Risks and benefits of whole body vibration training in older people

摘要

Regular whole body vibration training, i.e. standing on a platformnthat vibrates at a high frequency over a small amplitude,nhas been reported to produce neuromuscular adaptationnand increase bone mineral density in some frailernpopulations [1]. As such, it has attracted interest for its potentialnbenefits regarding physical function, fall and fracture risknin older people. These potential benefits could however bencounteracted by detrimental effects associated with vibrationnexposure.nHarmful effects of vibration exposure were first identifiednalmost 100 years ago through study of the health ofnoperators of pneumatic power tools [2]. Vibration injurynto the hands includes a vascular component, characterisednby intermittent blanching, and a neurological component,ncharacterised by impaired proprioception and dexterity [3].nVibration exposure has also been associated with an increasednrisk of low back pain for drivers of work machines [4]. Asnvibration is recognised as an industrial hazard, legal limits onnexposure have been introduced in many countries. Europeannoccupational exposure limits can be exceeded in <5 minnon some commercially available whole body vibration trainingnplatforms if used on their highest magnitude settings. Itnis important to balance the potential risks of adverse sideeffectsnon the neurological and vascular systems with potentialnbenefits when designing a whole body vibration trainingnprotocol.