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Effects of whole-body vibration on balance and mobility in institutionalized older adults: a randomized controlled trial [with consumer summary]
Lam FMH, Chan PFL, Liao LR, Woo J, Hui E, Lai CWK, Kwok TCY, Pang MYC
Clinical Rehabilitation 2018 Apr;32(4):462-472
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a comprehensive exercise program was effective in improving physical function among institutionalized older adults and whether adding whole-body vibration to the program conferred additional therapeutic benefits. DESIGN: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. SETTING: This study was carried out in residential care units. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 73 older adults (40 women, mean age 82.3 +/- 7.3 years) were enrolled into this study. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: strength and balance program combined with whole-body vibration, strength and balance program without whole-body vibration, and social and recreational activities consisting of upper limb exercises only. All participants completed three training sessions per week for eight weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of mobility, balance, lower limb strength, walking endurance, and self-perceived balance confidence were conducted at baseline and immediately after the eight-week intervention. Incidences of falls requiring medical attention were recorded for one year after the end of the training period. RESULTS: A significant time x group interaction was found for lower limb strength (five-times-sit-to-stand test; p = 0.048), with the exercise-only group showing improvement (pretest 35.8 +/- 16.1 seconds; posttest 29.0 +/- 9.8 seconds), compared with a decline in strength among controls (pretest 27.1 +/- 10.4 seconds; posttest 28.7 +/- 12.3 seconds; p = 0.030). The exercise with whole-body vibration group had a significantly better outcome in balance confidence (pretest 39.2 +/- 29.0; posttest 48.4 +/- 30.6) than the exercise-only group (pretest 35.9 +/- 24.8; posttest 38.2 +/- 26.5; p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The exercise program was effective in improving lower limb strength among institutionalized older adults but adding whole-body vibration did not enhance its effect. Whole-body vibration may improve balance confidence without enhancing actual balance performance.

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