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Short-term effects of whole-body vibration on functional mobility and flexibility in healthy, older adults: a randomized crossover study
Tsuji T, Kitano N, Tsunoda K, Himori E, Okura T, Tanaka K
Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy 2014 Apr-Jun;37(2):58-64
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training is a relatively new approach for enhancing muscle strength, physical performance, and flexibility. The aim of this study was to examine whether short-term WBV training by using the triple-plane vertical vibration device (ie, acceleration training (AT)) improves functional mobility and flexibility in healthy, older adults. METHODS: Eighteen healthy, older adults (9 men and 9 women; mean age 69.1 years; standard deviation, 2.5 years) participated in this randomized, crossover study. Two static stretching positions, half-squatting and hamstrings stretching, were performed with (AT) and without (control (con)) vibration stimulus (frequency, 40 Hz; amplitude, 2 to 4 mm). The intervention consisted of stretching for 30 seconds per set x 3 sets per position, alternating between the 2 stretching positions. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was measured to determine functional mobility, which is closely linked to lower extremity muscle function. Sit-and-Reach and Functional Reach tests were performed to evaluate flexibility. RESULTS: Only the TUG test demonstrated a significant time x intervention interaction: TUG test results improved significantly immediately and 30 minutes after the AT but not after the con intervention. We found significant main effects of time on the Sit-and-Reach and Functional Reach results. Furthermore, the improvement rates after the AT intervention were greater than the improvement rates after the con intervention at the immediate and 30-minute posttests. CONCLUSION: Short-term WBV training by using the triple-plane vertical vibration device elicited a significantly larger improvement in functional mobility than training without WBV. The effect on flexibility was similar with and without vibration stimulus, but there was a greater tendency to improve with WBV training in healthy, older adults. In addition, these short-term effects were maintained for about 30 minutes.

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