Citation

Kemmler W, von Stengel S, Mayer S, Niedermayer M, Hentschke C, Kalender WA. Z. Gerontol. 2010; 43(2): 125-132.

Vernacular Title

Effekte von Ganzkorpervibrationen auf die neuromuskulare Leistungsfahigkeit von

Affiliation

Institut für Medizinische Physik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestrasse 91, 91052, Erlangen, Deutschland, wolfgang.kemmler@imp.uni-erlangen.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00391-009-0074-0

PMID

19789832

Abstract

Sarcopenia is linked to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in the aging. Whole body vibration (WBV) exercises are currently discussed as a "gentle" alternative to conventional exercises to improve muscle mass. The present study scrutinized whether a multipurpose (exercise) training program using WBV can improve muscle mass and neuromuscular capacity, while lowering fall risk. A total of 151 postmenopausal women were randomized into three groups: exercise group (TG), exercise group with vibration (VTG), and fitness control group (CG). The TG group participated in an exercise program including leg strengthening training twice a week over 12 months, while the VTG carried out an identical program with the leg exercises performed under WBV. Despite a positive trend regarding lean body mass in the two exercise groups, there was no difference between groups. Both exercise groups showed a significant increase (vs. KG) in trunk strength. An improvement in both exercise groups was also measured with respect to leg strength, but only the VTG showed significant differences compared to the CG. In addition, a significant lower risk of falls compared with the CG was evident only in VTG.

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