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To evaluate the effects of 3 lumbar interbody fusion techniques on the occurrence of complications in an osteoporotic spine under whole-body vibration. A previously developed and validated nonlinear finite element model of L1-S1was modified to develop anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) models with osteoporosis. In each model, the lower surface of the sacrum was absolutely fixed, a follower load of 400N was applied through the axis of the lumbar spine, and an axial sinusoidal vertical load of ±40N (5 Hz) was imposed on the superior surface of L1, to perform a transient dynamic analysis. The maximal values of intradiscal pressure, shear stress on annulus substance, disc bulge, facet joint stress, and screw and rod stress, along with their dynamic response curves, were collected. Among these 3 models, the TLIF model generated the greatest screw and rod stress, and the PLIF model generated the greatest cage–bone interface stress. At the L3-L4 level, compared with the other 2 models, the maximal values and dynamic response curves of intradiscal pressure, shear stress of annulus ground substance, and disc bulge were all lower in the ALIF model. However, the facet contact stress at the adjacent segment in the ALIF model was higher than that in the other 2 models. In an osteoporotic spine under whole-body vibration, TLIF has the highest risk of screw and rod breakage, PLIF has the highest risk of cage subsidence, and ALIF has the lowest risk of upper adjacent disc degeneration, but the highest risk of adjacent facet joint degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionDue to demographic changes, falls are increasingly becoming a focus of health care. It is known that within six months after a fall, two thirds of fallers will fall again. Therefore, therapeutic procedures to improve balance that are simple and can be performed in a short time are needed. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) may be such a procedure.MethodAn electronic search to assess the effectiveness of SR-WBV on balance in the elderly was conducted using databases that included CINAHL Cochrane, PEDro, and PubMed. Included studies were assessed using the Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool by two independent reviewers.ResultsNine studies showing moderate methodological quality were included. Treatment parameters were heterogeneous. Vibration frequency ranged from 1 to 12 Hz. Six studies found statistically significant improvements of balance from baseline to post measurement after SR-WBV interventions. One article found clinical relevance of the improvement in total time of the “Expanded Time to Get Up and Go Test”.DiscussionPhysiological adaptations after balance training are specific and may explain some of the observed heterogeneity. Two out of nine studies assessed reactive balance and both indicated statistically significant improvements after SR-WBV. Therefore, SR-WBV represents a reactive balance training.

Human comfort testing for military vehicles in Malaysia should be conducted in diverse terrains and actual weather conditions in the field. This is to ensure that the comfort level of the driver and crew in the cabin is at the optimum level according to the relevant standards. In order to measure the level of human comfort, a series of noise exposure, whole-body vibration (WBV) and heat stress tests were carried out on military vehicles according to the test protocols that have been developed. The evaluated vehicles were taken from the categories of logistics, utility and armoured vehicles. The test results found that all three types of vehicles comply with the human comfort standards. However, a more comprehensive study should be conducted in the future to obtain more data from various types of vehicles to obtain a more accurate human comfort trend for military vehicles operating in the Malaysian environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressions are a type of distress that cause whole-body vibration (WBV) on people traveling in vehicles, adversely affecting traffic safety, especially at high driving speeds. The study investigated the WBV levels of people traveling in the vehicle during the passage of passenger cars over depressions at the depths defined in the standard. In this context, vibration measurements were made in the vehicle at various driving speeds on some road sections with a known vertical profile with a passenger car. The road sections have been selected with a speed control hump in the middle of the section to consider extreme changes while riding. Vehicle responses were digitized by calibrating a half-vehicle dynamic model with the help of profile data of known geometry and vibration data. WBV values occurring in the seats of vehicles caused by depression type distress in nine different sizes, three different depths defined in low (L), medium (M), and high (H) severity levels and three different widths at each depth, were dynamically simulated. The evaluations were repeated for road profiles expressing A and B classes according to ISO 8608. In the simulation, vibration values were produced by changing ten units to see the change in vibration parameters in the range of vehicle speeds between 10 and 100 km/h , and the effects of driving speed on WBV were also taken into account. Vibration data were analyzed using vertical weighted root-mean-square acceleration (aw), vibration dose value (VDV), and equivalent static compressive stress (Se) parameters defined in the ISO 2631 standard. The analysis shows that with the increase in driving speed, the discomfort increased by 16% in depressions of 0.5 m width, 26% in depressions of 1 m width, and 79% in depressions of 3 m width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure of coal mine dumper operators poses numerous health hazards. The case-control study was aimed at assessing the relative musculoskeletal health risk of dumper operators' exposure to WBV with reference to the nonexposed group. Methods: Measurements of WBV exposure were taken at the operator–seat interface using a human vibration analyzer for 110 dumper operators in three coal mines. This vibration measurement was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of 110 dumper operators exposed to WBV and an equal number of workers not exposed to WBV. The relative risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has been assessed through the case-control study design. Results: ISO guidelines were used to compare the health risk. It was observed that the prevalence of pain in the lower back was 2.52 times more in the case group compared to the control group. The case group of Mine-2 was 2.0 times more prone to vibration hazards as compared to Mine-3. Conclusion: The case group is more vulnerable to MSDs than the control group. The on-site measurement as well as the response of the dumper operators during the questionnaire survey corroborates this finding.

A good body-balance helps to prevent slips, trips and falls. New body-balance interventions must be explored, because effective methods to implement daily training are sparse. The purpose of the current study was to investigate acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration (SS-WBV) training on musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance, and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated into a verum (8.5 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 28) or sham (6 Hz, SS-WBV, N = 27) condition. The training consisted of three SS-WBV series that lasted one-minute each with two one-minute breaks in between. During the SS-WBV series, participants stood in the middle of the platform with slightly bent knees. During the breaks in between, participants could loosen up. Flexibility (modified fingertip-to-floor method), balance (modified Star Excursion Balance Test), and cognitive interference (Stroop Color Word Test) were tested before and after the exercise. Also, musculoskeletal well-being, muscle relaxation, sense of flexibility, sense of balance, and surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire before and after the exercise. Musculoskeletal well-being was significantly increased only after verum. Also, muscle relaxation was significantly higher only after verum. The Flexibility-Test showed significant improvement after both conditions. Accordingly, sense of flexibility was significantly increased after both conditions. The Balance-Test showed significant improvement after verum, and after sham. Accordingly, increased sense of balance was significant after both conditions. However, surefootedness was significantly higher only after verum. The Stroop-Test showed significant improvement only after verum. The current study shows that one SS-WBV training session increases musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance and cognition. The abundance of improvements on a light and portable platform has great influence on the practicability of training in daily life, aiming to prevent slip trips and falls at work.

In this review, we first discussed the method of action as well as the influence aspects of whole-body vibration training. We also discussed what is whole body vibration, what are its effect and uses in different conditions, how it works, benefits of using whole body vibration. This review work gives us idea about current knowledge of effect and uses of whole body vibration in physiotherapy, sports, and medical aspects, also how WBV is used in different conditions (like-Knee osteoarthritis, Knee Extensor Tendon Stiffness in Hemi paretic Stroke Patients, osteoporosis, muscle spasticity of people with CNS disorders etc). This revive also states that work on a shaking programme are secured, practicable, and agreed by patients with various conditions, except its ultimate effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified typing performance on smartphones of public transportation passengers using subjective assessments of comfort and difficulty and objective assessments of the number of errors and typing speed. Three frequency values (5, 10, and 15 Hz), two magnitudes (0.6 and 1.2 m/s2) and two types of operating systems (Android and IOS) were adopted. Tests without vibration were applied to analyse the residual effect of vibration. The results showed that vibration significantly influences comfort. The higher the frequency, the less errors and the faster the typing speed. In the magnitude analysis, the increase caused a greater number of errors and greater difficulty. In both assessments, the discomfort was proportional to the increase in frequency or magnitude and the number of errors was inversely proportional to the typing speed. Finally, the IOS operating system showed worse comfort when compared to Android, although no significant differences were observed for the objective assessment. Practitioner summary: Public transportation passengers are exposed to WBV while typing on smartphones. The results showed that vibration influences comfort, the number of errors and the typing speed. Therefore, manufacturers should be aware of the level of vibration that vehicles are exposed to in order to provide more performance to the user. Abbreviations: WBV: whole-body vibration; PID: proportional–integral–derivative; RMS: root mean square; HLM: hierarchical linear modeling; OLS: ordinary least squares; STH: seat-to-head [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vibration increases drowsiness by affecting physiological and cognitive functions. • Interactions between vibration frequency, amplitude and duration cause drowsiness. • Low frequency (4–10 Hz) WBV can induce drowsiness within 30 min. • The intersection between WBV and other human factors deserves urgent attention. • Manufacturers should aim to minimise the vibrational factors that cause drowsiness. Introduction: Whole-body vibration has direct impacts on driver vigilance by increasing physical and cognitive stress on the driver, which leads to drowsiness, fatigue and road traffic accidents. Although sleep deprivation, sleep apnoea and alcohol consumption can also lead to driver drowsiness, exposure to steady vibration is the factor most readily controlled by changes to vehicle design, yet it has received comparatively less attention. Methods: This review investigated interrelationships between the various components of whole-body vibration and the physiological and cognitive parameters that lead to driver drowsiness, as well as the effects of vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform and duration). Vibrations transmitted to the driver body from the vehicle floor and/or seat have been considered for this review, whereas hand-arm vibration, shocks, acute or transient vibration were excluded from consideration. Results: Drowsiness is affected by interactions between the frequency, amplitude, waveform and duration of the vibration. Under optimal conditions, whole-body vibration can induce significant drowsiness within 30 min. Low frequency whole-body vibrations, particularly vibrations of 4–10 Hz, are most effective at inducing drowsiness. This review notes some limitations of current studies and suggests directions for future research. Conclusions: This review demonstrated a strong causal link exists between whole-body vibration and driver drowsiness. Since driver drowsiness has been established to be a significant contributor to motor vehicle accidents, research is needed to identify ways to minimise the components of whole-body vibration that contribute to drowsiness, as well as devising more effective ways to counteract drowsiness. Practical Applications: By raising awareness of the vibrational factors that contribute to drowsiness, manufacturers will be prompted to design vehicles that reduce the influence of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundOsteoporosis and immune-associated disorders are highly prevalent among menopausal women, and diet control and exercise exert beneficial effects on physiological modulation in this population. A controlled diet with a low fat content and a balanced caloric intake improves menopausal health, but the health effects of excessive fructose consumption on menopausal women are yet to be confirmed. In addition, whole-body vibration (WBV), a safe passive-training method, has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects on metabolism regulation, obesity, and bone health.MethodsThe ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J model was used to verify the effects of WBV combined with a high-fructose diet (HFrD) for 16 weeks on physiological modulation and immune responses. The mice were randomly allocated to sham, OVX, OVX+HFrD, and OVX+HFrD+WBV groups, which were administered with the indicated ovariectomy, dietary and WBV training treatments. We conducted growth, dietary intake, glucose homeostasis, body composition, immunity, inflammation, histopathology, and osteoporotic assessments (primary outcomes).ResultsOur results showed that the isocaloric HFrD in OVX mice negated estrogen-deficiency–associated obesity, but that risk factors such as total cholesterol, glucose intolerance, osteoporosis, and liver steatosis still contributed to the development of metabolic diseases. Immune homeostasis in the OVX mice was also negatively affected by the HFrD diet, via the comprehensive stimulation of T cell activation, causing inflammation. The WBV intervention combined with the HFrD model significantly ameliorated weight gain, glucose intolerance, total cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-17, and IL-4) in the OVX mice, although osteoporosis and liver steatosis were not affected compared to the negative control group. These findings indicate that an isocaloric high-fructose diet alone may not result in menopausal obesity, but that some deleterious physiological impacts still exist.ConclusionThe WBV method may modulate the physiological impacts of menopause and the HFrD diet, and should be considered as an alternative exercise prescription for people with poor compliance or who are unable or unwilling to use traditional methods to improve their health. In future studies, using the WBV method as a preventive or therapeutic strategy, combined with nutritional interventions, medication, and other exercise prescriptions, may prove beneficial for maintaining health in menopausal women.

There is little information about drivers' body balance responses to combined exposure of noise and vibration. To fill the gap, this study aims to investigate the combined effects of exposure to noise and whole-body vibration (WBV) on the body balance under simulated driving conditions. For this purpose, 30 male participants were exposed to noise level at 85 dB(A) and two vibration levels (0.87 and 1.3 m/s²) in five sessions. The design of the study was repeated-measures, and it attempted to assess the effects of 40 minutes of exposure to noise and/or WBV. Moreover, the participants' fatigue was measured with the Borg scale (CR 10). The findings revealed there was a significant change in body sway after WBVand combined noise and WBV exposure (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in exposure to noise alone (p > 0.05). The effect sizes of exposure to noise, WBV (1.3 m/s²), and combined noise and WBV (1.3 m/s²) on body balance were 0.035, 0.425, and 0.635, respectively. Also, single exposure to WBV caused more fatigue than single exposure to noise (p < 0.05). Combined noise and WBV exposure descriptively caused more fatigue in comparison with the influence of WBV alone. The study concluded that the combined effects of exposure to noise and vibration are more than the sum of them. So, some synergistic effects may be observed in human body balance. It is essential to increase drivers' awareness and revise current health care interventions about new possible effects of combined exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Symptoms are treated by medication, physio-, exercise, and occupational therapy. Alternative methods have been used in exercise therapy for a few years now. The effect of whole-body vibration as an alternative training method has been investigated for several symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Since freezing and flexibility have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different frequencies of application for these two symptoms. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to a frequency (6, 12, or 18 Hz) or the control group. Before and after the treatment of 5 × 60 s with a rest of 60 s each, the Sit and Reach test (flexibility) and the 360° turn test (freezing) were performed. Results: Only the Sit and Reach test showed a significant improvement at 18 Hz (improvement from − 5.75 to − 1.89 cm, F(3,30) = 5.98**). At 360° turn, no significant differences were found. Weak to high effect sizes (standardized mean differences) were determined for the different frequencies, both for the Sit and Reach (from.01 to.64) and for the 360° turn (from −.72 to − 1.25). The highest effect size is observed for 18 Hz and the lowest for 6 Hz. Conclusions: Higher frequencies seem to be more effective than lower ones. Freezing, age, and gender also seem to play a role. Therefore, this should be investigated in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a training method that exposes the entire body to mechanical oscillations while standing erect or seated on a vibrating platform. This method is nowadays commonly used by clinicians to improve specific motor outcomes in various sub-populations such as elderly and young healthy adults, either sedentary or well-trained. The present study investigated the effects of acute WBV application on the balance control mechanisms during gait initiation (GI) in young healthy adults and elderly. It was hypothesized that the balance control mechanisms at play during gait initiation may compensate each other in case one or several components are perturbed following acute WBV application, so that postural stability and/or motor performance can be maintained or even improved. It is further hypothesized that this capacity of adaptation is altered with aging. Main results showed that the effects of acute WBV application on the GI postural organization depended on the age of participants. Specifically, a positive effect was observed on dynamic stability in the young adults, while no effect was observed in the elderly. An increased stance leg stiffness was also observed in the young adults only. The positive effect of WBV on dynamic stability was ascribed to an increase in the mediolateral amplitude of “anticipatory postural adjustments” following WBV application, which did overcompensate the potentially destabilizing effect of the increased stance leg stiffness. In elderly, no such anticipatory (nor corrective) postural adaptation was required since acute WBV application did not elicit any change in the stance leg stiffness. These results suggest that WBV application may be effective in improving dynamic stability but at the condition that participants are able to develop adaptive changes in balance control mechanisms, as did the young adults. Globally, these findings are thus in agreement with the hypothesis that balance control mechanisms are interdependent within the postural system, i.e., they may compensate each other in case one component (here the leg stiffness) is perturbed.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a training method that exposes the entire body to mechanical oscillations while standing erect or seated on a vibrating platform. This method is nowadays commonly used by clinicians to improve specific motor outcomes in various sub-populations such as elderly and young healthy adults, either sedentary or well-trained. The present study investigated the effects of acute WBV application on the balance control mechanisms during gait initiation (GI) in young healthy adults and elderly. It was hypothesized that the balance control mechanisms at play during gait initiation may compensate each other in case one or several components are perturbed following acute WBV application, so that postural stability and/or motor performance can be maintained or even improved. It is further hypothesized that this capacity of adaptation is altered with aging. Main results showed that the effects of acute WBV application on the GI postural organization depended on the age of participants. Specifically, a positive effect was observed on dynamic stability in the young adults, while no effect was observed in the elderly. An increased stance leg stiffness was also observed in the young adults only. The positive effect of WBV on dynamic stability was ascribed to an increase in the mediolateral amplitude of "anticipatory postural adjustments" following WBV application, which did overcompensate the potentially destabilizing effect of the increased stance leg stiffness. In elderly, no such anticipatory (nor corrective) postural adaptation was required since acute WBV application did not elicit any change in the stance leg stiffness. These results suggest that WBV application may be effective in improving dynamic stability but at the condition that participants are able to develop adaptive changes in balance control mechanisms, as did the young adults. Globally, these findings are thus in agreement with the hypothesis that balance control mechanisms are interdependent within the postural system, i.e., they may compensate each other in case one component (here the leg stiffness) is perturbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study carries out measurements and evaluations of whole‐body vibration (WBV) exposure in drivers of a cargo vehicle composition, traveling under different conditions of roads and loading, to compare and assess the health risk through the various criteria provided by vibration exposure standards. Using the acceleration data measured in the seat, the WBV exposure of the drivers is evaluated according to the criteria provided by five standards: three different versions of ISO 2631 (Part 1, 1985 and 1997; Part 5, 2004), the European Directive 2002/44/EC and the new Brazilian regulation NR‐15 published in 2014. Comparisons investigating the differences between the standards are presented. The results of the experimental data indicate that the current version of the NR‐15 is more restrictive than the other standards considered in this paper. Thus, these results can contribute to improve the criteria used in the new NR‐15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive air springs are the golden standard in heavy vehicle seat suspensions, as they provide economical means to isolate drivers from road disturbances. They are nevertheless likely to expose drivers to vibration levels higher than recommended by the ISO-2631-1 standard over a typical 8-h shift. Although existing commercial active seat suspensions have proven their superiority over passive suspensions, practical limitations such as cost or lack of overall dynamic performance have slowed down their widespread adoption. Controlled slippage magnetorheological (MR) actuators are a promising alternative because they offer a dynamic performance similar to direct-drive motors in a packaging and cost similar to economical geared motors. This paper is the first to experimentally assess the overall closed-loop performance of an active seat suspension powered by a controlled slippage MR actuator including vibration attenuation, power consumption, and seat travel. Unlike semiactive MR actuators such as MR dampers that have been extensively studied, controlled slippage MR actuators are fully active and offer a significantly better performance for rough road conditions. The active seat was tested in a laboratory on a vibrating platform recreating the floor acceleration profile of a dump truck rolling on a quarry road. The seat was also tested on an actual highway truck rolling on a roadway. Results show that with a linear–quadratic–Gaussian controller, the proposed active suspension effectively reduces floor vibrations by a factor of 2–3, while using an average power consumption of 86 W and having an average relative travel range of 1–10 mm root mean square. These results fall in line with commercially available active seat suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every environment offers stimuli to subjects. Some of these stimuli can be harmful to the human health, like vibration, depending on the intensity and/or exposure duration, among other factors. Even if the vibration is not harmful, it may cause discomfort. The ISO2631-1 (1997) Standard says that two exposures are equivalent when they have the same vibration energy. For that, it uses the exposure duration and the weighted acceleration or Vibration Dose Values (VDV) to calculate the equivalence, being those terms a power of 2 or 4, respectively, in the equivalence formula. Despite that, Annex C of the Standard states that there is no conclusive evidence to support a time dependency of vibration on comfort, reporting that some studies uses the frequency-weighted rms acceleration to calculate the dose of vibration received during an expected daily exposure (called eVDV – for Estimated). It should be expected that the same vibration energy would cause equivalent effect (on health or comfort). In order to verify this hypothesis, two frequency weighted acceleration values, measured according to ISO2631-1 (1997, 2010), were adopted, considering four different exposure durations in a way to reach three pre-established eVDV. The same frequency was considered for all studied situations to easy the comparison. To say that the time, the exposure duration or the VDV by itself are important parameters on the vibration influence can be naive and that was not confirmed in this study. The conclusion is that these variables superimpose themselves mutually, having different influences according to the other parameters involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many developing countries, agricultural tractors are employed for different field operations and transportation along rural roads where the operator is exposed to high levels of harmful vibrations from the tractor seat. In case of the vibrations transferred to the operator’s body, the vibration signal form and the number and type of the shocks have been neglected in related literature. This article is focused on modern approaches to analyze tractor and car seats vibrations which have been ignored in many standards guidelines. For this purpose, examining a case study, kurtosis and skewness approaches were used to evaluate the vibration signals generated by a tractor seat. Further, an innovative model was developed to evaluate the effect of the vibrations, in terms of vibration intensity and signal form, on the operator. Average percentage of vibration transfer from the engine to feet platform was estimated at 31%. It could be concluded that, ground roughness generates vibrations within the frequency range of 0–30 Hz, while the engine causes vibrations at some frequency ranging within 50–200 Hz. Kurtosis could better present the difference between the two signals. The results indicated that, when considered independently, the values of RMS, VDV and kurtosis cannot well represent differences in vibration signals parametrically. However, the novel approach, when used as a benchmark for comparison, showed the differences between the signals at high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents a case where vibration training to the arm alone, as opposed to whole-body vibration, was used to aid rehabilitation to a serious traumatic injury. An improvement in soft tissue extensibility to a major traumatic wound to the wrist and forearm has been noted in a therapy plan including vibration under stretch. After 12 weeks of intensive therapy, a considerable improvement was seen in both the active extension of the wrist and the composite extension of all fingers. This may highlight the use of vibration, as an adjunct to therapy, to specific areas of the human body for improving outcome from traumatic injury. Level of Evidence IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to demographic changes, falls are increasingly becoming a focus of health care. It is known that within six months after a fall, two thirds of fallers will fall again. Therefore, therapeutic procedures to improve balance that are simple and can be performed in a short time are needed. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) may be such a procedure., Method: An electronic search to assess the effectiveness of SR-WBV on balance in the elderly was conducted using databases that included CINAHL Cochrane, PEDro, and PubMed. Included studies were assessed using the Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool by two independent reviewers., Results: Nine studies showing moderate methodological quality were included. Treatment parameters were heterogeneous. Vibration frequency ranged from 1 to 12 Hz. Six studies found statistically significant improvements of balance from baseline to post measurement after SR-WBV interventions. One article found clinical relevance of the improvement in total time of the "Expanded Time to Get Up and Go Test"., Discussion: Physiological adaptations after balance training are specific and may explain some of the observed heterogeneity. Two out of nine studies assessed reactive balance and both indicated statistically significant improvements after SR-WBV. Therefore, SR-WBV represents a reactive balance training., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Rogan and Taeymans.)

A good body-balance helps to prevent slips, trips and falls. New body-balance interventions must be explored, because effective methods to implement daily training are sparse. The purpose of the current study was to investigate acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration (SS-WBV) training on musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance, and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated into a verum (8.5 Hz, SS-WBV, N  = 28) or sham (6 Hz, SS-WBV, N  = 27) condition. The training consisted of three SS-WBV series that lasted one-minute each with two one-minute breaks in between. During the SS-WBV series, participants stood in the middle of the platform with slightly bent knees. During the breaks in between, participants could loosen up. Flexibility (modified fingertip-to-floor method), balance (modified Star Excursion Balance Test), and cognitive interference (Stroop Color Word Test) were tested before and after the exercise. Also, musculoskeletal well-being, muscle relaxation, sense of flexibility, sense of balance, and surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire before and after the exercise. Musculoskeletal well-being was significantly increased only after verum. Also, muscle relaxation was significantly higher only after verum. The Flexibility-Test showed significant improvement after both conditions. Accordingly, sense of flexibility was significantly increased after both conditions. The Balance-Test showed significant improvement after verum, and after sham. Accordingly, increased sense of balance was significant after both conditions. However, surefootedness was significantly higher only after verum. The Stroop-Test showed significant improvement only after verum. The current study shows that one SS-WBV training session increases musculoskeletal well-being, flexibility, body balance and cognition. The abundance of improvements on a light and portable platform has great influence on the practicability of training in daily life, aiming to prevent slip trips and falls at work., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Faes, Rolli Salathé, Herlig and Elfering.)

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Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the effects of a 6-week whole body vibration (WBV) training program in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial with 6 weeks' follow-up. Setting: University hospital. Participants: Adults with chronic stroke (N=15) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=7) or a control group (n=8). Interventions: Supervised, intensive WBV training. The vibration group performed a variety of static and dynamic squat exercises on a vibration platform with vibration amplitudes of 1.7 and 2.5mm and frequencies of 35 and 40Hz. The vibration lasted 30 to 60 seconds, with 5 to 17 repetitions per exercise 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. Participants in the control group continued their usual activities and were not involved in any additional training program. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome variable was the isometric and isokinetic muscle strength of the quadriceps (isokinetic dynamometer). Additionally, hamstrings muscle strength, static and dynamic postural control (dynamic posturography), and muscle spasticity (Ashworth Scale) were assessed. Results: Compliance with the vibration intervention was excellent, and the participants completed all 18 training sessions. Vibration frequencies of both 35 and 40Hz were well tolerated by the patients, and no adverse effects resulting from the vibration were noted. Overall, the effect of intensive WBV intervention resulted in significant between-group differences in favor of the vibration group only in isometric knee extension strength (knee angle, 60°) (P=.022) after 6 weeks of intervention and in isokinetic knee extension strength (velocity, 240°/s) after a 6-week follow-up period (P=.005), both for the paretic leg. Postural control improved after 6 weeks of vibration in the intervention group when the patients had normal vision and a sway-referenced support surface (P<.05). Muscle spasticity was not affected by vibration (P>.05). Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that intensive WBV might potentially be a safe and feasible way to increase some aspect of lower limb muscle strength and postural control in adults with chronic stroke. Further studies should focus on evaluating how the training protocol should be administered to achieve the best possible outcome, as well as comparing this training protocol to other interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether a 12-week whole-body vibration (WBV) training program improved balance in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Primary health care setting. Participants: Participants with T2DM (N=50). Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to either a WBV group (n=25), which performed a 12-week WBV-based exercise program on an oscillating platform (12–16Hz—4mm; 3 sessions/wk), or a usual-care control group (n=25). Main Outcome Measures: Clinical and sociodemographic variables were recorded at baseline. Static balance and dynamic balance were also assessed at baseline by measuring postural sway (measurement of center of pressure [COP] excursions in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions) using a Wii Balance Board and the Timed Up and Go test. Results: Significant between-group differences in COP excursions with participants' eyes closed were found with their feet apart and feet together. In addition, participants in the WBV group exhibited significantly lower COP excursions with their eyes closed after the intervention, while participants in the control group experienced a nonsignificant deterioration in COP excursions (ie, greater excursion) with their eyes open (mediolateral axis). There was no significant difference in the Timed Up and Go test values postintervention. Conclusions: WBV provides a safe and well-tolerated approach to improve balance in participants with T2DM. These findings may have important implications for falls prevention in those with T2DM in the primary health care setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the long-term preventive impact of strength training on muscle performance in older adults. Design: A 7-year follow-up on a 1-year randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of combined resistance training and aerobic training and whole-body vibration training on muscle performance. Setting: University training center. Participants: Men and women (N=83; control [CON] group, n=27; strength-training intervention [INT] group, n=56) between 60 and 80 years of age. Interventions: The INT group exercised 3 times weekly during 1 year, performing a combined resistance training and aerobic training program or a whole-body vibration training program. The former training program was designed according to American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. The whole-body vibration training program included unloaded static and dynamic leg exercises on a vibration platform. The CON group did not participate in any training program. Main Outcome Measures: Static strength (STAT), dynamic strength at 60°/s (DYN60) and at 240°/s (DYN240), speed of movement at 20% (S20). Results: From baseline to postintervention, muscle performance did not change in the CON group, except for S20 (+6.55%±2.88%, P<.001). One year of strength training increased (P≤.001) STAT (+11.46%±1.86%), DYN60 (+6.96%±1.65%), DYN240 (+9.25%±1.68%), and S20 (+7.73%±2.19%) in the INT group. Between baseline and follow-up, muscle performance decreased (P<.001) in both groups. However, STAT and DYN60 showed a significantly lower loss in the INT group (−8.65%±2.35% and −7.10%±2.38%, respectively) compared with the CON group (−16.47%±2.69% and −15.08%±2.27%, respectively). This positive impact might be due to the preservation of the training-induced gains, given the similar annual decline rates in both groups from postintervention to follow-up. Additionally, in trained participants, aging seems to impact velocity-dependent strength and power more compared with basic strength, as the total losses in DYN240 (CON, −15.93%±2.64%; INT, −11.39%±1.95%) and S20 (CON, −14.39%±2.10%; INT, −13.16%±1.72%) did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions: A 1-year strength-training intervention results in an improved muscle performance in older adults 7 years after their enrollment in the intervention. However, an extensive exercise program cannot attenuate the age-related decline once the intervention stops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Osteoporosis and immune-associated disorders are highly prevalent among menopausal women, and diet control and exercise exert beneficial effects on physiological modulation in this population. A controlled diet with a low fat content and a balanced caloric intake improves menopausal health, but the health effects of excessive fructose consumption on menopausal women are yet to be confirmed. In addition, whole-body vibration (WBV), a safe passive-training method, has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects on metabolism regulation, obesity, and bone health., Methods: The ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J model was used to verify the effects of WBV combined with a high-fructose diet (HFrD) for 16 weeks on physiological modulation and immune responses. The mice were randomly allocated to sham, OVX, OVX+HFrD, and OVX+HFrD+WBV groups, which were administered with the indicated ovariectomy, dietary and WBV training treatments. We conducted growth, dietary intake, glucose homeostasis, body composition, immunity, inflammation, histopathology, and osteoporotic assessments (primary outcomes)., Results: Our results showed that the isocaloric HFrD in OVX mice negated estrogen-deficiency-associated obesity, but that risk factors such as total cholesterol, glucose intolerance, osteoporosis, and liver steatosis still contributed to the development of metabolic diseases. Immune homeostasis in the OVX mice was also negatively affected by the HFrD diet, via the comprehensive stimulation of T cell activation, causing inflammation. The WBV intervention combined with the HFrD model significantly ameliorated weight gain, glucose intolerance, total cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-17, and IL-4) in the OVX mice, although osteoporosis and liver steatosis were not affected compared to the negative control group. These findings indicate that an isocaloric high-fructose diet alone may not result in menopausal obesity, but that some deleterious physiological impacts still exist., Conclusion: The WBV method may modulate the physiological impacts of menopause and the HFrD diet, and should be considered as an alternative exercise prescription for people with poor compliance or who are unable or unwilling to use traditional methods to improve their health. In future studies, using the WBV method as a preventive or therapeutic strategy, combined with nutritional interventions, medication, and other exercise prescriptions, may prove beneficial for maintaining health in menopausal women., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Tsai, Tseng, Chiou, Chen, Chung, Wei and Huang.)

In this study, we compared the efficacy of 8 months of low-frequency vibration and a walk-based program in health-related fitness. Twenty-seven postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into two groups: whole-body vibration (WBV) group (n = 18) performed three times/week a static exercise on a vibration platform (6 sets of 1-min with 1 min of rest, with a 12.6 Hz of frequency and an amplitude of 3 mm); walk-based program (WP) group (n = 18) performed three times/week a 60-min of walk activity at 70-75% of maximal heart rate. A health-related battery of tests was applied. Maximal unilateral concentric and eccentric isokinetic torque of the knee extensors was recorded by an isokinetic dynamometer. Physical fitness was measured using the following tests: vertical jump test, chair rise test and maximal walking speed test over 4 m. Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors in concentric actions at 60 and 300 degrees /s, and eccentric action at 60 degrees /s. After 8 months, the WP improved the time spent to walk 4 m (20%) and to perform the chair rise test (12%) compared to the WBV group (P = 0.006, 0.002, respectively). In contrast, the comparison of the changes in vertical jump showed the higher effectiveness of the vibratory exercise in 7% (P = 0.025). None of exercise programs showed change on isokinetic measurements. These results indicate that both programs differed in the main achievements and could be complementary to prevent lower limbs muscle strength decrease as we age [ISRCTN76235671]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole-body vibration measurements were recorded for various types of heavy equipment used within the construction industry. The purpose of these measurements was to provide more information about the potential levels of whole-body vibration experienced by equipment operators in the construction industry, as well as to identify types of equipment warranting further research. In total, 67 pieces of equipment were tested from 14 different equipment types. Testing took place at various construction sites including corporate, public, and residential work projects. Measurements were made (following the 1997 International Standards Organization's 2631-1 whole-body vibration standards) for 20-minute testing periods using a Larson Davis HVM100 vibration monitor and a triaxial accelerometer. The mobile equipment tested was associated with greater levels of whole-body vibration than the stationary equipment. When whole-body vibration levels were compared to the International Standards Organization's 2631-1 standards, wheel loaders, off-road dump trucks, scrapers, skid steer vehicles, backhoes, bulldozers, crawler loaders, and concrete trowel vehicles exceeded the recommendations based on measured vibration dose values. Further research incorporating larger sample sizes and controlled testing conditions is required to better understand the levels of exposure experienced by operators as well as the amount to which seating, terrain, mobility, and vehicle structure might affect whole-body vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure of coal mine dumper operators poses numerous health hazards. The case-control study was aimed at assessing the relative musculoskeletal health risk of dumper operators' exposure to WBV with reference to the nonexposed group., Methods: Measurements of WBV exposure were taken at the operator-seat interface using a human vibration analyzer for 110 dumper operators in three coal mines. This vibration measurement was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of 110 dumper operators exposed to WBV and an equal number of workers not exposed to WBV. The relative risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has been assessed through the case-control study design., Results: ISO guidelines were used to compare the health risk. It was observed that the prevalence of pain in the lower back was 2.52 times more in the case group compared to the control group. The case group of Mine-2 was 2.0 times more prone to vibration hazards as compared to Mine-3., Conclusion: The case group is more vulnerable to MSDs than the control group. The on-site measurement as well as the response of the dumper operators during the questionnaire survey corroborates this finding., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been identified as one of the serious risk factors leading to spinal disorders, particularly in professional drivers. Although the influential factors in this area have been investigated epidemiologically, finite element (FE) modeling can efficiently help us better understand the problem. In this study, a modified HYBRID III dummy FE model which was enhanced by detailed viscoelastic discs in the lumbar region was utilized to simulate the effect of WBV on lumbar spine loads. Spinal responses to the vertical sinusoidal vibrations of a generic seat were obtained and spinal injury risk factors were calculated. Effects of variation of excitation frequencies, three different seatback inclinations and four pre-defined occupant postures on the spinal loads were investigated as influential variables. Results showed that under sinusoidal loading with a frequency of 5 Hz and in a typical sitting configuration, disc forces remained in a safe range (<1700 N) for short term. Collagen Fibers strain (<0.3%) and intradiscal pressure (<1.15 MPa) also indicated that the spinal loads were in a safe range. Additionally, calculating the risk factor according to ISO 2631-5 (about R = 0.8) confirmed the low probability of an adverse health effect due to WBV in long term. Frequency-domain analysis showed the resonance frequency to be at f = 6.27 Hz. Although according to ISO/CD 2631-5 standard, the occupant experienced the highest risk of injury at f = 7 Hz, it was found that spinal compression load at f = 6 Hz was 7.7% higher than the compression load at f = 7 Hz. Seatback oriented at 75° exhibited the highest risk of injury, nevertheless, maximum von-Mises stress in disc annulus was observed at 70°. In the evaluation of occupant posture, lordotic and slouching postures were compared and the latter exhibited higher stress ranges resulting in higher injury risk factor. Results of the model demonstrated its aptness to predict the spinal disc injuries in response to various vibrational loading and boundary conditions., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant sex steroid, is primarily secreted by the adrenal gland and a precursor hormone used by athletes for performance enhancement. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a well-known light-resistance exercise by automatic adaptations to rapid and repeated oscillations from a vibrating platform, which is also a simple and convenient exercise for older adults. However, the potential effects of DHEA supplementation combined with WBV training on to body composition, exercise performance, and hormone regulation are currently unclear. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of DHEA supplementation combined with WBV training on body composition, exercise performance, and physical fatigue-related biochemical responses and testosterone content in young-adult C57BL/6 mice. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) for 6-weeks treatment: sedentary controls with vehicle (SC), DHEA supplementation (DHEA, 10.2 mg/kg), WBV training (WBV; 5.6 Hz, 2 mm, 0.13 g), and WBV training with DHEA supplementation (WBV+DHEA; WBV: 5.6 Hz, 2 mm, 0.13 g and DHEA: 10.2 mg/kg). Exercise performance was evaluated by forelimb grip strength and exhaustive swimming time, as well as changes in body composition and anti-fatigue levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, creatine kinase (CK), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) after a 15-min swimming exercise. In addition, the biochemical parameters and the testosterone content were measured at the end of the experiment. Six-week DHEA supplementation alone significantly increased mice body weight (BW), muscle weight, testosterone level, and glycogen contents (liver and muscle) when compared with SC group. DHEA supplementation alone had no negative impact on all tissue and biochemical profiles, but could not improve exercise performance. However, WBV+DHEA supplementation also significantly decreased BW, testosterone level and glycogen content of liver, as well as serum lactate and ammonia levels after the 15-min swimming exercise when compared with DHEA supplementation alone. Although DHEA supplementation alone had no beneficial effect in the exercise performance of mice, the BW, testosterone level and glycogen content significantly increased. On the other hand, WBV training combined with DHEA decreased the BW gain, testosterone level and glycogen content caused by DHEA supplementation. Therefore, WBV training could inhibit DHEA supplementation to synthesis the testosterone level or may decrease the DHEA supplement absorptive capacity in young-adult mice., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.