Effects of whole body vibration in patients with COPD: A randomized study

Introduction: Besides conventional resistance training (CRT), whole body vibration (WBV) has been shown to be effective. Effects of WBV in COPD patients have not been assessed so far. Aim: To compare, the effects of WBV with those obtained by CRT on exercise capacity, muscle force and QoL. Methods: Patients with COPD, referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, were randomized in one of two training groups. Patients in CRT group performed resistance training on multigym equipment and patients in WBV group trained on a FITVIBE. Results: 70 patients with COPD, showed at baseline an impaired exercise capacity, muscle force and QoL, no significant differences were seen between groups. Both groups improved the exercise capacity, muscle force and Qol over time. There were no significant differences after training. WBV (N=33) CRT (N=37) Baseline Change after 12 w Baseline Change after 12 w Age (years) 58 (53–72) 61 (53–66) FEV1 (L) 1.2 (0.9 to 2.2) 0 (–0.2 to 0.1) 1.0 (0.9 to 1.3) 0 (–0.2 to 0.1) BMI (kg/m 2 ) 24 (22 to 26) 0.4 (–1 to 1.3)* 24 (22 to 29) 0.4 (–0.9 to 0.7) Max.Load (Watt) 64 (43 to 89) 19 (2 to 25)* 52 (44 to 76) 12 (6 to 18)* 6MWD (m) 427 (310 to 500) 35 (5 to 98)* 350 (294 to 483) 55 (21 to 83)* QF (Nm) 102 (60 to 119) 19 (–5 to 23)* 87 (55 to 104) 22 (–2 to 44)* CRDQ (points) 72 (65 to 88) 14 (6 to 26)* 67 (59 to 90) 13 (5 to 18)* Results were expressed as median (25P-75P); FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in one second; BMI: Body Mass Index; 6MWD: 6 Minute Walking Distance; QF: Quadriceps Force; CRDQ: Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire. *p<0.05 baseline vs 12 weeks. Conclusion: WBV is a promising training modality, which yielded the same magnitude of training effects as those obtained with CRT.