Article

Whole-body vibration training using single-frequency methods has been reported to
improve bone mineral density. However, the intensities can exceed safe levels and
have drawn unfavorable comments from subjects. In a previous article, whole-body
vibration training using multiple vibration displacements at multiple vibration
frequencies (MVDMVF) was reported. This article presents the computational
simulation evaluation of stress dispersion on a femur with and without the MVDMVF
input. A model of bone femur was developed from a computed tomography image of
the lower limb with Mimics software from Materialise (Plymouth, Michigan). We
analyzed the mesh model in COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL, Inc; Burlington,
Massachusetts) with and without MVDMVF input, with constraints and load applied
to the femur model. We compared the results with published joint stresses during
walking, jogging, and stair-climbing and descending and with standard vibration
exposure limits. Results showed stress levels on the femur are significantly
higher with MVDMVF input than without. The stress levels were within the
published levels during walking and stair-climbing and descending but below the
stress levels during jogging. Our computational results demonstrate that MVDMVF
generates stress level equivalent to the level during walking and stair-climbing.
This evidence suggests that MVDMVF is safe for prolonged use in subjects with
osteoporosis who ambulate independently.

Langue : ANGLAIS