The Effects of a Whole-Body Advanced Vibration Exercise Program on Flexibility, Balance, and Strength in Seniors

ABSTRACT

Age-related losses in functional flexibility, balance, and strength contribute to physical disability and increased risk of falls among older adults. While the positive improvements due to balance and strength training are abundant in the research literature, there is little known about the potential impact of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on flexibility, balance, and strength changes in older adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of WBV training on functional movements. Nineteen participants (5 males and 14 females; age range: 60–85 years; mean age: 71.4 ± 7.2 years) attended three 15-min training sessions per week, and were evaluated prior to starting WBV training, and again during the fourth and eighth weeks of the exercise program. All participants experienced positive changes in their functional movements, suggesting that WBV training is appropriate for promoting flexibility, balance, and strength in older adults.

KEYWORDS. :

• Vibration training
• seniors
• flexibility
• balance
• strength