Article

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the
literature on whole body vibration programs in older population and a
meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
METHOD: A search was
conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases. We
included randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of whole
body vibration training in older populations compared to conventional exercise or
control groups that assessed balance, muscle strength, falls, bone mineral
density and adverse events. RESULTS: Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria.
Comparing the vibration and the control group, we found that vibration
significantly improved knee muscle isometric strength (18.30 Nm, 95% CI
7.95-28.65), muscle power (10.44 W, 95% CI 2.85-18.03) and balance control
(Tinetti test: 4.5 points, 95% CI 0.95-8.11). Comparison with a conventional
exercise showed that the only significant difference was bone mineral density in
the femoral neck (0.04 g/cm(-2), 95% CI 0.02-0.07). There were no serious
complications in most of studies. CONCLUSION: Whole body vibration training may
improve strength, power and balance in comparison with a control group, although
these effects are not apparent when compared with a group that does conventional
exercise.

Langue : ANGLAIS