![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Purpose
Whole-body vibrating training (WBVT) is a modality aiming to improve neuromuscular performance of patients with COPD. However, a consensus on the effects of WBVT has not been reached. We aimed to clarify the effects of WBVT on functional exercise capacity, pulmonary function, and quality of life in COPD patients.
Patients and methods
PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched through April 5, 2018. We calculated the pooled weight mean difference (WMD) using a random-effects model. Quality assessment and publication bias analyses were also performed.
Results
We included eight randomized control trials involving 365 patients. Compared with control group, WBVT increased 6-minute walking distance (6-MWD) (WMD: 62.14 m; 95% CI: 48.12–76.16; P<0.001), the change of 6-MWD (Δ6-MWD) (WMD: 42.33 m; 95% CI: 15.21–69.45; P=0.002), the change of the time to finish five repeated sit-to-stand tests (WMD: −2.07 seconds; 95% CI: −4.00 to −0.05; P=0.04), and decreased the change of St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score (WMD: −6.65 points; 95% CI: −10.52 to −2.78; P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) (% predicated), change of FEV1 (% predicated), sit-to-stand test, 6-MWD (% predicated), change of 6-MWD (% predicated), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score, COPD Assessment Test score, and change of COPD Assessment Test score.
Conclusion
WBVT has beneficial effects on functional exercise capacity for COPD patients.
Acknowledgments
We give sincere thanks to Hong Xie for her advice with respect to the English language editing of this manuscript.
Author contributions
FL, JZ, and LP conceived and designed the study. FL provided administrative support. Provision of study materials or patients was due to JZ. JZ and LP helped in the collection and assembly of data. JZ, LP, NC, ZW, CW, YH, ML, and HL were involved with data analysis. FL, JZ, LP, NC, ZW, CW, YH, ML, and HL were involved in manuscript writing and final approval of the paper. All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and critically revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.