Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercises on Muscle Responses and on Risk of Falls in Elderly Individuals: A Systematic Review


Author: Alexandre Gonçalves De Meirelles1,2, Eloá Moreira-Marconi2,3, Ygor Teixeira-Silva2,4, Aline Cristina Gomes Santos2,3, Vanessa Da Silva Caiado2,3, Luelia Teles Jaques-Albuquerque2, Ana Carolina Coelho-Oliveira2,3, Marcia Cristina Moura-Fernandes2,4, Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos2,4,5, Thaís Porto Amadeu6, Anelise Sonza7, Liszt Palmeira De Oliveira4,8, Adérito Seixas9, Mario Bernardo-Filho2, Danúbia Da Cunha De Sá-Caputo2,3,4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Master Program in Health, Laboratory Medicine and Forensic Technology, Department of Biophysics and Biometry, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>2</sup> Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices-LAVIMPI, Department of Biophysics and Biometry, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>3</sup> Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>4</sup> Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>5</sup> Department of Physiotherapy, Multidisciplinary Institute of Rehabilitation and Health, Federal University of Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

<sup>6</sup> Immunopathology Laboratory, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>7</sup> Physiotherapy Department, Human Movement Sciences Graduate Program and Physiotherapy Graduate Program, Health and Sports Sciences Center, Santa Catarina State University - UDESC, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

<sup>8</sup> Department of Surgical Specialties, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<sup>9</sup> Higher School of Health Fernando Pessoa, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
Conference/Journal: Iran J Public Health
Date published: 2024 Jun 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 53   ,  Issue ID: 6   ,  Pages: 1213-1223   ,  Word Count: 204  
    Background:

This systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises on muscles responses and on risk of falls in elderly individuals.



Methods:

Searches were conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus databases in Feb 2023 to identify studies with the potential to be included according to the eligibility criteria. Relevant data from included studies were extracted. The methodological quality was evaluated for each study included by PEDro scale, risk of bias (Cochrane Collaboration's tool), and the level of evidence by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).



Results:

Six randomized clinical trial (RCT) were included. In respect of the level of evidence, all studies were classified as Level II (NHMRC) and regarding to the methodological quality (PEDro scale), four studies were considered 'high' and two were 'fair'. Two publications presented low risk of bias, three with high risk of bias and one unclear. All the selected studies reported positive effects and improvements on risk of falls and muscle response after WBV exercise.



Conclusion:

WBV exercise may contribute to reduce the risk of falls and improve muscle responses in the elderly individuals.



Keywords: Elderly; Physical exercise; Risk of falls; Vibration therapy.



PMID: 39430151 PMCID: PMC11488547