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Abstract
Background: The use of whole body vibration (WBV) platforms by older individuals is increasing, although the effects on this group have still to clearly be established.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review the effects of WBV on older individuals.
Methods: In September 2010, a systematic review was performed using ISI Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, PEDro, and the Cochrane library with the search terms ‘whole body vibration’ in combination with either ‘older’, ‘elderly’, ‘aged’, ‘post menopause’ or ‘post menopausal’. All studies in which chronic, i.e. multiple sessions over weeks or months, WBV was performed in people over 50 years with no known musculoskeletal disorders other than osteoporosis were included.
Results: Twenty-eight articles were identified and were rated for methodological quality and the vibration protocol independently by two authors. A number of moderate-high quality studies reported improvements in lower limb strength, power, balance, functional mobility, and bone strength. In many studies investigating strength, power and bone strength, the design was not robust enough to allow the effects of WBV to be separated from additional exercises being performed simultaneously, and the effects of WBV are unclear.
Conclusions: There is some evidence of improvements in balance and functional mobility after WBV in this population. Further rigorous research is required to determine, if these effects are due to WBV or additional exercises performed.
We are grateful for funding received from Research into Ageing.