Author: Shanb AAE1, Youssef EF1, Muaidi QI2, Alothman AA3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Dammam, Alkhobar, Dammam City, KSA.
<sup>2</sup>Chairman of Physical Therapy Department, University of Dammam, Alkhobar, Dammam City, KSA.
<sup>3</sup>King Fahd Teaching Hospital, University of Dammam, Alkhobar, Dammam City, KSA.
Conference/Journal: J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil.
Date published: 2017 Apr 14
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.3233/BMR-160607. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 287
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, which develops gradually and progresses without significant signs and symptoms, is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions associated with aging.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) or magnetic therapy in addition to standard pharmacological treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly individuals being treated for osteoporosis.
METHODS: Eighty-five participants, 60-75 years of age, were randomly divided into three groups. All three groups received the same standard pharmacological treatment comprised of vitamin D, calcium, and alendronate sodium. In Group I, thirty participants were also exposed to WBV in 25 minute sessions with two sessions per week for 4 months. In Group II, thirty participants were exposed to magnetic therapy in 50 minute sessions with two sessions per week for 4 months. In Group III, twenty-five participants received only pharmacological treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral heads before and after interventions. Venus blood sample was drawn for analysis of calcium and vitamin D.
RESULTS: An ANOVA test detected significant (p < 0.05) differences in BMD after treatment among the three groups with no significant difference detected between patients receiving WBV and magnetic therapy. Statistical t-tests detected significant (p < 0.05) increases in BMD after application of WBV or magnetic therapy in combination with pharmacological treatment, but no significant increase after pharmacological treatment alone.
CONCLUSIONS: Addition of either WBV or magnetic therapy to standard pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis significantly increased BMD in elderly subjects. No significant difference in effectiveness was detected between these two alternative therapy modalities. Consequently, either WBV or magnetic therapy could be effectively applied in conjunction with pharmacological treatment to increase BMD in elderly osteoporotic patients.
KEYWORDS: Vibration; elderly individuals; magnetic therapy; osteoporosis
PMID: 28453453 DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160607