PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral density (BMD) and functional capacity in children with beta-thalassemia major. METHODS: Thirty-nine children (23 boys and 16 girls) with beta-thalassemia major, with ages ranging from 6 to 10 years, participated in a randomized controlled trial. They were selected and randomly divided, using computer-generated random numbers into two groups. The control group (n = 20) received the medical treatment and the physical therapy program whereas the study group (n = 19) received the same program as the control group in addition to WBV training (25 to 30 Hz, 2 mm amplitude, 10 repetitions (30 to 60 s) with 1 min rest, 15 to 20 min/day, 3 days/week/24 weeks). Bone mineral density and functional capacity were assessed before and after 24 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase in BMD and functional capacity after treatment compared with that before treatment (p < 0.05). However, children in the study group demonstrated a significant increase in the functional capacity and the BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total body compared with that of the control group (p > 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Whole body vibration may be an effective modality in improving BMD and functional capacity in children with beta-thalassemia major.

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