Whole-Body Vibration Training Increases Stem/Progenitor Cell Circulation Levels and May Attenuate Inflammation

The effects of whole-body vibration therapy on immune and brain functioning: current insights in the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms

Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy is a way of passive exercise in which subjects are exposed to mild and well-controlled mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform. For a long time, studies have focused on the effects and applications of WBV to enhance musculoskeletal performance in athletes and patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. Recent evidence points toward the positive effect of WBV on the brain and its therapeutic potential in brain disorders. Research being done in the field gradually reveals cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying WBV affecting the body and brain. Particularly, the influence of WBV on immune and brain function is a growing field that warrants an up-to-date and integrated review. Immune function is closely intertwined with brain functioning and plays a significant role in various brain disorders. Dysregulation of the immune response is linked to conditions such as neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and mood disorders, highlighting the crucial connection between the immune system and the brain. This review aims to explore the impact of WBV on the cellular and molecular pathways involved in immune and brain functions. Understanding the effects of WBV at a cellular and molecular level will aid in optimizing WBV protocols to improve its therapeutic potential for brain disorders.

Whole Body Vibration Training Has No Effect on Vascular Endothelial and Inflammatory Markers in Young Healthy Women

Background: The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the impact of single and repeated whole body vibration training (WBVT) and training without vibration on changes in the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy, young, non-training women. Methods: The study involved 46 women (age 20.48 ± 1.72 years), who were divided into three groups: the experimental group participating in WBVT (EVG, n = 17); the comparison group performing the same exercises but without the vibration factor (EXG, n = 12); and the control group, which did not participate in any training (CON, n = 17). The program included participation in 36 training sessions conducted over 12 weeks, with a frequency of 3 times per week. In the EVG and EXG groups, venous blood was collected before and after the first and last training sessions, while in the CON group, blood was collected twice at a 3-month interval. Results: No significant changes were observed in the concentrations of the studied markers either after a single or repeated training session in both experimental groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed WBVT protocol appears to be a safe form of exercise that does not induce negative inflammatory reactions. The applied vibration stimulus combined with physical exercises did not initiate pro-angiogenic processes or stimulate eNOS activity in healthy women, suggesting that similar studies should be conducted in individuals with circulatory problems or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Sonic vibration ameliorates inflammatory diseases via the up-regulation of IL-10

Sonic vibration (SV), or vibroacoustic therapy, is applied to enhance local and systemic blood circulation and alleviate pain using low-frequency sine wave vibrations. However, there is limited scientific data on the mechanisms through which the benefits are achieved. In this study, we investigated the impact of SV on inflammatory responses by assessing cytokine secretion in both in vivo and in vitro models. After inducing inflammatory responses in mice and macrophages, we studied cytokine expression and the symptoms of inflammatory diseases in response to three frequencies (14, 45, or 90 Hz) of SV stimulation at 0.5 m/s2 of amplitude. The results showed that SV at 90 Hz significantly increased interelukin-10 (IL-10) secretion in mice who were administered lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and increased the expression of IL-10 transcripts in peritoneal exudate cells and macrophages. Furthermore, SV at 90 Hz improved LPS-induced lethality and alleviated symptoms in a colitis model. In conclusion, this study scientifically proves the anti-inflammatory effects of vibration therapy through its ability to increase IL-10 expression.

Effects of whole-body vibration or resistive-vibration exercise on blood clotting and related biomarkers: a systematic review

Whole-body vibration (WBV) and resistive vibration exercise (RVE) are utilized as countermeasures against bone loss, muscle wasting, and physical deconditioning. The safety of the interventions, in terms of the risk of inducing undesired blood clotting and venous thrombosis, is not clear. We therefore performed the present systematic review of the available scientific literature on the issue. The review was conducted following the guidelines by the Space Biomedicine Systematic Review Group, based on Cochrane review guidelines. The relevant context or environment of the studies was "ground-based environment"; space analogs or diseased conditions were not included. The search retrieved 801 studies; 77 articles were selected for further consideration after an initial screening. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The main variables related to blood markers involved angiogenic and endothelial factors, fibrinolysis and coagulation markers, cytokine levels, inflammatory and plasma oxidative stress markers. Functional and hemodynamic markers involved blood pressure measurements, systemic vascular resistance, blood flow and microvascular and endothelial functions. The available evidence suggests neutral or potentially positive effects of short- and long-term interventions with WBV and RVE on variables related to blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammatory status, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, microvascular and endothelial functions. No significant warning signs towards an increased risk of undesired clotting and venous thrombosis were identified. If confirmed by further studies, WBV and RVE could be part of the countermeasures aimed at preventing or attenuating the muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning associated with spaceflights, permanence on planetary habitats and ground-based simulations of microgravity.

Whole-body vibration as a passive alternative to exercise after myocardial damage in middle-aged female rats: Effects on the heart, the brain, and behavior

Background

Females with cardiovascular disease seem more vulnerable to develop concomitant mental problems, such as depression and cognitive decline. Although exercise is shown beneficial in cardiovascular disease as well as in mental functions, these patients may be incapable or unmotivated to perform exercise. Whole body vibration (WBV) could provide a passive alternative to exercise. Aim of the present study was to compare WBV to exercise after isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage in female rats, regarding effects on heart, brain and behavior.

Methods

One week after ISO (70 mg/kg s.c., on 2 consecutive days) or saline injections, 12 months old female rats were assigned to WBV (10 minutes daily), treadmill running (30 minutes daily) or pseudo intervention for 5 weeks. During the last 10 days, behavioral tests were performed regarding depressive-like behavior, cognitive function, and motor performance. Rats were sacrificed, brains and hearts were dissected for (immuno)histochemistry.

Results

Significant ISO-induced cardiac collagen deposition (0.67 ± 0.10 vs 0.18 ± 0.03%) was absent after running (0.45 ± 0.26 vs 0.46 ± 0.08%), but not after WBV (0.83 ± 0.12 vs 0.41 ± 0.05%). However, WBV as well as running significantly reduced hippocampal (CA3) collagen content in ISO-treated rats. Significant regional differences in hippocampal microglia activity and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression were observed. Significant ISO-induced CA1 microglia activation was reduced after WBV as well as running, while opposite effects were observed in the CA3; significant reduction after ISO that was restored by WBV and running. Both WBV and running reversed the ISO-induced increased BDNF expression in the CA1, Dentate gyrus and Hilus, but not in the CA3 area. Whereas running had no significant effect on behavior in the ISO-treated rats, WBV may be associated with short-term spatial memory in the novel location recognition test.

Conclusion

Although the female rats did not show the anticipated depressive-like behavior or cognitive decline after ISO, our data indicated regional effects on neuroinflammation and BDNF expression in the hippocampus, that were merely normalized by both WBV and exercise. Therefore, apart from the potential concern about the lack of cardiac collagen reduction, WBV may provide a relevant alternative for physical exercise.

Non-Invasive Pulsatile Shear Stress Modifies Endothelial Activation; A Narrative Review

The monolayer of cells that line both the heart and the entire vasculature is the endothelial cell (EC). These cells respond to external and internal signals, producing a wide array of primary or secondary messengers involved in coagulation, vascular tone, inflammation, and cell-to-cell signaling. Endothelial cell activation is the process by which EC changes from a quiescent cell phenotype, which maintains cellular integrity, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, to a phenotype that is prothrombotic, pro-inflammatory, and permeable, in addition to repair and leukocyte trafficking at the site of injury or infection. Pathological activation of EC leads to increased vascular permeability, thrombosis, and an uncontrolled inflammatory response that leads to endothelial dysfunction. This pathological activation can be observed during ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) and sepsis. Shear stress (SS) and pulsatile shear stress (PSS) are produced by mechanical frictional forces of blood flow and contraction of the heart, respectively, and are well-known mechanical signals that affect EC function, morphology, and gene expression. PSS promotes EC homeostasis and cardiovascular health. The archetype of inducing PSS is exercise (i.e., jogging, which introduces pulsations to the body as a function of the foot striking the pavement), or mechanical devices which induce external pulsations to the body (Enhanced External Pulsation (EECP), Whole-body vibration (WBV), and Whole-body periodic acceleration (WBPA aka pGz)). The purpose of this narrative review is to focus on the aforementioned noninvasive methods to increase PSS, review how each of these modify specific diseases that have been shown to induce endothelial activation and microcirculatory dysfunction (Ischemia reperfusion injury-myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest and resuscitation), sepsis, and lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis syndrome (LPS)), and review current evidence and insight into how each may modify endothelial activation and how these may be beneficial in the acute and chronic setting of endothelial activation and microvascular dysfunction.

Sequestration of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease via Stem Cell Therapy

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Insidious and progressive, this disorder is secondary to the gradual loss of dopaminergic signaling and worsening neuroinflammation, affecting patients’ motor capabilities. Gold standard treatment includes exogenous dopamine therapy in the form of levodopa–carbidopa, or surgical intervention with a deep brain stimulator to the subcortical basal ganglia. Unfortunately, these therapies may ironically exacerbate the already pro-inflammatory environment. An alternative approach may involve cell-based therapies. Cell-based therapies, whether endogenous or exogenous, often have anti-inflammatory properties. Alternative strategies, such as exercise and diet modifications, also appear to play a significant role in facilitating endogenous and exogenous stem cells to induce an anti-inflammatory response, and thus are of unique interest to neuroinflammatory conditions including Parkinson’s disease. Treating patients with current gold standard therapeutics and adding adjuvant stem cell therapy, alongside the aforementioned lifestyle modifications, may ideally sequester inflammation and thus halt neurodegeneration.

Potential of Whole-Body Vibration in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Animal Studies

Simple Summary

Exercise has shown to have a positive impact on both motor and non-motor functions in Parkinson’s Disease patients. However, particularly in later stages of the disease, reduced cognitive function and motor capacity may lead to an inability to stay physically active. Therefore, alternative strategies for patients with Parkinson’s Disease are necessary to minimize burden for patients, their families and public health care. Whole-Body Vibration could be such an alternative. Whole-Body Vibration is an exercise or treatment method in which subjects are exposed to a mechanical vibration while sitting, standing or exercising on a vibrating platform. Whole-Body Vibration is currently used for physiotherapy, sports and rehabilitation purposes. Whole-Body Vibration treatment is interesting because it affects both the body and brain. The potential of Whole-Body Vibration for, specifically, Parkinson’s Disease patients should be clarified for further application. For this purpose, we conducted an extensive systematic review of the articles investigating the effects of Whole-Body Vibrations (1) on animals and humans with Parkinson’s Disease and (2) on neuropathological Parkinson’s Disease mechanisms. The results show some potential of Whole-Body Vibration for Parkinson’s Disease patients. The recommendations provided by this review can be used by researchers and rehabilitative practitioners implementing Whole-Body Vibration as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease patients.

Abstract

(1) Background: When the severity of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) increases, patients often have difficulties in performing exercises. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) may be a suitable alternative. This systematic review aims to clarify if WBV shows potential as rehabilitative therapy for PD patients. (2) Methods: We searched several databases for controlled trials investigating the effects of WBV (1) on PD populations and (2) PD neuropathological mechanisms. We included both human and animal studies and performed meta-analyses. (3) Results: The studies on PD populations (14 studies) show an overall significant, but small, effect in favor of WBV (Hedges’ g = 0.28), for which the effects on stability (Hedges’ g = 0.39) and balance (Hedges’ g = 0.30) are the most prominent. The studies on the neuropathological mechanisms (18 studies) show WBV effects on neuroinflammation (Hedges’ g = –1.12) and several specific WBV effects on neurotransmitter systems, growth factors, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress. (4) Conclusions: The effects of WBV on human PD patients remains inconclusive. Nevertheless, WBV protocols with sufficient duration (≥3 weeks), session frequency (≥3 sessions/week) and vibration frequency (≥20 Hz) show potential as a treatment method, especially for motor function. The potential of WBV for PD patients is confirmed by the effects on the neuropathological mechanisms in mostly non-PD populations. We recommend high-quality future studies on both PD patients and PD mouse models to optimize WBV protocols and to examine the neuropathological mechanisms in PD populations.

Effects of whole-body vibration plus hip-knee muscle strengthening training on adult patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To investigate whether whole-body vibration (WBV) plus hip-knee muscle strengthening is more efficient in relieving pain and improving function than hip-knee strengthening alone.

METHODS

Thirty-six participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) were recruited and randomly allocated to either the (1) hip-knee strengthening only (HK group, n = 18) or (2) WBV plus hip-knee strengthening group (WHK group, n = 18). All participants attended 18 physiotherapy sessions (3 sessions/week, 40 min/session) over 6 weeks. Data on symptoms, function, surface electromyography (sEMG) signals from the vastus medialis and gluteus medius, and quality of life were evaluated at baseline (T₀), 6 weeks after (T₆), and the 12-week follow-up (T₁₈).

RESULTS

Significant group × time interactions were found for the VAS score (p < 0.001) and vastus medialis performance (p ≤ 0.015). The WHK group exhibited a greater pain relief than did the HK group at T₁₈ (p ≤ 0.014). The WHK group exhibited significantly larger improvements in the RMS value than did the HK group at T₆ (p ≤ 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that 6 weeks of WBV plus hip-knee strengthening can improve vastus medialis performance and maintain long-term pain relief to a significantly greater extent than can hip-knee strengthening alone.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe present study shows that 6 weeks of WBV plus hip-knee strengthening can improve vastus medialis performance and maintain long-term pain relief to a significantly greater extent than can hip-knee strengthening alone.

Whole-body vibration preconditioning reduces the formation and delays the manifestation of high-altitude-induced venous gas emboli

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Is performing a 30-min whole-body vibration (WBV) prior to a continuous 90-min exposure at 24,000 ft sufficient to prevent venous gas emboli (VGE) formation? What is the main finding and its importance? WBV preconditioning significantly reduces the formation and delays the manifestation of high-altitude-induced VGE. This study suggests that WBV is an effective strategy in lowering decompression stress.

ABSTRACT

Rapid decompression may give rise to formation of venous gas emboli (VGE) and resultantly, increase the risk of sustaining decompression sickness. Preconditioning aims at lowering the prevalence of VGE during decompression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) preconditioning on high-altitude-induced VGE. Eight male subjects performed, on separate days in a randomised order, three preconditioning strategies: 40-min seated-rest (control), 30-min seated-rest followed by 150 knee-squats performed over a 10-min period (exercise) and 30-min WBV proceeded by a 10-min seated-rest. Thereafter, subjects were exposed to an altitude of 24,000 ft (7315 m) for 90 min whilst laying in a supine position and breathing 100% oxygen. VGE were assessed ultrasonically both during supine rest (5-min intervals) and after three fast, unloaded knee-bends (15-min intervals) and were scored using a 5-grade scale and evaluated using the Kisman Integrated Severity Score (KISS). There was a significant difference in VGE grade (P < 0.001), time to VGE manifestation (P = 0.014) and KISS score following knee-bends (P = 0.002) across protocols, with a trend in KISS score during supine rest (P = 0.070). WBV resulted in lower VGE grades (median (range), 1 (0-3)) and KISS score (2.69 ± 4.56 a.u.) compared with control (2 (1-3), P = 0.002; 12.86 ± 8.40 a.u., P = 0.011) and exercise (3 (2-4) , P < 0.001; 22.04 ± 13.45 a.u., P = 0.002). VGE were detected earlier during control (15 ± 14 min, P = 0.024) and exercise (17 ± 24 min, P = 0.032) than WBV (54 ± 38 min). Performing a 30-min WBV prior to a 90-min continuous exposure at 24,000 ft both delays the manifestation and reduces the formation of VGE compared with control and exercise preconditioning.

Soft Tissue Manipulation May Attenuate Inflammation, Modulate Pain, and Improve Gait in Conscious Rodents With Induced Low Back Pain

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain (LBP) is common in warfighters. Noninvasive interventions are necessary to expedite return-to-function. Soft tissue manipulation, for example, massage, is a method used to treat LBP. Instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) uses a rigid device to mobilize the tissue. This study explored the effects of IASTM on pain, function, and biomarkers.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 44) were randomized to groups (n = 6/grp): (A) cage control; (B) 3 days (3d) postinjury (inj), untreated; (C) 3d inj, < 30-minute post-IASTM treatment; (D) 3d inj, 2 hours (2h) post-IASTM; (E) 14 days (14d) inj, untreated; (F) 14d inj, < 30-minute post-IASTM; and (G) 14d inj, 2h post-IASTM. Researchers induced unilateral LBP in Sprague-Dawley rats using complete Freund's adjuvant injection. Conscious rodents received IASTM for 5 min/session once at 3 days or 3×/week × 2weeks (6× total) over 14 days. Biomarker plasma levels were determined in all groups, while behavioral outcomes were assessed in two groups, D and G, at three time points: before injury, pre-, and post-IASTM treatment. Circulating mesenchymal stem cell levels were assessed using flow cytometry and cytokine plasma levels assayed.

RESULTS

The back pressure pain threshold (PPT) lowered bilaterally at 3 days postinjury (P < .05), suggesting increased pain sensitivity. IASTM treatment lowered PPT more on the injured side (15.8%; P < 0.05). At 14 days, back PPT remained lower but similar side to side. At 3 days, paw PPT increased 34.6% in the contralateral rear limb following treatment (P < .01). Grip strength did not vary significantly. Gait coupling patterns improved significantly (P < .05). Circulating mesenchymal stem cell levels altered significantly postinjury but not with treatment. Neuropeptide Y plasma levels increased significantly at 3 days, 2h post-IASTM (53.2%) (P < .05). Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha did not vary significantly. At 14 days, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted decreased significantly <30-minute post-IASTM (96.1%, P < .002), while IL-10 trended upward at 2h (53.1%; P = .86).

CONCLUSIONS

LBP increased pain sensitivity and diminished function. IASTM treatment increased pain sensitization acutely in the back but significantly reduced pain sensitivity in the contralateral rear paw. Findings suggest IASTM may positively influence pain modulation and inflammation while improving gait patterns. Soft tissue manipulation may be beneficial as a conservative treatment option for LBP.

Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise For Improving The Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review From the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease which leads to several clinical conditions related to the dysfunction of the respiratory system along with other physical and psychological complaints. Severely affected patients are referred to intensive care units (ICUs), limiting their possibilities for physical exercise. Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise is a non-invasive, physical therapy, that has been suggested as part of the procedures involved with pulmonary rehabilitation, even in ICU settings. Therefore, in the current review, the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVEX) reviewed the potential of WBV exercise as a useful and safe intervention for the management of infected individuals with COVID-19 by mitigating the inactivity-related declines in physical condition and reducing the time in ICU. Recommendations regarding the reduction of fatigue and the risk of dyspnea, the improvement of the inflammatory and redox status favoring cellular homeostasis and the overall improvement in the quality of life are provided. Finally, practical applications for the use of this paradigm leading to a better prognosis in bed bound and ICU-bound subjects is proposed.