Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 1901 |
| Title of the paper: | Effects of low-frequency vibration on walking ability and body composition among older adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Authors: | Tan, X., Zhang, L., Wang, D., Jiang, G., Wu, P., Li, S. |
| Institution: | Shanghai University of Sport |
| Department: | School of Physical Education |
| Country: | China |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: Age-related disorders are rapidly turning into a global issue that cannot be disregarded as the average life expectancy of humans rises due to advancements in social infrastructure and medical technology. However, older persons with physical limitations brought on by a variety of physical issues (such as heart problems or loss of balance) may not only lack the desire to be active and exercise owing to a monotonous exercise routine and requirement for supervision throughout training, but also may lack the ability to do so. It is currently unclear whether low-frequency vibration training is safer but as effective in this population. Thus, this study investigated the physiological effects of low-frequency vibration training on the walking ability and body composition of older adults. METHODS: This population-based study recruited community-dwelling adults 75 years of age or older. Exclusion criteria included any physical or cognitive disorder that would hamper vibration training or testing procedures. A lottery was used to randomly assign 50 participants to either a vibration group (n=25, 10 males, 15 females) or a control group (n=25, 11 males, 14 females). No one withdrew due to adverse effects. While the control group, continued their regular daily schedule, the vibration group completed 8 weeks of low-frequency vibration training (frequency 4-13 Hz; amplitude 2 mm), three sessions per week, with each session lasting 20-30 minutes. The capacity to walk, as assessed in the 30-s Chair Stand Test (CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and walking speed in the 10-m walk test, was evaluated along with body composition measurements associated with body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist to hip ratio. RESULTS: Long-term low-frequency vibration training significantly increased walking speed in the 10-m walk test and dynamic balance in the TUG test compared with before the intervention and compared with the control group. Observed improvements on lower limb muscle strength assessed in the 30-s CST were not statistically significant. Vibration training also significantly reduced waist circumference after the training, and reduced waist to hip ratio both after the training and compared with the control group but had little effect on body mass index and body fat percentage. CONCLUSION: The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicated that 8 weeks of low-frequency vibration training significantly enhanced dynamic balance and usual walking speed among older adults. The training may also have assisted in preserving their lower limb muscle strength, which can protect the capacity to sit and stand as the body ages. Vibration training had a positive impact on body composition, significantly reducing WC and WHR, which benefits overall physical health. Thus, long-term low-frequency vibration training may be a safe and effective tool for improving the health of older adults. |
| Topic: | Health and Fitness |
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