Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of whole-body vibration in addition to an
exercise programme on functional mobility and related outcomes for frail older fallers. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized parallel group trial. Setting: UK;
National Health Service assessment and rehabilitation facility for older people.
PARTICIPANTS: Frail older fallers: 38 (80 +/- 8.6 years) performed the exercise
with whole-body vibration (vibration group), and 39 (82 +/- 8.1 years) without
(exercise group). INTERVENTION: Sixty minutes supervised exercise class three
times weekly for eight weeks +/- whole-body vibration (up to 5 x 1 minute, 15-30
Hz and 2-8 mm peak-to-peak). MEASUREMENTS: Timed Up and Go, 6-m walk, static
balance, fear of falling (FES-I) and self-reported health status (SF-12 version
2) were assessed at baseline, four weeks (mobility measures only), eight weeks
and six months. RESULTS: Timed Up and Go and 6-m walk improved in both groups at
eight weeks (P < 0.01), but significantly more in the vibration group (timed up
and go: 38 vs. 20%, P < 0.05); 6-m walk: (36 vs. 18.1%, P < 0.05, respectively).
Balance, fear of falling and physical component of the self-reported health
status improved similarly in both groups (P < 0.05).
At follow-up, no significant
differences from baseline remained for any measure.
The mean total time
experienced was 37% of maximal target. CONCLUSION: The addition of whole-body
vibration to strength and balance exercise resulted in greater improvements in
functional mobility than exercise alone, despite achieving lower than anticipated
exposure. Gains from neither intervention were sustained at six months.

Langue : ANGLAIS