Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Quality of Life in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life (QoL) in college students. Methods: The participants comprised college students who led physically inactive lifestyles as revealed by their Medical Outcomes Study Form 36 (SF-36) scores, and with elevated scores of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) test. They were randomly allocated to two groups of 15 each: (a) the WBV group (male = 3, female = 12) and (b) the exercise group (male = 6, female = 9). The participants in the WBV group performed prescribed exercises while they stood on a vibrating platform whereas those in the exercise group performed the same exercises but without the vibrating platform. After four weeks of twice-a-week training, DASS and SF-36 were measured. The pre- and post-scores were compared between the groups. Results: Depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001) were found to reduce significantly for the WBV group compared to the exercise group. There was also significant within-group improvement in all the components of SF-36 (p < 0.040). Conclusions: Exercising on the WBV platform may reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in college students and improve their overall QoL.

Whole‐body vibration versus supervised aerobic exercise on hormonal parameters and inflammatory status in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

“…Regarding WBV, our results agreed with those of El‐Deeb et al, who found that WBV performed three times per week for 12 weeks was effective in improving PMS in adolescent females 1 . WBV stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which improves mood and behavior, reduces stress levels, and decreases anxiety 15 . In addition, vibration may reduce the perception of pain through stimulation of the afferent discharge of fast‐adapting mechanoreceptors and muscle spindles 15 …”

“…1 WBV stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which improves mood and behavior, reduces stress levels, and decreases anxiety. 15 In addition, vibration may reduce the perception of pain through stimulation of the afferent discharge of fast-adapting mechanoreceptors and muscle spindles. 15 Regarding aerobic exercise, there was a significant decrease in PMS symptoms in the aerobic group.…”

“…15 In addition, vibration may reduce the perception of pain through stimulation of the afferent discharge of fast-adapting mechanoreceptors and muscle spindles. 15 Regarding aerobic exercise, there was a significant decrease in PMS symptoms in the aerobic group. This result is in agreement with previous studies.…”

Intervention of Physical Activity for University Students with Anxiety and Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic Prevention and Control Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Regular exercise is also more conducive to maintaining public mental health [57]. Several pieces of research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that physical activity benefits university students' mental health [58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65]. However, it is undeniable that compared to the situation before the outbreak of COVID-19, university students' physical activity time has decreased significantly by about 48% to 61% [66,67].…”

“…The eight studies included in the research were distinctive in their publication. Two of them were published in Chinese [58,59], and six in English [60][61][62][63][64][65]. They covered research held in China [58,59], the United States [60], Saudi Arabia [62], India [63], Turkey [64], and Belgium [65].…”