Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Clinical and Functional Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and determine the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Thirty-two women with FMS were randomized into an intervention group (IG), receiving 6 weeks of WBVT, or a control group (CG) with no intervention. The outcomes at the baseline and follow-up in both groups included blood BDNF levels, sit-to-stand test (STS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). WBVT resulted in a group-by-time interaction effect. Thus, after the intervention time, the IG had increased blood BDNF levels ( p = 0.045 ), a higher number of repetitions on the STS test ( p = 0.011 ), and increased walking distance on the 6MWT ( p = 0.010 ), compared to CG. Moreover, there was a reduction in the scores of the FIQ ( p = 0.001 ), the PSQI ( p = 0.001 ), the BDI ( p = 0.017 ), and pain assessed using VAS ( p = 0.008 ) in IG. The results demonstrate that WBVT promotes an increase in blood BDNF levels, with concomitant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in women with FMS. This trial is registered with Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC; RBR-38nbbx) (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-38nbbx).

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

“…A previous study suggested a possible link between improved subjective sleep outcomes and reduced depression and restoration of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in FMS patients after WBV intervention. 56 Although the study design and analysis do not allow us to make causal inferences about the relationship between BDNF and the outcome variables.…”

“…A previous study suggested a possible link between improved subjective sleep outcomes and reduced depression and restoration of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in FMS patients after WBV intervention. 56 Although the study design and analysis do not allow us to make causal inferences about the relationship between BDNF and the outcome variables. SME, including dancing and exergames, requires the integration of sensory information from multiple channels (auditory, vestibular, visual, somatosensory), which is conducive to enhancing human stability, coordination and balance.…”

Whole Body Vibration: A Valid Alternative Strategy to Exercise?

“…In this regard, Simão et al proposed that the combination of vibratory training with squat exercises improves lower limb muscle performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis, probably through an increase in plasma BDNF levels, suggesting a role in the modulation of neuromuscular plasticity [ 78 ]. Similarly, Ribeiro and colleagues demonstrated that exposure to WBV for 6 weeks promotes an increase in plasma BDNF levels in association with an improvement in lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome [ 79 ]. Interestingly, under pathological conditions in rodent models of cerebral ischemia or stroke, WBV has been observed to stimulate the expression of several mediators involved in neurogenesis, including BDNF, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and doublecortin (DCX) [ 80 ].…”

Avanços na abordagem terapêutica da fibromialgia: uma revisão integrativa

“…Este estudo demonstrou que a WBV promoveu uma manutenção dos níveis sanguíneos de BDNF que são associados a uma melhora da qualidade do sono e dos sintomas de depressão. Além disso, a VCI promoveu redução da intensidade da dor e uma melhora na força muscular dos membros inferiores, da capacidade aeróbica e da qualidade de vida das mulheres com fibromialgia que participaram do grupo controle (Ribeiro et al, 2021).…”