Whole-body vibration improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundExercise intolerance is a common development in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is little data on the use of an isolated program using vibration platform training on functional capacity in these patients, which is an area that deserves investigation.AimTo investigate the effect of training on a vibrating platform (whole-body vibration [WBV]) on functional performance and quality of life of subjects with COPD.MethodsA randomized controlled crossover pilot study with eleven subjects with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]% predicted =14.63±11.14; forced vital capacity [FVC]% predicted =48.84±15.21; FEV1/FVC =47.39±11.63) underwent a 12-week WBV training program. Participants were randomized into the intervention group (IG) undergoing three sessions per week for a total of 12 weeks and control group (CG) without intervention. We evaluated the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), distance walked (DW), duration of the walk (TW), and index of perceived exertion (IPE), quality of life using St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and developed a 12-week program of training on a vibrating platform.ResultsThe mean age was 62.91±8.82 years old (72.7% male). The DW increased at the end of training with a difference between groups of 75 m; all domains of the SGRQ improved at the end of training. The effect size Cohen’s d ranged from small to large for all the measured results.ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest that WBV may potentially be a safe and feasible way to improve functional capacity in the 6MWT of patients with COPD undergoing a training program on the vibrating platform as well as in all domains of the SGRQ quality of life. However, further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to establish the long-term effect on functional capacity and quality of life in these patients.

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).…”

Whole-Body Vibration Training During a Low Frequency Outpatient Exercise Training Program in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

“…Additionally, our study has shown that patients are at least able to maintain their exercise performance in the context of the 3 months exercise training which can be seen as an important benefit in patients with COPD. However, in another recent study with a small sample size WBVT improved functional capacity in the 6-MWT of patients with COPD undergoing a training program on the vibrating platform as well as in all domains of the SGRQ quality of life in a safe and feasible way [30]. …”

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

“…At this level of evidence, WBV improved functional performance of the lower limbs [ 22 , 24 , 25 ] and QoL [ 22 ] of people with COPD (see Table 4 ). Two studies met the ISMNI recommendations [ 24 , 25 ].…”

“…The descriptions and level of evidences of six reviewed studies are shown in Table 3 . The level of evidence was Level II [ 23 , 26 , 27 ] and Level III-1 [ 22 , 24 , 25 ]. The degree to which the six reviewed papers met ISMNI recommendations is shown in Table 4 .…”