High-magnitude whole-body vibration effects on bone resorption in adult rats

Optimal parameters of whole-body vibration (WBV), effective in increasing bone mass or preventing bone loss, are always being sought. We investigated effects of a 6-mo WBV program, consisting of brief daily vibratory sessions, on the bone mass and bone metabolic markers.

There were 10 male Wistar rats (3 mo old) that were subjected to the 6-mo WBV (frequency 50 Hz, acceleration 4.92 g, peak-to-peak displacement 2.5 mm) composed of 4 30-s bouts per day, performed 5 d per week. There were 10 not vibrated, age-matched rats that served as controls.

After completion of the WBV program the concentrations of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen in the WBV treated animals were significantly lower in comparison to the controls. There were no effects of the WBV on areal bone mineral density, osteocalcin, and sRANKL levels.

High-frequency high-magnitude WBV applied for 6 mo decreases bone resorption, but does not affect bone formation and bone mineral density.