BACKGROUND:Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity after chemotherapy, immunomodulatory drugs or proteasome inhibitors, which is difficult to treat and may also have impact on quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate whole-body vibration (WBV) on the background of an integrated program (IP) including massage, passive mobilization and physical exercises on CIPN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:In an exploratory phase-2 study patients with CIPN (NCI CTC grade 2/3) were randomized for WBV plus IP (experimental) to IP alone (standard). 15 training sessions within 15 weeks were intended. As primary endpoint we used chair-rising test (CRT) to assess physical fitness and coordination. In addition, locomotor and neurological tests and self-assessment tools were performed.

RESULTS:A total 131 patients with CIPN were randomized (standard, n = 65; experimental, n = 66). The median age was 60 (range 24-71) years; 44 patients had haematological neoplasms and 87 solid tumors. At baseline, all patients presented with an abnormal CRT. Fifteen (standard) and 22 (experimental) patients left the program due to progression/relapse or concomitant disease. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normal CRT (<10 s) at follow up between experimental (68%) and standard (56%) (p = 0.20). All patients experienced less symptoms and pain (p < 0.001) and had improved CRT (p < 0.001) over time. WBV was significantly associated with a higher reduction of time needed for CRT (p = 0.02) and significantly improved warm-detection-threshold comparing baseline to follow-up assessment (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION:Whole-body vibration on the background of an IP may improve physical fitness and coordination in patients suffering from CIPN. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at http://www.iscrtn.com (ISRCTN 51361937) and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02846844).

Several studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have shown that whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has beneficial effects on exercise capacity. However, the acute cardiopulmonary demand during WBVT remains unknown and was therefore investigated in this study. Ten patients with severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 38±8% predicted) were examined on two consecutive days. On day one, symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed on a cycle ergometer. The next day, six bouts of repeated squat exercises were performed in random order for one, two or three minutes either with or without WBVTwhile metabolic demands were simultaneously measured. Squat exercises with or without WBVT induced comparable ventilatory efficiency (minute ventilation (VE)/carbon dioxide production (V'CO2 ): 38.0±4.4 with WBVT versus 37.4±4.1 without, p=0.236). Oxygen uptake after 3 min of squat exercises increased from 339±40 mL·min(-1) to 1060±160 mL·min(-1) with WBVT and 988±124 mL min(-1) without WBV (p=0.093). However, there were no significant differences between squat exercises with and without WBVT in oxygen saturation (90±4% versus 90±4%, p=0.068), heart rate (109±13 bpm versus110±15 bpm, p=0.513) or dyspnoea (Borg scale 5±2 versus 5±2, p=0.279). Combining squat exercises with WBVT induced a similar cardiopulmonary response in patients with severe COPD compared to squat exercises without WBVT. Bearing in mind the small sample size, WBVT might be a feasible and safeexercise modality even in patients with severe COPD.

Objectives:The goals of this study were to assess the effectiveness of WBV (whole body vibration) training through an analysis of effect sizes, identify advantages of WBV training, and suggest other effective treatment methods.

Methods:Four databases, namely, EMBASE, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science, were used to collect articles on vibration. Keywords such as"vibration"and"stroke"were used in the search for published articles. Consequently, eleven studies were selected in the second screening using meta-analyses.

Results:The total effect size of patients with dementia in the studies was 0.25, which was small. The effect size of spasticity was the greatest at 1.24 (high), followed by metabolism at 0.99 (high), balance, muscle strength, gait, and circulation in the decreasing order of effect size.

Conclusions:The effect sizes for muscle strength and balance and gait function, all of which play an important role in performance of daily activities, were small. In contrast, effect sizes for bone metabolism and spasticity were moderate. This suggests that WBV training may provide a safe, alternative treatment method for improving the symptoms of stroke in patients.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is considered a type of physical activity based on the assumption that it results in an increase in muscle strength and performance and, therefore, may be a promising way to exercise patients with COPD. A comprehensive database search (PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and COCHRANE Library) for randomized trials, including original articles, that compared WBV groups versus control groups was conducted and studies were selected for comparison. The effect of WBV treatment was compared for minimum clinically important differences. The statistical heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I(2) statistic; the results are expressed as percentages. Inconsistencies of up to 25% were considered low, those between 50 and 75% were considerate moderate, and those>75% were considered high. Risk of bias was classified based on the Cochrane Collaboration tool, the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software, and the level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. The primary outcome was functional exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, performance in activities of daily living, muscle strength of the lower limbs, and possible adverse effects assessed clinically or by subject reports. We included 4 articles involving 185 subjects for analysis. All subjects in the groups undergoing WBV showed improvement in distance walked in the 6-min walk test compared with the control group (57.85 m, 95% CI 16.36-99.33 m). Regarding the secondary end points, just one article reported improved quality of life and activities of daily living. The only article that assessed muscle strength found no difference between the groups. The quality of evidence for functional exercise capacity outcome was considered moderate. WBV seems to benefit subjects with COPD by improving their functional exercise capacity, without producing adverse effects. The quality of evidence is moderate, but the degree of recommendation is strong.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Foot conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are major causes of morbidity and disability. Whole body vibration may promote blood circulation in the lower limbs, hence facilitating perfusion and promoting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to comprised tissues. Transcutaneous oxygen levels (TcPO2)>40mmHg in cases of diabetic foot syndrome are associated with a good prognosis in the resolution of ulcers. The objective of this study was to determine whether whole body vibration favors some parameters of interest related to complications associated with the diabetic foot syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:Fifty-four patients with DM were included in a 12-week exercise program based on whole body vibration. Glycemic control was determined on the basis of the patients' levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); sensitivity and TcPO2 levels of each foot were also recorded. Assessments were performed prior to initiating the whole body vibration program and at the end of it.

RESULTS:No significant changes were observed in the patients' HbA1c (P=.442) levels or sensitivity (P=.07). A significant 7mmHg increase (P<.0001; effect size: d=0.53) was observed in the concentration of TcPO2.

CONCLUSIONS:Whole body vibration may increase TcPO2 levels with useful implications for the prevention or management of complications associated with restricted blood perfusion in the diabetic foot syndrome.

CONTEXT:Whole-body vibration (WBV) stimulus equipment has been used as a new training method for health promotion. Its use of in its clinical has expanded to the field of sports and rehabilitation for disabled patients. WBV training is rapidly gaining popularity in health and fitness centers as an alternative method for improving muscle performance. Acute positive effects of WBV have been shown on lower extremity muscle power and the ability of vertical jump, however there have not been any studies focusing on the long-term effects of WBV for trunk muscle and dynamic balance.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of an 8-week program of WBV in combination with trunk muscle training on muscular performance in healthy, untrained adults.

DESIGN:Laboratory-based, repeated-measures study.

SETTING:University laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS:Twenty healthy university male subjects.

INTERVENTION:Participants were randomly assigned to a WBV or non-WBV group. The WBV group performed a trunk muscle training program in combination with WBV; the non-WBV group performed the same muscle training program without WBV for 8 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:In the pre- and post-training period, the participants were evaluated using the functional movement screen™, Y-test (anterior, posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral reach), trunk muscle isometric strength (flexor, extensor and flexor/extensor ratio), squat jump, and counter-movement jump.

RESULTS:The WBV group had greater improvement than the non-WBV group in both trunk flexor muscle strength (p=0.02) and the Y-test (anterior reach) (p=0.004) between pre- and post-training.

CONCLUSION:Adding WBV to a trunk muscle strengthening program may improve trunk flexor isometric strength and anterior reach during the Y balance test to a greater extent than training without WBV. The WBV protocol used in this study had no significant impact on FMS scores, squat jumping, counter-movement jumping, trunk extensor isometric strength or trunk flexor/extensor ratio."

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) on fracture risk in adults≥50 years of age.

DESIGN:A systematic review and meta-analysis calculating relative risk ratios, fall rate ratio and absolute weighted mean difference using random effects models. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2 statistics, and the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and the GRADE approach were used to evaluate quality of evidence and summarise conclusions.

DATA SOURCES:The databases PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register from inception to April 2016 and reference lists of retrieved publications.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES:Randomised controlled trials examining the effect of WBV on fracture risk in adults≥50 years of age. The primary outcomes were fractures, fall rates and the proportion of participants who fell. Secondary outcomes were bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, bone turnover markers and calcaneal broadband attenuation (BUA).

RESULTS:15 papers (14 trials) met the inclusion criteria. Only one study had fracture data reporting a non-significant fracture reduction (risk ratio (RR)=0.47, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.57, P=0.22) (moderate quality of evidence). Four studies (n=746) showed that WBV reduced the rate of falls with a rate ratio of 0.67 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.89, P=0.0006; I2=19%) (moderate quality of evidence). Furthermore, data from three studies (n=805) found a trend towards falls reduction (RR=0.76, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.20, P=0.24; I2=24%) (low quality of evidence). Finally, moderate to low quality of evidence showed no overall effect on BMD and only sparse data were available regarding microarchitecture parameters, bone turnover markers and BUA.

CONCLUSIONS:WBV reduces fall rate but seems to have no overall effect on BMD or microarchitecture. The impact of WBV on fractures requires further larger adequately powered studies. This meta-analysis suggests that WBV may prevent fractures by reducing falls.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:CRD42016036320; Pre-results.

The purposes of this study were to analyze the impact of 24 weeks of vibratory and multicomponent training (MT) and to determine what type of training creates greater adaptations on body composition and isokinetic strength of the knee and ankle joints in postmenopausal women. Thirty-eight women (60.0 ± 6.3 years) were randomly assigned to whole body vibration group (WBVG), multicomponent training group (MTG), or a control group. A significant decrease in total fat mass was observed in experimental groups. There were no changes in total lean mass and total bone mineral density in both groups. WBVG and MTG showed significant increases in isokinetic strength for knee extensors at 60°/s and at 270°/s. Regarding the ankle joint, there were significant increments in strength for plantar flexion at 60°/s in WBVG and at 120°/s in the two trainings groups. MTG showed a significant increase in strength for dorsiflexion at 60°/s. With respect to eversion and inversion, WBVG and MTG improved strength at 60°/s. Also, the WBVG showed increased strength in the ankle evertors at 120°/s and both groups showed increased strength in the ankle invertors at 120°/s. Twenty-four weeks of whole body vibration or MTs result in positive modifications in total fat mass. These trainings are effective in improving knee extension and stabilizer muscles of the ankle joint strength.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the effect of an 8-week controlled whole-body vibration training on improving fall risk factors and the bone mineral density among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

METHODS:This study adopted a single group pre-test-post-test design. Twenty-five PwMS (50.3 years SD 14.1) received vibration training on a side-alternating vibration platform. Each training session was repeated three times every week for 8 weeks. Prior to and following the 8-week training course, a battery of fall risk factors were evaluated: the body balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, range of motion, and fear of falling. Bone density at both calcanei was also assessed.

RESULTS:Twenty-two participants completed the study. Compared with pre-test, almost all fall risk factors and the bone density measurement were significantly improved at post-test, with moderate to large effect sizes varying between 0.571 and 1.007.

CONCLUSIONS:The 8-week vibration training was well accepted by PwMS and improved their fall risk factors. The important findings of this study were that vibration training may increase the range of motion of ankle joints on the sagittal plane, lower the fear of falling, and improve bone density. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION An 8-week vibration training course could be well-accepted by people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Vibration training improves the risk factors of falls in people living with MS. Vibration training could be a promising rehabilitation intervention in individuals with MS.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the effects of low-magnitude whole body vibration (WBV) on the structure and function of subchondral trabecular bones, cartilage degradation, bone/cartilage turnover, and osteoarthritis (OA) joint function.

METHODS:Knee osteoarthritis model was established in 96 rabbits through left anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT). The rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: ACLT control group, WBV+ACLT group (five subgroups, each comprising 16 rabbits receiving 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz and 40 Hz WBV, respectively, with 2-4 mm amplitude for 40 min/d and 5 d/week over a period of 8 weeks). Joint function was tested via weight-bearing asymmetry. The microarchitecture of subchondral trabecular bones was examined using vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Cartilage samples from knee joints were taken for gross morphology and histology examinations. Serum samples were taken to detect cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), C-terminal telopeptide of typeⅠ collagen (CTX)-Ⅰ and urine CTX-Ⅱ.

RESULTS:Knee joint pain decreased with 10 Hz (P<0.05) and 20 Hz WBV treatment (P<0.05) , but increased with 40 Hz treatment (P<0.05). The micro-CT results showed that articular cartilage increased first, peaked at 20 Hz, and then decreased (P<0.05) . With increased frequency of WBV, the trabecular number, subchondral bone thickness and bone volume fraction increased, serum CTX-Ⅰ decreased, COMP and CTX-Ⅱ increased, especially at 20 Hz (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Lower frequency (20 Hz) WBV can improve bone microstructure, increase bone turnover, delay cartilage degeneration and improve limb function of rabbits with OA.

BACKGROUND:A variety of different types of exercise are promoted to improve muscle strength and physical performance in older people.

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to determine the relative effects of resistance training, endurance training and whole-body vibration on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical performance in older people.

DESIGN:A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

SUBJECTS:Adults aged 60 and over.

METHODS:Evidence from randomised controlled trials of resistance training, endurance training and whole-body vibration were combined. The effects of exercise interventions on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated by conducting a network meta-analysis to compare multiple interventions and usual care. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A meta-regression was performed to assess potential effect modifiers.

RESULTS:Data were obtained from 30 trials involving 1,405 participants (age range: 60-92 years). No significant differences were found between the effects of exercise or usual care on lean body mass. Resistance training (minimum 6 weeks duration) achieved greater muscle strength improvement than did usual care (12.8 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.5-17.0 kg). Resistance training and whole-body vibration were associated with greater physical performance improvement compared with usual care (2.6 times greater [95% CI: 1.3-3.9] and 2.1 times greater [95% CI: 0.5-3.7], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:Resistance training is the most effect intervention to improve muscle strength and physical performance in older people. Our findings also suggest that whole-body vibration is beneficial for physical performance. However, none of the three exercise interventions examined had a significant effect on lean body mass.

Purpose : To observe the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in conjunction with conventional physical therapy (PT) on joint-position sense (JPS), balance, and gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 24 children with CP were randomly selected either to continue their conventional PT or to receive WBV in conjunction with their conventional PT programme. Exposure to the intervention was intermittent (3 min WBV, 3 min rest) for 20 minutes, twice weekly for 3 weeks. JPS, balance, and gait were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: Ankle JPS was improved after 3 weeks of WBV training (p=0.014). Participants in the WBV group showed greater improvements in speed (F1,21=5.221, p=0.035) and step width (F1,21=4.487, p=0.039) than participants in the conventional PT group. Conclusion: Three weeks of WBV training was effective in improving ankle JPS and gait variables in children with CP.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to review the literature about the effect of whole body vibration exercise in the BMD in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis without medications.

METHODS:A systematic review was performed.

RESULTS:The frequency of the mechanical vibration used in the protocols has varied from 12 to 90 Hz. The time used in the protocols varied from 2 up to 22 months. Techniques with X-rays were used in nine of the twelve publications analyzed, the Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in eight studies and the High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in one publication. The concentration of some biomarkers was determined, as the sclerostin, the bone alkaline phosphatase, N-telopeptide X and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Among the twelve articles analyzed, seven of them have shown an improvement of the BMD of some bone of postmenopausal women exposed to whole body vibration exercises not associated to medications; as well as modifications in biomarkers.

AIM:Aim of the study is to search the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) in fibromyalgia patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this single blind study 20 fibromyalgia patients were diagnosed according to 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria whom participated in the study with the mean age of 57 ± 7 (years). Participants were randomized into 2 equal groups. In the intervention group (n = 10), 6 different types of exercises were combined with 30 hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude WBV for 4 weeks, The control group (n = 10) performed the same exercises on the same platform without vibration. The patients were assessed at baseline, at the 3rd and 6th months by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

RESULTS:Only FIQ score was significantly better in the treatment group at the 6th month evaluation (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION:WBV is found to be effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is a common condition in postmenopausal women that can be managed with impact activities. Among the activities studied are the whole-body vibration (WBV) and muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of WBV versus Pilates exercise on BMD in postmenopausal women.

METHODS:In this study, 51 postmenopausal women were randomized into 3 groups: vibration (n = 17), Pilates (n = 17), and control (n = 17). Outcomes were the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) (lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, trochanter, intertrochanter, and ward's area) assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and follow-up. The interventions were performed 3 times a week for 6 months, totaling 78 sessions. The analysis was performed with intention-to-treat and covariance analyses adjusted for baseline outcomes.

RESULTS:After 6 months, 96.1% of the participants completed the follow-up. The analyses demonstrated significant mean between-group differences in favor of the interventions: vibration versus control, for the aBMD of the lumbar spine (0.014 g/cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.006-0.022; P= .018, d = 1.21) and trochanter (0.018 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.006-0.030; P = .012, d = 1.03); and Pilates versus control, for the aBMD of the lumbar spine (0.016 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.007-0.025; P = .008, d = 1.15) and trochanter (0.020 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.010-0.031; P = .005, d = 1.28).

CONCLUSION:In postmenopausal women, 3 weekly sessions of WBV or Pilates administered for 6 months provided an equal effect on BMD.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is a common condition in postmenopausal women that can be managed with impact activities. Among the activities studied are the whole-body vibration (WBV) and muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of WBV versus Pilates exercise on BMD in postmenopausal women.

METHODS:In this study, 51 postmenopausal women were randomized into 3 groups: vibration (n = 17), Pilates (n = 17), and control (n = 17). Outcomes were the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) (lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, trochanter, intertrochanter, and ward's area) assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and follow-up. The interventions were performed 3 times a week for 6 months, totaling 78 sessions. The analysis was performed with intention-to-treat and covariance analyses adjusted for baseline outcomes.

RESULTS:After 6 months, 96.1% of the participants completed the follow-up. The analyses demonstrated significant mean between-group differences in favor of the interventions: vibration versus control, for the aBMD of the lumbar spine (0.014 g/cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.006-0.022; P= .018, d = 1.21) and trochanter (0.018 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.006-0.030; P = .012, d = 1.03); and Pilates versus control, for the aBMD of the lumbar spine (0.016 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.007-0.025; P = .008, d = 1.15) and trochanter (0.020 g/cm; 95% CI, 0.010-0.031; P = .005, d = 1.28).

CONCLUSION:In postmenopausal women, 3 weekly sessions of WBV or Pilates administered for 6 months provided an equal effect on BMD.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to assess safety and effectiveness of Whole Body Vibration exercise (WBV) to improve physical performance and parameters of inflammation in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS:Prospective, open-label trial in n=14 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Participants performed WBV twice weekly for 12 weeks before (n=8) or after (n=6) hemodialysis sessions. The primary endpoint was physical performance assessed by the Short-Physical-Performance-Battery (SPPB). Secondary endpoints included established parameters of musculoskeletal assessment and blood chemistry.

RESULTS:As compared to baseline, physical performance (SPPB) improved significantly (p=0.035). Moderate advances were also seen for 6-Minute-Walking test, Timed-up-and-go test, jumping height and handgrip strength. Improvements were particularly pronounced in subjects with seriously impaired baseline performance. Skeletal muscle index showed a tendency to better values. Laboratory data exhibited a significant reduction of white blood cell count and a trend to lower levels of hsCRP. WBV was generally well tolerated. Two events of clinically significant blood pressure decline occurred in patients exercising after dialysis sessions.

CONCLUSIONS:Results of this pilot study suggest effectiveness and safety of WBV in hemodialysis patients. Beneficial effects may affect both, parameters of physical performance and systemic inflammatory activity, which should be verified in larger scale clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scoliosis specific exercises (SSE) on a side-alternating whole body vibration platform (sWBV) as a home-training program in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS:40 female AIS patients (10-17 years) wearing a brace were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention was a six months, home-based, SSE program on a sWBV platform five times per week. Exercises included standing, sitting and kneeling. The control group received regular SSE (treatment as usual). The Cobb angle was measured at start and after six months. Onset of menarche was documented for sub-group analysis.

RESULTS:The major curve in the sWBV group decreased significantly by -2.3° (SD±3.8) (95% CI -4.1 to -0.5; P=0.014) compared to the difference in the control group of 0.3° (SD±3.7) (95% CI -1.5 to 2.2; P=0.682) (P=0.035). In the sWBV group 20% (n=4) improved, 75% (n=15) stabilized and 5% (n=1) deteriorated by ≥5°. In the control group 0% (n=0) improved, 89% (n=16)stabilized and 11% (n=2) deteriorated. The clinically largest change was observed in the 'before-menarche' sub-group.

CONCLUSIONS:Home-based SSE combined with sWBV for six months counteracts the progression of scoliosis in girls with AIS; the results were more obvious before the onset of the menarche.

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

BACKGROUND:The objective of this study was to investigate the benefits of a low-volume out-patient whole-body vibration training (WBVT) program on exercise capacity in comparison with a calisthenics training program in subjects with COPD.

METHODS:In this single-center randomized controlled trial, 29 subjects with mild to severe COPD were randomized to WBVT or to calisthenics training, including relaxation and breathing retraining in combination with calisthenics exercises. Both groups equally exercised for a duration of 3 months with 2 sessions of 30 min/week. Outcome parameters were 6-min walk distance (6MWD, primary outcome), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, leg press peak force, Berg balance scale, St George Respiratory Questionnaire, and COPD assessment test.

RESULTS:Twenty-seven subjects completed the study (WBVT, n = 14; calisthenics training program, n = 13). Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable. Subjects in the WBVT group significantly improved median (interquartile range) 6MWD (+105 [45.5-133.5] m, P = .001), sit-to-stand test (-2.3 [-3.1 to -1.3] s, P = .001), peak force (28.7 [16.7-33.3] kg, P = .001), and Berg balance scale (1.5 [0.0-4.0]points, P = .055). Changes in 6MWD, sit-to-stand test, and leg press peak force were also found to be significantly different between groups in favor of the WBVT group. Only the between-group difference of the COPD assessment test score was in favor of the calisthenics training group (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:A low-volume WBVT program resulted in significantly and clinically relevant larger improvements in exercise capacity compared with calisthenics exercises in subjects with mild to severe COPD.