Effects of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation in the rat osteopenia model

Abstract

SummaryIn this study, short-term, whole-body vertical vibration at 90 Hz improved trabecular bone quality. There was an improvement of bone quality and density in both osteoporotic and control rats. This treatment may therefore be an attractive option for the treatment of osteoporosis.IntroductionAside from pharmacological treatment options, physical exercise is known to augment bone mass. In this study, the effects of whole-body vertical vibration (WBVV) on bone quality and density were evaluated using an osteoporotic rat model.MethodsSixty female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized (C) or sham (SHAM) operated at the age of 3 months. After 3 months, both groups were divided into two subgroups that received either WBVV at 90 Hz for 35 days or no treatment. After sacrificing the rats, we evaluated vertebral bone strength, histomorphometric parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD).ResultsTreatment with WBVV resulted in improved biomechanical properties. The yield load after WBVV was significantly enhanced. According to yield load and Young’s modulus, the treated OVX rats reached the level of the untreated SHAM animals. In all measured histomorphometric parameters, WBVV significantly improved bone density. Treatment with WBVV demonstrated greater effects on the trabecular bone compared to the cortical bone. The ash-BMD index showed significant differences between treated and untreated rats.ConclusionUsing WBVV as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option for osteoporosis demonstrated an enhancement of bone strength and bone mass. This procedure may be an attractive option for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density and falls: results of the randomized controlled ELVIS study with postmenopausal women

“…In contrast to this "the bigger-the better" premise, recent animal studies suggested that mechanical signals of extremely low magnitude were highly osteogenic, when applied at high frequencies [29]. In several animal studies WBV showed large effects on bone parameters [7,8,[30][31][32].…”

Whole-body vibration can attenuate the deterioration of bone mass and trabecular bone microstructure in rats with spinal cord injury

“…[17][18][19] In SCI patients, a combination of standing and WBV increased BMD in the trunk and spine, 20 whereas low-magnitude WBV improved the deterioration of neither the BMD in the distal femur nor the microstructure in the proximal tibia. 21 On the other hand, WBV improved the biomechanical properties of bones, histomorphometric parameters of the trabecular area and BMC in ovariectomized rats 22,23 and also microarchitecture and macro-biomechanical parameters in the rats suspended from their tails. 24 In addition, WBV preserved both BMD in cancellous bone and trabecular structure.…”

Physical Exercise for Prevention of Falls and Fractures

“…It has become increasingly popular over the last several year as a form of physical training (Merriman & Jackson, 2009), since it is a non-pharmacological treatment alternative for osteoporosis (Cardinale & Wakeling, 2005). The platform can increase bone strength and bone mass (Sehmisch et al, 2009) since the vibration provides a low level of mechanical load stimulating, therefore the bone remodeling (Hannan et al, 2004). This can be explained by the combined effect on the neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems (Cardinale & Wakeling, 2005).…”