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

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate whether whole-body vibration training (WBVT) can be applied beneficially within an outpatient low frequency exercise program.MethodsIn a prospective, controlled, randomized study, WBVT effectiveness and safety were investigated in COPD stage II-IV patients undergoing a 3-month training program. Participants took part in a 90-min circuit training once a week. On top patients were randomized to either perform squats with WBVT, or without (conventional training group (CTG)). Before and after the intervention, a sit-to-stand test (STST), a 6-min walk test (6-MWT), the COPD assessment test (CAT), and the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRQ) were evaluated.ResultsTwenty-eight out of 55 patients completed the study (n = 12 WBTV, n = 16 CTG). The STST time remained nearly constant for the CTG (Δ -0.8 ± 3.1 s) and the WBVT (Δ 1.4 ± 3.2 s; P = 0.227), respectively. Similarly, for both WBVT and CTG, the 6-min walk distance remained unchanged (Δ 7 ± 55 m vs. 9 ± 45 m, P = 0.961). In three out of four categories, the CRQ scores showed a significant improvement within WBVT, and in one category when comparing across groups. The CAT score dropped by -0.8 ± 2.9 points within CTG and by 2.4 ± 2.7 points within WBVT (P = 0.105). There were no adverse events related to WBVT.ConclusionThe implementation of WBVT in the context of an outpatient low frequency exercise program did not significantly improve the patients’ exercise capacity. An improvement in CAT and partially in CRQ was shown within WBVT. However, regarding the high dropout rate (49%), these results must be interpreted with caution.

Whole-body vibration training – better care for COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…With analysis from three included trials, 9 , 12 , 13 no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the CAT score (WMD: 1.35 points, 95% CI: −1.56 to 4.27, P =0.36) and the change of CAT score (WMD: −0.29 points, 95% CI: −3.27 to 2.69, P =0.85).…”

“…A total of 1,012 studies were identified by the initial database search. Only eight RCTs 6 – 13 with 365 patients were included in our study after full evaluation ( Figure 1 ). The included studies were published between 2012 and 2017.…”

“…We found no significant discoveries in subgroup analyses. Side-alternating vibration was applied in five trials, 7 – 9 , 12 , 13 in which 6-MWD did not show significant differences between two groups (WMD: 38.91, 95% CI: -1.11 to 78.92, P =0.11), but the change of 6-MWD (WMD: 43.73, 95% CI: 14.84–72.62, P =0.003) increased above the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 35 m. 15 Vertical vibration was applied in the remaining three trials, 6 , 10 , 11 but patients enrolled in these trials did not show any improvement in their 6-MWD (WMD: 38.66, 95% CI: −47.22 to 125.54, P =0.38) and change of 6-MWD (WMD: 40.51, 95% CI: −40.49 to 121.52, P =0.33) significantly.…”

“…A total of five studies 7 – 9 , 12 , 13 reported SST and the change of SST. The analysis of SST and the change of SST are presented in Figures 3 and 4 .…”

“…With analysis from three included studies, 7 , 9 , 13 no significant difference was found between the two groups concerning FEV 1 (% predicated) (WMD: −0.95, 95% CI: −5.50 to 3.60, P =0.68), which can be seen in Figure 4 , and the change of FEV 1 (% predicated) (WMD: −1.83, 95% CI: −4.53 to 0.87, P =0.18).…”