To systematically evaluate the intervention effects of whole-body vibration combined with resistance training (WBV+RT) on muscle function, physical performance and subjective symptoms in middle-aged and older adults and patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases (up to January 2026). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) comparing WBV+RT with resistance training alone (or a blank control) were included. The methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using the PEDro and MINORS scales, followed by a descriptive synthetic analysis. A total of 9 high-quality studies (7 RCTs and 2 NRCTs) comprising 570 participants were included. The analysis revealed that WBV+RT efficacy cannot be generalized, but is strictly stratified across four dimensions: (1) Population type: Additive benefits are baseline-dependent, maximizing balance in frail older adults and local strength in KOA patients, while showing a neural "ceiling effect" in healthy individuals. (2) Intervention duration: Short-term protocols (≤ 8 weeks) optimize local neural drive, but sustained interventions (≥ 12 weeks) are essential to overcome the analgesic masking effect of resistance training alone and translate early gains into dynamic function and pain improvements. (3) Vibration modality: Synchronous vibration safely activates deep stabilizers, whereas sequential pre-conditioning lacks substantial additive systemic benefits. (4) Exercise modality: Integrating multi-dimensional dynamic kinetic chains is required to transfer local static strength gains into real-world dynamic mobility. Clinically, WBV+RT should be positioned as a "targeted neural enhancer," precisely customized by patient baseline and implemented through long-term, dynamic protocols.
Wen et al. (Tue,) studied this question.