Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Autonomic Function in Healthy Young and Elderly

Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Autonomic Function in Healthy Young and Elderly

Aging causes anatomical and physiological changes in the cardiovascular system and autonomic function with decline in its maximum function. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of whole body vibration on cardiovascular system, autonomic function and heart variability in healthy young and elderly. The investigators' hypothesis is that whole body vibration has different effects in young and elderly.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elderly individuals aged between 60 and 80 years
• Young individuals aged between 18 and 30 years
• Able to walk without assistance
• Good understanding to perform the proposed procedures
• Sedentary or low active

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) > 35Kg/m2
• Systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg (at rest)
• Difficulty adapting to the whole body vibration
• Smoking
• Neuromuscular or degenerative disorders
• Neurological diseases
• Cardiopulmonary comorbidities
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Osteoarticular disorders
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
• Use medications or supplements known to affect cardiovascular parameters
• Labyrinthitis