Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review

The effects and possible mechanisms of whole-body vibration on cognitive function: A narrative review

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a physical stimulation method that transmits mechanical oscillations to the entire body through a vibration platform or device. Biokinetic and epidemiologic studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high-intensity WBV increases health risks, primarily to the lumbar spine and the nervous system connected to it. There is currently insufficient evidence to demonstrate a quantitative relationship between vibration exposure and risk of health effects. The positive effects of WBV on increasing muscle strength and improving balance and flexibility are well known, but its effects on cognitive function are more complex, with mixed findings, largely related to vibration conditions, including frequency, amplitude, and duration. Studies have shown that short-term low-frequency WBV may have a positive impact on cognitive function, demonstrates potential rehabilitation benefits in enhancing learning and memory, possibly by promoting neuromuscular coordination and enhancing neural plasticity. However, long term exposure to vibration may lead to chronic stress in nerve tissue, affecting nerve conduction efficiency and potentially interfering with neuroprotective mechanisms, thereby having a negative impact on cognitive ability, even causes symptoms such as cognitive decline, mental fatigue, decreased attention, and drowsiness. This literature review aimed to explore the effects of WBV on cognitive function and further to analyze the possible mechanisms. Based on the analysis of literatures, we came to the conclusion that the impact of WBV on cognitive function depends mainly on the frequency and duration of vibration, short-term low-frequency WBV may have a positive impact on cognitive function, while long term exposure to WBV may lead to cognitive decline, and the mechanisms may be involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter changes. This review may provide some theoretical foundations and guidance for the prevention and treatment of WBV induced cognitive impairment.

Development of air therapy as a novel therapeutic branch in the field of rehabilitation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Developing technology in the field of rehabilitation is vital to accelerate recovery and decrease the side effects of current modalities. Rehabilitation is a challenging science in which the main challenge is not just treating the patient but also to shorten the rehabilitation time and avoid harmful effects. Thus, this review demonstrates the possible design and effects of air therapy as a novel treatment branch besides hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and manual therapy in the field of rehabilitation.

METHODS

The search was conducted over clinical trials, literature reviews, and systematic reviews on the possible effects of treatments that may have similar effects to the newly developed air therapy. This search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Medline databases.

RESULTS

Air therapy could be used to improve the function of mechanoreceptors, improve circulation and microcirculation, decrease pain, the release of trigger points, regain the elasticity of soft tissues, treat acute and chronic inflammations, decrease muscle cramps and spasticity, strengthen muscle, and decrease muscle fatigue and Decreasing muscle fatigue and delayed muscle soreness.

CONCLUSION

Air therapy is a novel treatment modality that can be used effectively in the field of rehabilitation. Air therapy could be a valuable and safe treatment in rehabilitation.

Efficacy of Combining Whole-body Vibration Training and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Preliminary Study

Objectives

We aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of integrating whole-body vibration training (WBVT) into conventional closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises as an intervention strategy for early knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

: This non-randomized comparative study conducted at an orthopedic clinic involved 53 patients (with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-2); 37 patients received only physical therapy (CKC group), and 16 patients received both physical therapy and WBVT (WBVT group). The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscale score for pain, and the secondary outcomes were the WOMAC subscale score for physical function and muscle-strength assessments [isometric knee extension strength and the 30-second chair-stand test (CS-30) score]. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for bias between the control and intervention groups.

Results

: After PSM adjustment, 13 patients were selected from each group. The WBVT group showed a significant improvement in the WOMAC pain score (d=1.16, P=0.007) and a significant increase in the CS-30 score (d=0.81, P=0.049). However, for the WOMAC physical function score, the between-group difference remained statistically insignificant (d=0.59, P=0.146).

Conclusions

: WBVT may be effective in reducing the pain of early KOA. WBVT is a non-invasive and convenient method, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic option.

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.

Assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of whole-body vibration: a meta-analysis based on pre-clinical and clinical evidences

BACKGROUND

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a commonly used physical exercise for disease prevention and rehabilitation. Recent studies indicated the beneficial mechanism of WBV may be associated with its anti-inflammatory potential, however, its regulatory roles on different inflammatory mediators remained controversial. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to re-confirm the effects of WBV exercise on various inflammatory factors.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to September 2023 to collect all articles comparing WBV with control (or post-pre trials). The effect size was expressed as the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 31 eligible studies were included, including 14 pre-clinical and 17 clinical studies. The meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies showed that compared with the control group, WBV exercise could significantly reduce the level of IL-6 (SMD: -1.03, 95% CI: -1.93, -0.13), TNF-α (SMD: -1.36, 95% CI: -2.54, -0.17) (for disease subgroup), IL-1β (SMD: -2.20, 95% CI: -3.24, -1.15), IFN-γ (SMD: -1.91, 95% CI: -2.71, -1.12), IL-4 (SMD: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.03) and IL-17 (SMD: -1.32, 95% CI: -2.05, -0.59) overall. Pooling of clinical studies revealed WBV exercise significantly reduced the level of TNF-α (WBV vs control: SMD: -1.11, 95% CI: -2.16, -0.06; post vs pre: SMD: -1.29, 95% CI: -1.91, -0.67), CRP (SMD: -3.59, 95% CI: -6.36, -0.82, P = 0.011) and enhanced the level of IL-10 (WBV vs control: SMD: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.10, 4.71; post vs pre: SMD: 1.75, 95% CI: 0.64, 2.87) and IL-6 (SMD: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.52) (healthy subgroup).

CONCLUSION

WBV may be an effective prevention and rehabilitation tool for inflammatory diseases.

Effects of intermittent hypoxia and whole-body vibration training on health-related outcomes in older adults

BACKGROUND

Aging is associated with a health impairment and an increase of the vulnerability of the older people. Strength training under intermittent hypoxic conditions has been shown to have therapeutic effects on individual's health.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined intermittent hypoxia (IH) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training program on health-related outcomes in older people.

METHODS

A total of 60 adults (over the age of 65) voluntarily participated in an intervention that lasted 20 weeks (three 30-min sessions per week). The participants were divided into four experimental groups subjected to different environmental conditions (IH vs normoxia) and exercise (non-exercise vs WBV). Functional fitness, body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, and bone turnover were evaluated before and after the intervention. A multifactorial ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to explore differences within and between groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that IH and WBV had a positive synergistic effect on inflammatory parameters (CRP and IL-10), bone formation biomarker (PINP), and body composition (muscle and bone mass).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a combined IH and WVB training could be a useful tool to prevent the deterioration of health-related outcomes associated with aging. Clinical trial registration NCT04281264. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ .

A comparison of the burden of knee osteoarthritis attributable to high body mass index in China and globally from 1990 to 2019

Background

Excess body mass index (BMI) plays a key role in the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (knee OA). However, the burden of knee OA attributable to high BMI at the global, Chinese, and regional levels have received far too little attention. The aim of this study is to provide evidence to support the design of policy by investigating long-term trends of years lived with disability (YLDs) for knee OA.

Methods

To illustrate the trends of YLDs for knee OA attributable to high BMI and the temporal trends of the YLDs rate by age, period, and cohort, Joinpoint regression software and age-period-cohort (APC) were used to analyze the YLDs data of knee OA from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019.

Results

In China, there were 549,963.5 YLDs for knee OA attributable to high BMI in 2019, which had increased by 460.7% since 1990. From 1990 to 2019, age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate (ASDR) of knee OA attributable to high BMI trended upwards. The average annual percent change (AAPC) of knee OA attributable to high BMI in China and globe were 3.019, 1.419%, respectively. The longitudinal age curve of the APC model showed that the YLDs rates of knee OA due to high BMI increased with age, and YLDs rates were higher among females than males. The period rate ratios (RRs) of knee OA due to high BMI increased significantly. The cohort RRs of knee OA due to high BMI increased among those born between 1900 and 1970. The net drifts of knee OA attributable to high BMI in China and globe were above 1. Compared with global condition, the net drift values of knee OA attributable to high BMI in China was higher. Compared with females, males had higher net drift value. Countries with high socio-demographic index (SDI) have a much higher burden of knee OA caused by high BMI than countries with low SDI.

Conclusion

In China, high BMI is a substantial cause of knee OA, the incidence of which has been increasing since 1990. In addition, women and the elderly are more vulnerable to knee OA caused by high BMI. The Chinese government must take the long-term impact of high BMI on knee OA into account and implement effective public health policies and resort to interventions to reduce the burden as soon as possible.