Benefits of Whole‐Body Vibration, as a Component of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation, in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review with a Suitable Approach

Abstract

Background. Appropriate management, including pulmonary rehabilitation, associated with correct diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients can contribute to improving clinical conditions of these patients. Physical activity is recommended for COPD patients. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a modality of physical activity. Putting together the biological effects and safe use of WBV, it may be a potentially feasible intervention to add to pulmonary rehabilitation. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review studies regarding the effects of WBV, as a component of the pulmonary rehabilitation, in patients with COPD. Results. A total of six publications met inclusion for review. There was evidence to support the beneficial use of WBV to improve functional performance of the lower limbs and quality of life. However, the appropriateness of and descriptors of WBV methods were poorly described. Conclusions. The results of this review support the use of WBV as a component of pulmonary rehabilitation to assist management of patients with COPD. However, future research should examine the dose-response curve and optimal dosing regimen of WBV according to standard reporting recommendations for people with COPD. Such an approach will allow comparison among studies and the potential of meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic mobility, and body composition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Some associated physiotherapy strategies such as respiratory muscle training can produce beneficial effects in COPD subjects (Beaumont et al, 2015;Neves et al, 2014). Another strategy that has gained strength and has been associated with improvement in skeletal muscle, especially the lower limbs, and functional capacity in COPD subjects is whole body vibration, making it a potential means to recover lean mass (Braz Júnior et al, 2015;Cardim, Marinho, Nascimento, Fuzari, & Dornelas de Andrade, 2016;Sá-Caputo et al, 2016).…”

Effects of whole body vibration exercises on functional parameters of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of WBVE, as a form of PE, without provoking exacerbation of the disease, with several benefits for these individuals. 22,23 It is suggested that WBVE, when used as a modality of PE, under appropriated conditions, in individuals with COPD, does not lead to exacerbation of the disease, bringing several clinical benefits. Therefore, WBVE may be a great intervention in the management of these individuals, but more studies are needed.…”

Clinical Approaches of Whole-Body Vibration Exercises in Individuals with Stroke: A Narrative Revision

“…Moreover, as a mode of physical activity, WBVE has been identified as a feasible intervention with little to no adverse events [ 19 , 20 ]. WBVE has progressively been applied with beneficial outcomes to various clinical populations including stroke [ 7 , 21 ], obesity [ 22 ], rheumatoid arthritis [ 23 ], diabetes [ 24 ], spinal cord injury [ 25 ], chronic kidney disease [ 26 ], fibromyalgia [ 27 , 28 ], multiple sclerosis [ 29 ], cerebral palsy [ 30 , 31 ], Duchenne muscular dystrophy [ 32 ], osteogenesis imperfecta [ 33 ], osteoarthritis [ 34 ], and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ 35 ]. The effects of the WBVE may be due to neuromuscular responses to the interaction of the mechanical vibrations with the body and the tonic vibration response [ 36 – 39 ].…”