Does Whole-Body Vibration Training Have a Concurrent Effect on Bone and Muscle Health? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis


Author: Christel Harijanto1,2, Anthony Lim1,2, Sara Vogrin1,3, Gustavo Duque1,2,3

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Geroscience & Osteosarcopenia Research Program, The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.

<sup>2</sup> Melbourne Medical School, Western Precinct, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.

<sup>3</sup> Department of Medicine-Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.
Conference/Journal: Gerontology
Date published: 2021 Nov 15
Other:
  Special Notes: doi: 10.1159/000519511.   ,  Word Count: 284  
    Background:

Aging results in musculoskeletal disorders, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide. While conventional nonpharmacological treatments have included interventions such as resistance exercise, there are subgroups of people who may be at risk of exercise-related injuries, for example, falls. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an intervention that helps improve musculoskeletal function and is viable for those with limited mobility.



Objectives:

Whether WBV has a dual effect on bone and muscle conditions remains unknown. We aim to assess the evidence of the effects of WBV on bone and muscle parameters concurrently in older people.



Methods:

Under Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. The main outcomes were changes in bone and muscle parameters.



Results:

Our meta-analysis showed that WBV does not have significant synergistic effects on measured bone (bone mineral density [BMD] in the hip and lumbar spine) and muscle (lean muscle mass and sit-to-stand time) outcomes, compared to controls (i.e., no WBV included).



Conclusion:

While there were no significant results, the included studies are limited by small sample size and variable intervention protocols and follow-up periods. Further trials should endeavor to measure both bone and muscle outcomes concurrently with a longer follow-up time. Osteoporosis status in participants must also be considered as it is not yet possible to exclude that WBV may have a significant effect on BMD in people with known osteoporosis. WBV does not appear to simultaneously influence bone and muscle health in older people, and future research is required to establish a regimen that may lead to measurable clinical efficacy.



Keywords: Bone; Exercise; Muscle; Osteosarcopenia; Whole-body vibration.



PMID: 34781288 DOI: 10.1159/000519511