Relevance of Whole-Body Vibration Exercises on Muscle Strength/Power and Bone of Elderly Individuals

Abstract

Beneficial effects are associated with whole-body vibration exercises (WBVEs). Increases in muscular strength/power, flexibility, and gait speed; improvements in bone mineral density, balance, and the quality of life; and decreased pain and risk of falls are reported. The aim is to present a review about the importance of WBVE for elderly individuals, considering clinical studies and meta-analyses, on bone and muscle strength/power. There is evidence supporting beneficial effect of WBVE in postmenopausal women (PW); however, effects in PW with osteoporosis are unclear. Age-related decrease in muscle mass and function contribute to undesirable health conditions, including death risk. The WBVEs improve muscle strength/power, functional independence measure, balance, and various fall risk factors, and mobility, measured by Timed Up and Go test, increased significantly after WBVE. An explanation for the absence of positive effects in some outcomes could be related to discrepancies in WBVE protocols as well as the populations tested. It is concluded that WBVE is effective for counteracting the loss of muscle strength associated with sarcopenia in elderly individuals. Balance and leg and plantar flexor strength improvements due to WBV indicate benefit to reduce risk and incidence of falls, frailty, and fracture risks. However, long-term feasibility of WBVE for musculoskeletal and bone health in elderly individuals needs further investigation.

Effects of vibration therapy on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A favourable impact of whole-body VT [ 69 , 71 , 72 ] and local VT [ 38 , 73 ] on muscle strength was proposed by previous studies in healthy adults. This study found that it may also work in older adults with sarcopenia.…”

“…It has been shown that better muscle strength and physical performance are more vulnerable to the ageing process than muscle mass [ 83 ]. Therefore, VT that can improve muscle strength and physical performance is critical for older adults with sarcopenia, which is associated with better ability to perform daily life activities and mobility, improvement in quality of life and reduced healthcare costs [ 72 , 84 ].…”

Do Health-Related Quality of Life and Pain-Coping Strategies Explain the Relationship between Older Women Participants in a Pilates-Aerobic Program and Bodily Pain? A Multiple Mediation Model

“…In addition, Pilates exercise improves more synthesis of muscle proteins and, therefore, a greater muscle mass content; it also increases bone mineral density in the body composition [30]. It is important to highlight that the percentage of muscle mass is lower in the older population than in adults [31]. In fact, strength-resistance training allows an increase in muscle mass content.…”

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training Combined With Cyclic Hypoxia on Bone Mineral Density in Elderly People

“…This type of activity, which can be generated with different platforms (vertical, rotational or lateral modes) (McMillan et al, 2017) generates forces that are transferred to the weight-bearing bones of the skeleton as done by other exercise modalities (Cheung and Giangregorio, 2012). So, WBV exercises could have beneficial effects associated with bone formation and the neuromuscular and cognitive functions, reducing the risk of falls and fractures (Moreira-Marconi et al, 2016; Bemben et al, 2018). However, several authors reported conflicting results due to the variety of protocols used (Marin-Puyalto et al, 2018).…”