Whole-body Vibration on Mucus Clearance, the Quality of Life, and Exercise Capacity for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Although whole body vibration (WBV) is mainly designed to promote neuromuscular function, however, because of its vibration characteristics, whether it can provide additional effects on the sputum clearance for chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) disease patients, thereby improving the quality of life, and exercise capacity is still unknown.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of COPD at the outpatient thoracic medicine clinic
• Need HFCWO as judged by the doctor

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute COPD exacerbation within the previous 4 weeks,
• Contraindication for WBVT (e.g., artificial joint replacement, a history of deep vein thrombosis, or known aortic aneurysm)
• Inability to perform squatting exercises
• Acute disc disease
• Inability to complete the 6MWT