Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercises on Muscle Responses and on Risk of Falls in Elderly Individuals: A Systematic Review

• Published in: Iranian journal of public health
• Main Authors: De Meirelles, Alexandre Gonçalves, Moreira-Marconi, Eloá, Teixeira-Silva, Ygor, Gomes Santos, Aline Cristina, Silva Caiado, Vanessa Da, Jaques-Albuquerque, Luelia Teles, Coelho-Oliveira, Ana Carolina, Moura-Fernandes, Marcia Cristina, Paineiras-Domingos, Laisa Liane, Amadeu, Thaís Porto, Sonza, Anelise, Oliveira, Liszt Palmeira De, Seixas, Adérito, Bernardo-Filho, Mario, De Sá-Caputo, Danúbia Da Cunha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 25.06.2024
• ISSN: 2251-6085; 2251-6093
• DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i6.15895

Background: This systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises on muscles responses and on risk of falls in elderly individuals. Methods: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus databases in Feb 2023 to identify studies with the potential to be included according to the eligibility criteria. Relevant data from included studies were extracted. The methodological quality was evaluated for each study included by PEDro scale, risk of bias (Cochrane Collaboration’s tool), and the level of evidence by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Results: Six randomized clinical trial (RCT) were included. In respect of the level of evidence, all studies were classified as Level II (NHMRC) and regarding to the methodological quality (PEDro scale), four studies were considered ‘high’ and two were ‘fair’. Two publications presented low risk of bias, three with high risk of bias and one unclear. All the selected studies reported positive effects and improvements on risk of falls and muscle response after WBV exercise. Conclusion: WBV exercise may contribute to reduce the risk of falls and improve muscle responses in the elderly individuals.