Whole Body Vibration Training Among Older People Using Sheltered Housing

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Physical Functioning and Risk of Falling in Older People Using Sheltered Housing

The purpose of this randomised (double-blind) controlled exercise intervention trial is to determine whether the whole body vibration (WBV) training can effectively improve physical functioning of older people living in or regularly using services of sheltered housing, reduce their fear of falling, and prevent falling. The study comprises a 10-week training period and a 10-month follow-up period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• lives in sheltered housing or uses regularly services provided by sheltered housing
• ambulatory, able to walk independently with or without a walking aid
• Mini Mental State Examination (MSSE) points 16 or more

Exclusion Criteria:

• knee or hip prosthesis
• osteosynthetic material in lower limbs
• stiffening operation of the spinal column
• cardiac pacemaker
• recent fracture (< 1 yr for lower limb or spinal fractures, < ½ yr for upper limb fractures)
• recent major surgical operation
• acute thrombosis or its high risk
• acute musculoskeletal inflammation
• gall or bladder stones
• problematic hernia
• unstable cardiovascular or other systematic disease
• tumor
• diabetic neuropathy
• strong vertigo