Abstract

Background: This study examined the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) training for improving muscle size, strength and physical performance in the community dwelling individuals with sarcopenia.
Methods: Forty community dwelling individuals with sarcopenia were recruited and randomly assigned into either the whole-body vibration (WBV) group (frequency: 40Hz; peak-to-peak amplitude: 4 mm) or the control group with no intervention. The WBV training involved 3 exercise sessions per week over 12 weeks. All outcome measurements were done at pre-, mid- (18 sessions) and post-intervention (36 sessions). Assessments included ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement of vastus medialis (VM), isometric and isokinetic knee extension, timed-up-and-go test (TUG), five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT).
Results: After the training program, the WBV group showed significant within-group improvements in isometric and isokinetic knee extension, TUG, 5STS and 10MWT (p<0.05), but not in CSA of VM. The WBV group had significantly better performance than the control group in isokinetic knee extension at 180°/s, TUG, 5STS at both mid- and post-intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The present findings suggest that WBV training is an effective and efficient approach for improving muscle strength and physical performance in community dwelling individuals with sarcopenia.