A systematic review of studies investigating the effects of controlled whole‐body vibration intervention on peripheral circulation

Abstract

Summary The findings of the published studies investigating the changes in peripheral circulation induced by exposure to whole‐body vibration (WBV) are not consensual or conclusive. Also, those studies did not consider the role of vibration magnitude on the peripheral circulatory responses making the interpretation of the observed findings difficult. We aimed to review the published literature investigating the effects of controlled WBV intervention on peripheral circulation by characterizing the relevant exposure conditions including vibration magnitudes, and ascertain the specific patterns of responses in peripheral circulation of the lower extremity from such exposure. A computerized search was performed in PubMed and Scopus using selected key search terms, and the relevant data were extracted. The vibration magnitude in the included studies frequently exceeded the limit specified in the International Standard ISO 2631‐1 (1997) for such exposure. As observed, exposure to WBV with frequencies ≤30 Hz caused an improvement in peripheral blood flow (BF) and/or skin temperature (ST) of the lower extremity. In contrast, the responses in BF and ST from exposure to WBV of higher frequencies (31 Hz–50 Hz) produced conflicting results. The findings of this review indicate that WBV exposure with relatively lower frequency and magnitude can be safely and effectively used to induce improvements in peripheral circulation. For this purpose, the limits recommended by the ISO 2631‐1 (1997) should be considered till safe and effective vibration‐related parameters are established.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Peripheral Blood Flow, Vibrotactile Perception and Balance in Older Adults

“…As revealed, WBV generated at 15, 20 and 25 Hz caused a significant increase in foot SBF both during and/or after the exposure comparing with the corresponding control condition. Such enhancements in SBF are caused by vibration stimulation-induced interactions of neural signals, hormones and mediators with the involvement of both local and central vasoregulatory mechanisms [13,16,39,47,48]. It has been postulated that exposure to WBV generates vibration tonic reflexes which increase muscle metabolic demand and oxygen consumption with rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the precapillary sphincters and subsequent vasodilation [13,15].…”

“…This WBV generating device is widely used for research (investigation of its effects on proprioception, joint position sense, leg balance, gait and functional mobility, changes in bone mineral density, muscle strength and muscle oxygenation, peripheral circulation, etc.) and rehabilitation purposes [13,35]. The peak vibration acceleration level of the unoccupied platform in the vertical (Z axis) direction was confirmed with a triaxial piezoelectric accelerometer (PV-97C, Rion Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) connected to a 3-axis vibration meter (VM-54, Rion Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and fixed on it at the midpoints of the location of placement of subject's feet.…”

“…Aging is also associated with compromised cardio-postural control and orthostatic intolerance [11,12]. Intervention with WBV has shown the potential to positively influence human peripheral circulation and improve symphathovagal balance [13,14]. However, for intervention with WBV, useful or optimum vibration parameters like frequency, amplitude and acceleration have not yet been established [13].…”

“…Intervention with WBV has shown the potential to positively influence human peripheral circulation and improve symphathovagal balance [13,14]. However, for intervention with WBV, useful or optimum vibration parameters like frequency, amplitude and acceleration have not yet been established [13]. Moreover, despite the existence of a large number of studies investigating the effects of WBV intervention on physiological and physical changes among older adults, the relevant findings seem inconsistent and inconclusive.…”

“…On the other hand, a number of those studies exposed human subjects to relatively high magnitudes of WBV, the levels of which frequently exceeded the recommended values mentioned in the relevant standards ISO 2631-1 and EU Directive 2002/44/EU [23,24]. An intervention with the application of such high magnitudes of WBV that involves the use of human subjects is considered controversial [13].…”