Introduction: The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a condition characterized by an airway obstruction. It is a common, preventable and not completely curable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and limited air flow. In patients, increased respiratory rate and frequent exacerbations are key factors for limited daily physical activity. Whole-body vibration training is a new form of exercise, which is performed on a vibrating plate and has many beneficial effects. Purpose: To determine the effects of whole-body vibration training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on a literature review. Methods: A descriptive method of research was used. We searched in PubMed, PEDro, and COBISS + databases. We included randomized controlled trials in English language, published in 2014 or later and those investigating the effects of whole-body vibration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the PEDro rating scale. We compared the sample of subjects, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the assessment and measurement tools, the characteristics of therapeutic training and research results, the effects of whole-body vibration and the safety. Results: We included 6 studies in the analysis, which were evaluated with an average score of 5 on the PEDro rating scale. Positive effects of whole-body vibration training were found to improve exercise capacity (6-minute walk test: Δ15,4 %; five time sit to stand test: Δ13,1 %) and muscular performance (strength, explosive power and endurance), static balance (absolute path length: Δ20,9 %), improvement in lung functions and, consequently, improving the quality of life. Discussion and conclusion: The results show that whole-body vibration training is safe in all stages of the disease. It can be used as an adjunct to conventional exercise to improve exercise capacity, muscular performance and static balance. More robust evidence of the involvement of whole-body vibration in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease would require the precise setting of parameters. We recommend an exercise frequency 3 times/week with an exercise unit no longer than 60 minutes. The vibration frequency and the amplitude should be lower at first, and with time gradually increased.
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