Effects of Two Intensities of Whole Body Vibration on Fall Related Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized bya group of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension,hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, low high-density cholesteroland increased abdominal fat. Over the years, changesin body composition occur, with accelerated loss of lean massand increased fat mass, favoring cardiometabolic disorders.A strong relationship exists between physical inactivity andthe presence of multiple risk factors for MetS. Thus, physicalexercise has been recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular,chronic and MetS diseases. Whole-body vibration(WBV) exercise can be considered to be an exercise modalitythat benefits the muscular strength and cardiovascular healthof elderly, sick and healthy people. Individuals with MetSare unmotivated to perform physical exercise regularly and,therefore, new approaches to intervention for this populationare desirable. Objectives: The aim of this study is to presenta protocol to verify the effect of WBV exercise on the bodycomposition of MetS individuals. Methods: Randomized controlledtrial with MetS individuals that will be allocated to anintervention group (WBVG) and a control group (CG). Participantswill be placed barefoot on the base of a side alternatingvibrating platform, with 130º knee flexion. Individuals (WBVGand CG) will perform the protocol for 12 weeks, twice a week.The CG subjects will perform the exercises at 5Hz throughoutthe intervention and those from the WBVG will perform the5Hz exercises in the first session, adding 1Hz per session, endingthe protocol at 16Hz. The body composition will be evaluatedbefore and after the protocol using bioelectrical impedanceanalysis. Discussion: Studies involving WBV exercise haveshown improvement in composition in individuals withdifferent conditions (healthy and unhealthy). Conclusion: Theproposed protocol will permit the acquisition of findings thatwill be relevant in the evaluation of the effect of the WBV onthe body composition of MetS individuals due to its ease ofrealization, low cost and safety.Keywords: Whole body vibration exercise; Metabolic syndrome;Physical activity.

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EFFECTS OF CONTROLLED WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS: A 6-WEEK PILOT STUDY

Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle ◽

10.14283/jarlife.2021.7 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

F. Saucedo ◽

E.A. Chavez ◽

H.R. Vanderhoof ◽

J.D. Eggleston

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Fall Risk Factors ◽

Vibration Training ◽

Whole Body Vibration Training

Background: Falling is the second leading cause of injury-related death worldwide and is a leading cause of injury among older adults. Whole-body vibration has been used to improve fall risk factors in older adults. No study has assessed if vibration benefits can be retained over time. Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine if six-weeks of whole-body vibration could improve fall risk factors and to assess if benefits associated with the training program could be sustained two months following the final training session. Design and Setting: Repeated measures randomized controlled design. Participants: Twenty-four independent living older adults were recruited and were randomly assigned to the WBV or control group. Intervention: Participants performed three sessions of whole-body vibration training per week with a vibration frequency of 20Hz or with only an audio recording of the vibration noise. An assessment of fall risk factors was performed prior to, immediately following, and two-months after the completion of the training program. Main Outcome Measures: Fall risk factors including functional capacity, mobility, strength, and walking speed were assessed pre-training, post-training, and two-months post-training. Results: Seventeen participants completed the study. No improvements (p<0.05) between groups were found in the measures of physical performance. Conclusions: Findings revealed that six weeks of whole-body vibration is not effective in improving fall risk factors or producing benefits post-training.

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