Introduction: Whole body vibration has multiple effects on muscle strength, postural control, bone formation and circulation. Muscle strength is an important component for balance control among elderly, therefore it is possible to assume that whole body vibration is a possible intervention. For planning the interventions, it is important to choose the optimal vibration parameters to elicit an appropriate physiological response and maintain safe exercises. The purpose was to systematically evaluate the effect of whole body vibration on balance in older adults. Methods: A literature search of randomized controlled trials published during 2005 and 2016 was conducted using PubMed database. Results: Four studies out of nine included reported improved balance of the subjects. On the other hand, five studies reported no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. Two studies also reported some adverse effects. Conclusions: Although there is evidence for an overall effect of vibration on balance, its impact is inconclusive due to heterogeneity of studies, methodological shortcomings and inconsistent findings and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Further investigations with clearly stated protocols seem necessary.
|
