Whole Body Vibration Exercise Training for Institutionalized Elderly

The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercise Training on Physical Functioning and Falls in Institutionalized Elderly: a Randomized Controlled Trial

It is hypothesized that whole body vibration exercise group will have significantly more improvement in physical functioning and reduction in fall incidence among institutionalized elderly, compared with conventional exercise group and control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Functional Ambulation Category 1 to 4
• able to understand simple verbal commands
• able to tolerate intermittent physical activity for at least 45 minutes
• able to perform knee flexion >45 degree
• able to stand with or without support for 1 minute or more

Exclusion Criteria:

• peripheral vascular disease
• any symptoms associated with vestibular disorder
• any contraindications to exercise (e.g. unstable angina)
• any serious illnesses that preclude participation (e.g. cancer)