Citation

Alvarez-Barbosa F, Del Pozo-Cruz J, Del Pozo-Cruz B, Alfonso-Rosa RM, Rogers ME, Zhang Y. Maturitas 2014; 79(4): 456-463.

Affiliation

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.09.010

PMID

25449826

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy on fall risk, functional dependence and health-related quality of life in nursing home residents aged 80+ years.

DESIGN: Twenty-nine 80-95 years old volunteers, nursing home residents were randomized to an eight-week WBV intervention group) (n=15) or control group (n=14). Functional mobility was assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) test. Lower limb performance was evaluated using the 30-s Chair Sit to Stand (30-s CSTS) test. Postural stability was measured using a force platform. The Barthel Index was used to assess functional dependence and the EuroQol (EQ-5D) was used to evaluate Health-Related Quality of Life. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at a follow-up after 8 weeks.

RESULTS: At the 8-week follow up, TUG test (p<0.001), 30-s CSTS number of times (p=0.006), EQ-5Dmobility (p<0.001), EQ-5DVAS (p<0.014), EQ-5Dutility (p<0.001) and Barthel index (p=0.003) improved in the WBV intervention group when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week WBV-based intervention in a nursing home setting is effective in reducing fall risk factors and quality of life in nursing home residents aged 80+.

Language: en