Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Balance in the Elderly Population

Effects of Stochastic Resonance Therapy on Postural Control in the Elderly Population (Pilot Study)

The goal of this pilot study is to test whether in the elderly population there are acute long-term improvements in both the static and dynamic balance, reaction time and mobility with the use of WBV.

Exercise therapy plays an important role in health promotion, preservation of physical function and in preventing loss of independence among the elderly. They work beside an improvement in balance, a positive effect on metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, reducing falls, osteoporosis, colon cancer, breast cancer, depression, anxiety, and the general well-being. There is preliminary evidence to indicated that balance, and strength can be trained in the elderly using whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy. The use of WBV in the elderly population has shown to be a simple and effective treatment in the areas of balance and mobility. It would be very desirable to investigate these factors further in order to provide evidence for the delivery of sustainability of training methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BESA to include performance level 0,1,2.
• live in the senior residence Multengut Muri or in the canton of Bern.
• apart from the complaints of old age healthy and can stand with or without aids.
• more than 22 points at the Mini-Mental State Examination

Exclusion Criteria:

• Seniors / graduates may no severe, uncorrected visual disturbances (eg, low vision, double vision, skew deviation).
• Acute stress the incompatibility of the lower limb / hip / ridge during the SRT: joint disease, thrombosis, fresh fractures, infections, tissue damage, or fresh surgical scars.
• Seniors / inside with lower leg-/thigh prostheses.
• alcoholics.