The effects of whole body vibration on pulse wave velocity in men with chronic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1369248 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated whether whole-body vibration (WBV) could improve artery health in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with SCI often have increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study involved participants undergoing passive standing with WBV for 40 weeks. The researchers measured pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, to see if it changed over time. The results showed that 40 weeks of WBV did not significantly change arterial stiffness in this group. Further research is needed to explore other potential benefits and methods.

Study Duration

40 weeks

Participants

Nine males with chronic SCI (age 41±11 years)

Evidence Level

Pilot study

Key Findings

1
Forty weeks of passive standing with whole body vibration (PS-WBV) did not result in observable changes in aortic or leg pulse wave velocity (PWV) in men with chronic SCI.
2
There was no statistically significant change in either aortic PWV (P = 0.46) or leg PWV (P = 0.54) over the 40-week intervention period.
3
One serious adverse event, a grade III pressure sore, potentially related to the study intervention was reported.

Research Summary

This pilot study evaluated the therapeutic potential of passive standing with whole body vibration (PS-WBV) on arterial stiffness among men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Fifteen individuals with chronic SCI were enrolled to participate in PS-WBV sessions three times per week for 40 weeks. Aortic and leg pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured at baseline, mid-point (20 weeks) and exit (40 weeks). Forty weeks of PS-WBV in adults with SCI did not result in an observable change in arterial stiffness.

Practical Implications

Intensity of Exercise

The intensity of PS-WBV may have been insufficient to elicit significant changes in arterial stiffness. Future studies should explore higher intensities or different vibration parameters.

Underlying Mechanisms

Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms influencing vascular adaptations to exercise in individuals with SCI, particularly regarding autonomic function and oxidative stress.

Biomarker Integration

Future studies should incorporate candidate biomarkers (e.g., nitric oxide) to better understand the time course for peripheral arterial modifications in response to WBV.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not include EMG to assess the quantity of muscular activity occurring during the WBV exercise bouts.
2
There was no control group.
3
The sample size was small and heterogeneous.

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