Can a Whole-Body Vibration Program Potentialize the Benefits of a Psychomotor Intervention Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults At Risk of Falling? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background To evaluate the effects of two interactive cognitive-motor programs in processing speed, lower-body strength, and body composition in community dwellings at risk of falling. Methods Forty-eight community dwellings (75.0 ± 5.4 years) completed this randomized controlled trial, were allocated into three groups: 1) experimental group 1 (EG1: psychomotor intervention program); 2) experimental group 2 (EG2: combined program [psychomotor intervention program + whole-body vibration]); and 3) control group (kept their daily life routines). Participants were assessed at baseline, at post-24-week intervention, and after a 12-week no-intervention follow-up. Results Significant improvements were induced by EGs programs in processing speed, lower-body strength, and bone mass (p < 0.05). The treatment effect was similar in both EGs in processing speed and lower-body strength, and higher in bone mineral content and density within EG2. The number of falls decreased by 44.2% in EG1 and 63% in EG2 (p < 0.05). After the follow-up, improvements in processing speed were maintained, particularly in EG2, but were reversed in lower-body strength in both EGs, as were in bone mineral content and density, particularly within EG2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions Both interactive cognitive-motor programs were accepted and well tolerated by the participants, inducing similar improvements in cognitive and physical functions and decreased the fall rate. Additionally, the combined program led to additional benefits in bone mass. This evidenced that both programs were effective for fall and injury prevention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03446352, registered on 26/02/2018.