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Published on: October 17, 2018
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Fall-Related Physical Capacities in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Mingyuan Dong1, Yongchul Choi1, Ning Li2
1Department of Physical Education, Kangwon National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea.
Objectives:
The objective of the study is to synthesize current evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on lower limb muscle strength, balance performance, and physical function in older adults and to evaluate its potential role in fall prevention.
Design:
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies examining WBVT as an exercise intervention in older adults.
Setting And Participants:
Studies involving community-dwelling, institutionalized, or clinical populations of adults aged ≥60 years were included, with no restriction on geographical setting.
Methods:
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 2025. Eligible studies reported at least 1 outcome related to lower limb strength, balance, or functional performance. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the RoB 2 and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scales. Due to substantial heterogeneity in WBVT protocols, outcome measures, and reporting, a meta-analysis was not performed; findings were synthesized narratively.
Results:
Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Approximately two-thirds of studies reported significant improvements in lower limb muscle strength after WBVT, with the most consistent effects observed in knee extensor strength. For balance and functional outcomes (eg, Timed Up and Go, Chair Rise tests), about half of the studies demonstrated significant benefits, particularly among frail or mobility-limited older adults, whereas others reported no superiority over active comparators. Most studies were of moderate methodological quality, with common limitations including inadequate allocation concealment and lack of blinding. Adverse events were infrequently reported and generally mild and transient, with no serious WBVT-related events identified. No included study was specifically powered to assess fall incidence as a primary outcome.
Conclusions And Implications:
WBVT appears to be a feasible and generally safe intervention for improving fall-related physical capacities in older adults, particularly muscle strength. However, evidence for balance and functional improvements remains inconsistent, and its effectiveness in reducing fall incidence is still unclear due to the lack of adequately powered trials and long-term follow-up. From a practical perspective, WBVT may be considered as a complementary exercise modality, especially for frail or mobility-limited populations. From a research perspective, future studies should adopt standardized WBVT protocols, improve methodological rigor, and prioritize fall incidence as a primary outcome to better inform clinical and public health practice.
