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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 May 1;104(5):pzae025.
doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae025.

Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Function Parameters in Nursing Home Residents Older Than 80 Years: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Borja Sañudo  1 , Gonzalo Reverte-Pagola  1 , Adérito Seixas  2 , Tahir Masud  3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Whole-Body Vibration to Improve Physical Function Parameters in Nursing Home Residents Older Than 80 Years: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Borja Sañudo et al. Phys Ther. .

Abstract

Objective: Loss of functional independence is more likely in older adults who reside in an institution as a consequence of a decline in muscle mass and a loss of force production capacity. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) interventions on the strength, balance, and mobility of nursing home residents older than 80 years.

Methods: An electronic search in MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Randomized controlled trials that involved nursing home residents older than 80 years, that investigated WBV interventions compared with nonintervention, usual care, or placebo, and that measured physical function outcomes including strength, balance, gait, and mobility were included. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The standardized mean differences (SMD) between the experimental and control groups were calculated with a random-effects model for each outcome, and subgroup analysis was conducted for different outcomes.

Results: In total, 2864 articles were identified; of these, 14 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that WBV significantly increased the lower limb muscle strength (SMD = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.03), mobility (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.81), gait score (SMD = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.51), balance (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.81), and physical performance (SMD = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.33 to 2.33).

Conclusion: WBV may be an effective intervention to improve the strength, balance, mobility, walking ability, and physical performance of older nursing home residents.

Impact: WBV presents a safe, accessible alternative for improving health in this vulnerable population, warranting further research and integration into health care practices.

Keywords: Balance; Institutionalized; Mobility; Physical Performance; Whole-Body Vibration.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Forest plot of meta-analysis results for lower limb muscle strength estimated with functional tests. IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of meta-analysis results for lower limb muscle strength estimated with isometric strength tests. IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of meta-analysis results for mobility estimated with the Timed “Up & Go” Test. IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot for subgroup analysis of gait outcomes. IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot of meta-analysis results for balance. IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Forest plot of meta-analysis results for physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery). IV = inverse variance; Std. = standardized.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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