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Beneficial Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Brain Functions in Mice and Humans
Ate S Boerema1,2, Marelle Heesterbeek2, Selma A Boersma1,2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
The biological consequences of mechanical whole body vibration (WBV) on the brain are not well documented. The aim of the current study was to further investigate the effects of a 5-week WBV intervention on brain functions. Mice (C57Bl/6J males, age 15 weeks) were exposed to 30 Hz WBV sessions (10 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for a period of 5 weeks; n = 10). Controls received the same intervention without the actual vibration (n = 10). Humans (both genders, age ranging from 44-99 years) were also exposed to daily sessions of 30 Hz WBV (4 minutes per day, 4 days per week, for a period of 5 weeks; n = 18). Controls received the same protocol using a 1 Hz protocol (n = 16). Positron emission tomography imaging was performed in the mice, and revealed that glucose uptake was not changed as a consequence of the 5-week WBV intervention. Whole body vibration did, however, improve motor performance and reduced arousal-induced home cage activity. Cognitive tests in humans revealed a selective improvement in the Stroop Color-Word test. Taken together, it is concluded that WBV is a safe intervention to improve brain functioning, although the subtle effects suggest that the protocol is as yet suboptimal.
Insights
Whole body vibration (WBV) shows potential for enhancing brain function. A 5-week WBV intervention improved motor performance in mice and cognitive function in humans, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The impact of mechanical whole body vibration (WBV) on brain function remains largely unexplored.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 5-week whole body vibration (WBV) intervention on brain functions in both mice and humans.
- To assess changes in brain glucose metabolism, motor performance, activity levels, and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Mice (n=10) were exposed to 30 Hz WBV for 10 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks; controls (n=10) received sham treatment.
- Humans (n=18) underwent daily 30 Hz WBV sessions (4 minutes/day, 4 days/week for 5 weeks); controls (n=16) used a 1 Hz protocol.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) was used for glucose uptake analysis in mice.
- Cognitive tests, including the Stroop Color-Word test, were administered to human participants.
Main Results:
- WBV intervention did not alter glucose uptake in the brains of mice.
- Mice exposed to WBV demonstrated improved motor performance and reduced arousal-induced activity.
- Human participants showed a selective enhancement in the Stroop Color-Word test following WBV exposure.
Conclusions:
- Whole body vibration (WBV) appears to be a safe intervention for improving brain functioning.
- Observed effects on motor and cognitive performance suggest WBV's potential, though the current protocol may be suboptimal.
- Further research is warranted to optimize WBV protocols for maximal brain function enhancement.
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