Effects of a short-term whole body vibration intervention on physical fitness in elderly people

Maturitas. 2013 Mar;74(3):276-8. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.12.008. Epub 2013 Jan 9.

Abstract

We aimed to clarify whether a short-term whole body vibration (WBV) training has a beneficial effect on physical fitness in elderly people. Forty-nine non-institutionalized elderly (75.0 ± 4.7 years) participated in the study. Twenty-four of them trained on a vibration platform for 11 weeks. Physical fitness included balance, lower- and upper-body strength and flexibility, agility, walking speed and endurance. In the WBV group most of the physical tests improved through the intervention (all P < 0.01) while in the control group only an increment was detected in lower-body strength (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a short-term WBV training is beneficial for physical fitness among elderly people.

Keywords: Ageing; Exercise; Health; Physical activity; Training.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle Stretching Exercises
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Pliability
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Vibration / therapeutic use*
  • Walking / physiology