OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of squat exercises combined with whole-body vibration on the plasma concentration of inflammatory markers and the functional performance of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Clinical, prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. SETTING: Exercise physiology laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly subjects with knee OA (n = 32) were divided into 3 groups: (1) squat exercises on a vibratory platform (platform group, n = 11); (2) squat exercises without vibration (squat group, n = 10); and (3) the control group (n = 11). INTERVENTIONS: The structured program of squat exercises in the platform and squat groups was conducted 3 times per week, on alternate days, for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) were measured using immunoassays (the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported physical function, pain, and stiffness. The 6-minute walk test, the Berg Balance Scale, and gait speed were used to evaluate physical function. RESULTS: In the platform group, there were significant reductions in the plasma concentrations of the inflammatory markers sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and self-reported pain (p < 0.05) compared with the control group, and there was an increase in balance (p < 0.05) and speed and distance walked (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the platform group walked faster than the squat group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that whole-body vibration training improves self-perception of pain, balance, gait quality, and inflammatory markers in elderly subjects with knee OA.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher