Bone physiological adaptations to whole-body vibration in mouse models: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Bone Biology and Mechanics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a mechanical stimulus known to influence bone tissue.
• Understanding WBV's effects on bone turnover and microarchitecture is crucial for therapeutic applications.
• Existing research in mouse models shows varied outcomes, necessitating a systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the effects of WBV in various mouse models.
• To compare different experimental protocols and their outcomes.
• To assess the methodological quality and certainty of evidence regarding WBV's impact on bone.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of experimental studies on WBV in healthy, osteoporotic, fracture healing, and other bone loss mouse models.
• Methodological quality assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool and GRADE approach.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine studies were included, covering diverse mouse models.
• WBV generally improved bone formation, mineral density, and microarchitecture (trabecular and cortical).
• Results were heterogeneous, influenced by WBV parameters (frequency, acceleration, duration) and model type; synergistic effects noted with PTH/oestrogen; bone preservation observed in disuse/metabolic models.

Conclusions:

• WBV is a promising strategy for modulating bone turnover and enhancing bone density and microarchitecture.
• Protocol parameters and the animal's pathophysiological state significantly influence WBV outcomes.
• Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms, optimize protocols, and assess clinical relevance.