40 Hz ( 14 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 27 ), and 8 studies using low frequency, at 5–30 Hz ( 15 , 21 – 23 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 29 ).…”

“…Twelve studies used vertical vibration ( 15 , 16 , 19 – 23 , 25 – 29 ), and 2 studies used multi-directional vibration ( 14 , 24 ). The frequency of vibration varied from 5 to 40 Hz, with 6 studies using high frequency, at 30–40 Hz ( 14 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 27 ), and 8 studies using low frequency, at 5–30 Hz ( 15 , 21 – 23 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 29 ). Ten studies reported the amplitude of vibration, with 4-mm amplitude in 3 studies ( 16 , 19 , 20 ), 4–6-mm in 2 studies ( 14 , 24 ), 2-mm in 3 studies ( 15 , 25 , 29 ), 2.5–5-mm in 1 study ( 26 ), and 2.5-mm in 1 study ( 27 ).…”

“…Two studies documented peak-to-peak displacement instead of amplitude ( 21 , 22 ). Two studies did not report amplitude or displacement ( 23 , 28 ). The frequency of vibration therapy ranged from 2 to 5 times per week, except for 1 study, which lasted for only 11 min ( 22 ).…”

“…Regarding duration of treatment, there were 2 studies with vibration treatment longer than 12 weeks (at 24 weeks ( 14 ) and 16 weeks ( 24 )). There were 3 studies of 12 weeks’ duration ( 16 , 19 , 20 ), and other studies were of 8 weeks ( 15 , 25 – 29 ), 5 weeks ( 21 ), and 4 weeks ( 23 ) duration. The exposure time to vibration ranged from 6 to 75 min per week.…”