Whole‐body vibration training as a workplace‐based sports activity for employees with chronic low‐back pain

Abstract

The goal of this randomized and controlled study was to examine whether whole-body vibration (WBV) training is able to reduce back pain and physical disability in seated working office employees with chronic low-back pain in a real-world setting. A total of 41 subjects (68.3% female/mean age 45.5±9.1 years/mean BMI 26.6±5.2) were randomly allocated to an intervention group (INT [n=21]) or a control group (CON [n=20]). The INT participated in WBV training 2.5 times per week for 3 months. The primary outcome was the change in the Roland and Morris disability questionnaire (RMQ) score over the study period. In addition, secondary outcomes included changes in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Work Ability Index Questionnaire, the quality of life questionnaire SF-36, the Freiburger activity questionnaire, and an isokinetic test of the musculature of the trunk. Compliance with the intervention in the INT reached a mean of 81.1%±31.2% with no long-lasting unwanted side effects. We found significant positive effects of 3 months of WBV training in the INT compared to the CON regarding the RMQ (P=.027), the ODI (P=.002), the SF-36 (P=.013), the Freiburger activity questionnaire (P=.022), the post-interventional sick-leave in the INT (P=.008), and trends regarding a positive effect of the intervention on the muscular capacity of the muscles of the trunk in flexion. WBV training seems to be an effective, safe, and suitable intervention for seated working employees with chronic low-back pain.

Efficacy of whole body vibration therapy on pain and functional ability in people with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review

“…These studies were therefore added to the list of eligible studies. Of the 7 included studies [24][25][26][27][28][29][30], 4 investigated the effect of whole body vibration training combined with lumbar stability exercise in comparison with exercise alone, and the rest assessed the efficacy of WBV therapy in people with LBP as compared to no treatment. Figure 1 depicts the process of study selection.…”

Stochastic Resonance Training Improves Balance and Musculoskeletal Well-Being in Office Workers: A Controlled Preventive Intervention Study

“…So far, promising effects were shown in metal-manufacturing workers [ 23 ], health-care professionals, and nurses [ 21 , 35 ]. To our knowledge there is only one study focusing on the effects of SR-WBV on balance in office workers [ 18 , 22 ] that found an improvement of balance after four weeks of SR-WBV. As that result, due to restrictions of spatial arrangements, was not compared with a control group, studies were needed that pay particular attention to the effects of SR-WBV on balance compared to a control group.…”

“…As that result, due to restrictions of spatial arrangements, was not compared with a control group, studies were needed that pay particular attention to the effects of SR-WBV on balance compared to a control group. Kaeding et al [ 22 ] implemented a 3-month sinusoidal WBV intervention in office workers comparing training and control group but found no improvement of balance. As we found an improvement of balance after a shorter intervention of 4 weeks SR-WBV, which was not found after 3 months of sinusoidal WBV, it might underline the special nature of stochastic vibration that acts as an exercise for the sensorimotor system [ 25 ].…”

“…Participants were only supervised once in a while and were advised when they had questions concerning the SR-WBV exercises. To date, only Kaeding et al [ 22 ] chose an unsupervised intervention with WBV and reached a high compliance of 81.1%. Overall, participants completed a minimum of two and a maximum of five trainings every week (3.87±0.45 trainings per week).…”

“…It has been shown that SR-WBV increases surefootedness and balance in health-care professionals [ 21 ] and white-collar employees [ 18 ]. Kaeding et al [ 22 ] concentrated on the effects of sinusoidal WBV on balance comparing training and control group in office workers but did not find any improvement. In our study, we expect surefootedness and sense of balance to increase in those who are doing the SR-WBV program (H1).…”