Yasuno et al. (2017) — WBV and Immediate Balance Improvement: Study Summary

Study Details

Study: Immediate Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Stimulation on Balance Ability

Authors: Yasuno Y, Sugimoto S, Okuma T, Koyama T, Komiya J, Koike M, Nakayama T, Moriyama S, Suzuki S, Nishiura T

Institution: Musashino Hospital Rehabilitation Department; Tokyo Medical and Health Sciences University Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Conference: Japanese Society of Physical Therapy in Welfare Engineering — Poster Presentation [P-SK-06-3]

Year: 2017

Study type: Randomised controlled trial — conference poster (human study)

Population: 30 community-dwelling older adults using outpatient rehabilitation services (day service), mean age 77.6 +/- 4.0 years, 18 female / 12 male, varying care needs levels (support levels 1-2 to care levels 1-4)

Plain-English Summary

Researchers examined whether a single 2-minute session of whole-body vibration (WBV) could produce immediate improvements in balance ability in older adults using outpatient rehabilitation services. Balance was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test — a widely used clinical measure of functional mobility and dynamic balance — before and 1 minute after a single WBV session.

The WBV session was conducted using a BodyGreen BW01 vibration platform set to each participant most comfortable frequency between 4 Hz and 13 Hz. Participants stood lightly gripping a handrail for safety while receiving the vibration stimulus for 2 minutes. TUG scores improved significantly from an average of 16.89 seconds before WBV to 15.39 seconds after WBV — a reduction of approximately 1.5 seconds, which is clinically meaningful. No participants reported any worsening of symptoms; 16 of 30 reported feeling lighter on their feet.

What Researchers Examined

• Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores before and 1 minute after a single WBV session
• Self-reported symptom changes (pain, heaviness) after WBV
• Safety and tolerability in frail elderly population

Key Findings

A single 2-minute WBV session produced a statistically significant improvement in TUG scores in older adults using outpatient rehabilitation services. The improvement of approximately 1.5 seconds in TUG time is considered clinically meaningful in the context of fall risk and functional mobility. No participants reported worsening of symptoms. The researchers attributed the effect to increased proprioceptive input from the soles of the feet during vertical vibration, which may acutely improve postural control.

Methodology Notes

Immediate effects only: This study measured the acute, immediate effect of a single WBV session. It does not tell us whether regular, repeated WBV sessions produce sustained or cumulative balance improvements. The researchers themselves indicated that follow-up studies examining effects over time are needed.

Small sample size: 30 participants limits the statistical power of this study and means findings should be interpreted as preliminary.

BodyGreen equipment: The study used BodyGreen BW01 equipment — the same manufacturer as the BGREEN line sold by Vibrahealth. This is noted for transparency; it does not constitute an endorsement of any specific product.

Conference presentation: This study was presented as a conference poster and does not have the same evidence weight as a peer-reviewed journal article. It is included in this library to document the breadth of WBV research in humans.

Full Citation

Yasuno Y, Sugimoto S, Okuma T, Koyama T, Komiya J, Koike M, Nakayama T, Moriyama S, Suzuki S, Nishiura T. (2017). Immediate effects of whole-body vibration stimulation on balance ability. Poster presented at the Japanese Society of Physical Therapy in Welfare Engineering Annual Conference, May 2017. [P-SK-06-3]

Disclaimer: Research cited throughout this library is independent, peer-reviewed scientific work published in international journals. BGREEN and Turtlegym products are wellness and lifestyle equipment — they are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Persons with health conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.