The preliminary effect of whole-body vibration intervention on improving the skeletal muscle mass index, physical fitness, and quality of life among the older people with sarcopenia in long-term care facilities
Research Notice: Research cited on this page is independent, peer-reviewed scientific work. 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. Findings from independent research do not constitute claims about Vibrahealth products. Persons with health conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Authors: Chang SF, Lin PC, Yang RS, Yang RJ
Journal: BMC Geriatrics (Springer Nature)
Year: 2018
PMID: 29343219
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0712-8
Technology studied: WBVV (Whole Body Vertical Vibration)
Population: Institutionalised older adults with sarcopenia in long-term care facilities
Study type: Randomised controlled trial (pre-experimental design)
Plain-English Summary
Researchers wanted to know whether a structured programme of whole-body vibration (WBVV) could improve muscle mass, physical fitness, and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia living in long-term care institutions — one of the most frail and poorly served populations in the healthcare system.
The study was a randomised controlled trial. Institutionalised older adults with diagnosed sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a WBV intervention group or a control group that received usual care without WBV. The WBV group underwent a structured programme of vibration sessions over the study period.
Researchers measured three key outcomes: skeletal muscle mass index (a measure of muscle mass relative to body size), physical fitness (strength, endurance, and functional capacity), and health-related quality of life.
The WBV intervention group showed significant improvements in sarcopenia-related outcomes compared to the control group. The researchers reported that health care professionals should consider incorporating WBV as part of regular training and assessment protocols for sarcopenic older adults in care institutions — this is the researchers own published conclusion.
What This Means
This study is significant because it specifically targeted institutionalised older adults in care facilities — the exact population for whom conventional exercise programmes are most difficult to implement and for whom WBV passive nature is most practically valuable. The authors explicit conclusion that health care professionals should consider incorporating WBV into care protocols reflects the clinical relevance of their findings. For eldercare facility managers and physiotherapists in Singapore evaluating physical activity options for their residents, this 2018 RCT published in a Springer Nature geriatric medicine journal is a credible and directly applicable reference.
Related Topics
Sources
- Chang SF, Lin PC, Yang RS, Yang RJ. (2018). The preliminary effect of whole-body vibration intervention on improving the skeletal muscle mass index, physical fitness, and quality of life among the older people with sarcopenia in long-term care facilities. BMC Geriatrics, 18, 206. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0712-8
Research Notice: Research cited on this page is independent, peer-reviewed scientific work. 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. Findings from independent research do not constitute claims about Vibrahealth products. Persons with health conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.