Twelve Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Training Improve Regucalcin, Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

Evidence of whole-body vibration exercises on body composition changes in older individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The aging process is associated with changes in body composition, including fat gain and skeletal muscle loss from middle age onward. Moreover, increased risk of functional decline and the development of chronic diseases are also related to aging. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE), as a physical exercise, on body composition in people over 60 years of age. Methods: Searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Only randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of WBVE on body composition in older individuals were considered. The methodological quality of the studies involved was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, recommendations from the Cochrane Collaboration were used to assess risk of bias, and quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RevMan 5.4 was used to calculate standardized mean differences and confidence intervals of 95% (CIs). Results: Eight studies were included in this review with a mean methodological quality score of 7.5, which is considered high quality on the PEDro scale. The included studies suggest that more robust research with protocols and well-designed comparison groups is required to better assess changes in the body composition of older individuals through WBVE. Quantitative results were calculated, with differences in weighted means, differences in standardized means, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Conclusion: WBVE evaluated by the studies included in this review did not demonstrate improvements in body composition, and no significant effect of WBVE was found on fat mass with standardized differences (SD = -1.92; 95% CI: -4.81 to -0.98; p = 0.19), lean mass with standardized mean differences (SMD = 0.06 CI 95% [-0.21; -0.33]; p = 0.67), or skeletal muscle mass with standardized differences (SD = 0.10; CI 95% [-1.62; 1.83]; p = 0.91). Therefore, to date, there is lack of adequate evidence to state that WBVE can benefit the body composition of men and women over 60 years of age. However, further studies are required to better understand the physiological impacts of WBVE on body composition. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprosperoCRD42021248871, identifier CRD42021248871.

Impact of Two Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Protocols on Body Composition of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of two 6-week whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) protocols on body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome (MSy). Thirty-three patients were allocated to either the Fixed Frequency WBVE Group (FFG-WBVE) or the Variable Frequency WBVE Group (VFG-WBVE). (2) Methods: A side-alternating vibration platform was used and the patients remained in the semi-squat position on this platform. In the FFG-WBVE (n = 12; median age = 50.50 years) and (body mass index BMI = 31.95 kg/m²), patients were exposed to 10 s of mechanical vibration at a fixed frequency of 5 Hz, followed by 50 s without vibration. In the VFG-WBVE (n = 10; median age = 57.50 years) and (BMI = 32.50 kg/m²), the patients performed 60 s of mechanical vibration at different frequencies from 5 to 16 Hz). Body composition evaluated through (bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements) were was evaluated before and after the all the interventions in each group. (3) Results: The VFG-WBVE decreased waist circumference, p = 0.01 and segmental fat mass [left arm, p = 0.01; right arm, p = 0.02 and trunk, p = 0.03]. Bone content increased, p = 0.01. No significant changes were observed in the FFG- WBVE. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that 6 weeks of WBVE with a protocol with variable frequency can positively modify the body composition of MSY patients. These findings might contribute to improvements in the metabolic health of these patients.

Use of surface electromyography to evaluate effects of whole-body vibration exercises on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Reduction of muscle strength and lean mass, increase in the risk of falls, higher mortality, and morbidity are observed in geriatric syndromes. Physical activity is an effective intervention in reducing signs and symptoms of geriatric syndromes. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) is an intervention with low cost and has been effective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of WBVE on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly. Searches in PubMed, Embase, Science direct, and Scopus databases were conducted. Six studies, that analyzed the use of surface electromyography evaluating effects of WBVE on neuromuscular activation and muscle strength in the elderly, published in English, were included.

RESULTS

Six studies were included. One hundred forty-six individuals participated in the studies and 24 were males (16.43%), with an average age of 74.20 ± 7.66 years. Five publications were defined as "fair" methodological in the PEDro scale, the risk of bias was high and the risk of bias for non-randomized studies was moderate/high. In general, increased strength muscle was reported in the studies.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review suggests that WBVE might promote desirable neuromuscular responses in healthy elderly. However, it is necessary to perform further studies to reinforce the reported findings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe reduction in lean mass and consequent reduction in muscle strength are present in healthy elderly people and the whole-body vibration exercise can reduce or alleviate these symptoms caused by the geriatric syndrome.Whole-body vibration exercise is a training modality that increases neuromuscular activation and muscle strength.Surface electromyography is a useful tool for the evaluation of the neuromuscular activation of the muscle fibers.

Exercise for osteoporosis: A literature review of pathology and mechanism

Osteoporosis (OP) is a disease that weakens bones and has a high morbidity rate worldwide, which is prevalent among the elderly, particularly, women of postmenopausal age. The dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption is necessary for normal bone metabolism. Many factors, including aging, estrogen deficiency, and prolonged immobilization, disrupt normal apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation, leading to abnormal activation of osteoclasts, which gradually overwhelm bone formation by bone resorption. Moderate exercise as an effective non-drug treatment helps increase bone formation and helps relieve OP. The possible mechanisms are that exercise affects apoptosis and autophagy through the release of exercise-stimulated myohormone and the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines via mechanical force. In addition, exercise may also have an impact on the epigenetic processes involved in bone metabolism. Mechanical stimulation promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to osteogenic differentiation by altering the expression of non-coding RNAs. Besides, by reducing DNA methylation, the mechanical stimulus can also alter the epigenetic status of osteogenic genes and show associated increased expression. In this review, we reviewed the possible pathological mechanisms of OP and summarized the effects of exercise on bone metabolism, and the mechanisms by which exercise alleviates the progression of OP, to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of OP.

The effects of combined amplitude and high-frequency vibration on physically inactive osteopenic postmenopausal women

Purpose: To evaluate whole-body vibration (WBV) osteogenic potential in physically inactive postmenopausal women using high-frequency and combined amplitude stimuli.

Methods: Two-hundred fifty-five physically inactive postmenopausal women (55–75 years) with 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk (3%–35%) participated in this 18-month study. For the first 12 months, the vibration group experienced progressive 20-min WBV sessions (up to 3 sessions/week) with rest periods (30–60 s) between exercises. Frequencies (30–50 Hz), with low (0.2–0.4 mm) and high (0.6–0.8 mm) amplitude stimuli were delivered via PowerPlate Pro5 platforms producing accelerations of (0.75–7.04 g). The last 6 months for the treatment group were a follow-up period similar to control. Serum bone remodelling markers [C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type-1 collagen (CTX), procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and sclerostin] were measured at fasting. CTX and P1NP were determined by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) by automated spectrophotometric immunoassay, and sclerostin by an enzyme-immunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole-body, proximal femur and lumbar vertebrae was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone microarchitecture of the distal non-dominant radius and tibia was measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).

Results: Femoral neck (p = 0.520) and spine BMD (p = 0.444) failed to improve after 12 months of WBV. Bone macro and microstructural parameters were not impacted by WBV, as well as estimated failure load at the distal radius (p = 0.354) and tibia (p = 0.813). As expected, most DXA and HR-pQCT parameters displayed age-related degradation in this postmenopausal population. BAP and CTX increased over time in both groups, with CTX more marginally elevated in the vibration group when comparing baseline changes to month-12 (480.80 pmol/L; p = 0.039) and month-18 (492.78 pmol/L; p = 0.075). However, no differences were found when comparing group concentrations only at month-12 (506.35 pmol/L; p = 0.415) and month-18 (518.33 pmol/L; p = 0.480), indicating differences below the threshold of clinical significance. Overall, HR-pQCT, DXA bone parameters and bone turnover markers remained unaffected.

Conclusion: Combined amplitude and high-frequency training for one year had no ameliorating effect on DXA and HR-pQCT bone parameters in physically inactive postmenopausal women. Serum analysis did not display any significant improvement in formation and resorption markers and also failed to alter sclerostin concentrations between groups.

Effects of vibration training vs. conventional resistance training among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia: three-arm randomized controlled trial protocol

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a chronic and progressive disease, which is accompanied by the decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance with aging, and it can lead to falls, fracture, and premature death. The prevention and treatment of sarcopenia mainly include exercise therapy and nutritional supplement. Exercise therapy is one of the most potential interventions to prevent and/or delay the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance training (RT), one of the most commonly used exercise types, is widely used in the treatment of sarcopenia, while vibration training (VT) is a prospective strategy for improving sarcopenia in older people. The aim of our study is to compare the effect of VT and RT in older people with sarcopenia on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, blood biomarkers, and quality of life.

Methods and analysis

Our study is a 12-week, three-arm randomized controlled trial with assessor-blinded. The diagnosis criteria for subject recruitment adopt the guidelines for the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. A total of 54 subjects who met the criteria were randomized into one of the following three groups: VT group, RT group, and control group. The VT group and RT group received a 12-week whole-body vibration training and a resistance training program three times every week, respectively. The primary outcome is lower limb muscle strength, and the secondary outcomes include muscle mass, upper limb muscle strength, physical performance, blood biomarkers, and quality of life. We then performed assessments three times, at baseline (0 week), after intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks). The adverse events were also be reported. All outcome measurements were performed by the same researchers. Data were saved in the unified database, and the collected data of all subjects were analyzed by intention-to-treat analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee of Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch. The findings of the study were authorized in peer-reviewed journals with online access; meanwhile, it will be presented at domestic or international academic congresses.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051178), registered on 15 September 2021.

A Pre-Post Study on the Cardiorespiratory Response to Different Protocols of Exposure on a Vibratory Platform in Young Healthy Individuals

This study aimed to investigate the acute specific physiological effects of 15 min of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure at six different types of vibrations on cardiorespiratory function in 26 healthy young subjects (sex ratio, 1:1; mean age, 20.73 years). The protocols included six variants of a combination of mechanical stimuli with different frequencies (15, 25, and 35 Hz) and direction of stimuli (vertical or diagonal). The investigated cardiorespiratory parameters were heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), respiratory rate (RR), and spirometric indicators: tidal volume (TV), vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV₁), and maximum voluntary ventilation for 12 s (MVV). The data series were statistically processed by using descriptive and inferential statistical methods: the Shapiro–Wilk test, the two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, and post hoc analysis. We obtained significantly higher values for HR, TV, VC, FVC, FEV₁, and MVV after the WBV exposure. These parameters are significantly influenced by both the frequency and direction of stimuli, and certain protocols of WBV are noticeable for their distinct effects. Our results offer a new perspective on the possibility of using preferential variants of vibratory stimulation to obtain maximum cardiorespiratory physiological effects.

Effects of 6-Month Square Stepping Exercise Intervention on Physical and Cognitive Competence, Regucalcin, and Body Composition in Older People: Study Protocol for a Randomised Control Trial

Background: Age-related changes negatively affect physical fitness, body composition, and executive function and produce a decrease in regucalcin level expression in blood. The square-stepping exercise (SSE) is a balance and lower-limb strength training programme used to prevent falls and stimulate cognitive function in older adults. This project aims to analyse the effects of SSE on executive function, regucalcin expression, fall prevention, body composition, and physical fitness in people over 65 years old. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 90 older people over 65 years old will be recruited and randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental (n = 45) and control (n = 45). The experimental group will perform an SSE-based intervention for 6 months (2 times per week), while the control group do not follow any treatment. Results: The main outcome will be balance, but other motor (body mass index, upper- and lower-limb strength, flexibility, and speed-agility) and cognitive variables (executive functions and attention) will be assessed. The expression of regucalcin levels will also be evaluated. Therefore, this project aims to analyse the effect of a 6-month SSE intervention on cognitive and motor competence, physical fitness, regucalcin levels, fall risk, and body composition in older people. If the intervention proves to be effective, it could be implemented in centres, entities, and associations specialized in elderly care.

New Evidence on Regucalcin, Body Composition, and Walking Ability Adaptations to Multicomponent Exercise Training in Functionally Limited and Frail Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Regucalcin, or senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), is a Ca²⁺-binding protein with multiple functions reported in the literature. Physical exercise has been shown to improve aging markers; nevertheless, SMP30 in humans has not been extensively researched. Older adults experience a decline in functional capacity and body composition. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a multicomponent training (MCT) program on SMP30 and its regulation of walking ability and body composition in functionally limited, frail, and pre-frail older adults.

METHODS

A total of 34 older adults (aged 80.3 ± 6.1 years) were divided into an intervention group (IG = 20) and control group (CG = 14). The IG performed a supervised MCT (strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and flexibility) program for 6 months, 3 days per week, whereas the CG continued their normal lives without any specific physical training. SMP30 was analyzed in plasma after 3 and 6 months of MCT, while some physical fitness variables (Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 6-min walk test (6MWT)) and body composition (fat mass and lean mass) were measured at baseline, as well as after 3 months and 6 months of MCT.

RESULTS

No significant changes were observed in SPM30 between the IG (877.5 a.u. to 940.5 a.u., respectively) and CG (790.4 a.u. to 763.8 a.u., respectively). Moreover, no SMP30 differences were found between groups after 3 and 6 months of MCT. The IG improved significantly in the 6MWT after 3 months (472.2 ± 84.2 m) compared to baseline (411.2 ± 75.2 m). The IG also significantly enhanced their TUG performance after 3 months (7.6 ± 1.6 s) and 6 months (7.3 ± 1.8 s) of training compared to baseline (9.3 ± 3.2 s) (all, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in body composition between the IG and CG through the 6 months of MCT.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that MCT did not change SMP30 levels from 3 to 6 months, where there were changes in neither walking ability nor body composition; however, MCT was effective in improving 6MWT and TUG performance from baseline to 3 months.

Effects of an Eight-Week Concurrent Training Program with Different Effort Character over Physical Fitness, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Lipid Profile among Hospital Workers: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

The "effort character" (EC) is a resistance training method without reaching muscle failure. It was defined by González-Badillo and Gorostiaga Ayestarán (2002) as the relationship between the repetitions performed and the repetitions achievable. Then, the EC is at its maximum (i.e., 100%) when the subject realizes all the repetitions possible in a series with any load. Therefore, an EC of 50% indicates execution of 50% of the repetitions achievable in a series. This study aimed to determine the effects of two programs of eight weeks of concurrent training (CT) with different EC over muscle strength (MS), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), functional mobility (FM), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and lipid profile (LP) among hospital workers.

METHODS

Fourteen hospital workers (age: 41.1 ± 10.8 years; body mass: 63.0 ± 10.8 kg; height: 165.2 ± 6.5 cm; body mass index (BMI): 23.0 ± 3.4 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to an EC 50% (n = 7) or EC 100% (n = 7) group.

RESULTS

The main finding was that both groups significantly improved in MS and FM levels but not HRQoL, with no statistical differences between EC 50% and EC 100% in adherence and any test despite performing half the volume of the strength workout.

CONCLUSIONS

An eight-week CT program with different EC (i.e., EC 50% vs. EC 100%) seems to improve the MS and FM levels in hospital workers similarly. These findings could be very useful in health-training practices because of the possibility of planning training loads with half the volume of strength workouts without the loss of any training adaptation.

Aerobic exercise attenuates the effects of ovariectomy and sedentarism on body composition and food intake in female rats

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of low to moderate aerobic exercise and ovariectomy on body composition and food consumption in female rats. Methods Forty adult Wistar female rats (age: 23 weeks; body weight: 275.2±3.6g; mean±SEM) were divided into 4 groups (n=10): laparotomy-sedentary; laparotomy-exercised; ovariectomy-sedentary; and ovariectomy-exercised. The exercised groups were submitted to a treadmill running program (16m/min; 30min/day, 5 days/week), for 8 weeks. Body weight and food consumption were monitored during the experiment. Visceral fat and carcass water, protein, ash, fat and carbohydrate fractions were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA plus the Tukey’s post hoc test was used for comparisons and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results The ovariectomized (ovariectomy-sedentary+ovariectomy-exercised) and sedentary (laparotomy-sedentary+ovariectomy-sedentary) animals showed higher (p<0.05) weight gain, food consumption, food efficiency ratio and weight gain/body weight ratio than laparotomy animals (laparotomy-sedentary+laparotomy-exercised) and exercised (exercised laparotomy+exercised ovariectomy), respectively. The ovariectomized and sedentary animals showed higher (p<0.05) carcass weight, fat percentage and visceral fat than laparotomy and exercised rats, respectively. Conclusion Ovariectomy and physical inactivity increase obesogenic indicators, whereas regular aerobic exercise of low to moderate intensity attenuates these unfavorable effects in female rats.

Impact of whole-body vibration exercise on physical performance and bone turnover in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

OBJECTIVE

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) is a risk factor for reduced physical performance, osteoporosis, and fractures due to compromised musculoskeletal metabolism. In this condition it is unknown whether whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise favorably alters physical performance and bone metabolism.

METHODS

To evaluate the effect of three-months WBV exercise (30 min; 2x/week) including an optional three-month extension on physical performance, bone metabolism and bone mineral density. Endpoints included functional assessments, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the tibia.

RESULTS

Fifteen MGUS patients (median age 62.0, nine female) completed the first three months of which ten completed the three-month extension. Measures of physical functioning including chair rise test, timed up and go and 6-minute walk test improved (p = 0.007; p = 0.009; p = 0.005) after three and six months of WBV exercise. Total tibial bone mineral density remained unaltered (p > 0.05). WBV exercise tended to increase levels of sclerostin (p = 0.093) with a transient increase in osteoclast resorption markers (N-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 1, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b) after three months while Dickkopf-1 (p = 0.093), procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (p = 0.074) and total alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.016) appeared to decline. No exercise-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

WBV exercise in MGUS patients improves indicators of physical performance. Observed trends in bone turnover markers and changes in distal tibial bone mineral density may indicate a regulatory effect of WBV exercise on bone metabolism and warrants further evaluation by large scale studies.