Whole body vibration has been suggested to help reduce falls and fractures by improving lower extremity strength, balance and bone strength.
A systematic review and meta-analysis showed no direct overall effect on bone mineral density, bone micro-architecture parameters or bone turnover markers. There was evidence from four studies however that whole body vibration reduces risk of falls, with relative risk of experiencing falls of 0.76 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.20, P=0.24, I2=24%). In other words based on these studies whole body vibration may reduce risk of falls by as much as 24%, and reduce fractures by reducing risk of falls (BMJ Open. 2017 Dec 29;7(12):e018342).
Four studies were used in the meta-analysis above to conclude that whole body vibration reduces falls. One of the studies compared exercise with exercise plus whole body vibration. Study included 151 postmenopausal community dwelling women (mean age 68.5 ± 3.1 years). Fall rate was reduced when whole body vibration (using Vibrafit machine vibrating at 25-35 Hz frequency, 1.7 mm amplitude, for 6 min 2 days a week for 18 months) during the leg-strengthening sequence was combined with exercise consisting of 20 min dancing aerobics, 5 min balance training, 20 min functional gymnastics, and 15 min dynamic leg-strength training (Osteoporos Int. 2011 Jan;22(1):317-25).
Another study included 62 nursing home residents (47 women and 15 men, mean age 83.2 ± 7.9 years) and compared whole body vibration (using Vibrosphere machine vibrating at 30 Hz frequency at 2 mm amplitude for 75 sec standing shoeless with knees flexed 3 times a week for 6 months) to no intervention. There were less falls in the whole body vibration group, but the difference between groups did not reach statistical significance (Aging Clin Exp Res. 2014 Aug;26(4):369-76).
Third study enrolled 159 participants from 10 long term care centers (mean age 82 years, 67% women) and compared effect of 30 min static and dynamic exercises with balance and strength training 3 times a week for 6 weeks vs exercise plus whole body vibration delivered using Powerplate machine vibrating at 30-35 Hz, amplitude 2-4 mm for 3-6 min, again the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2015 Feb;16(2):125-31).
Fourth study included 710 community dwelling women over age of 60 comparing effects of whole body vibration to no intervention. Vibration was delivered daily for 20 min at 35 Hz frequency, amplitude <0.1 mm, 5 days/week for 18 months, standing upright with knees extended. Overall 18.6% participants reporting falls or fractures in the intervention group compared to 28.7% in the control (adjusted Hazard Ratio = 0.56, p = 0.001). Improvement was also documented in variables describing muscle strength and balance ability (Osteoporos Int. 2014 Jun;25(6):1785-95).
Based on the studies above, one can conclude that whole body vibration may be effective in reducing falls in community dwelling older women after 18 months of intervention with bi- or tri-planar vibration at 25-35 Hz delivered 6-20 min 2-5 days a week. It may be a good idea to combine it with exercise.
At Steady Strides: Fall Prevention Medical Institute we provide medically guided tailor made physical and occupational therapy interventions overseen by physician expert in human biomechanics to prevent falls in older adults.