Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Healthy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Lung Function, Respiratory Function, Upper Extremity Strength and Flexibility, Cardiac Automatic Function and Quality of Life in Healthy and Moderate and Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and increased lung compliance. It leads to dyspnea, skeletal muscle dysfunction, impaired functional capacity, and reduced quality of life. Physical inactivity is considered a major contributor to symptom deterioration, the development of a vicious cycle, and ultimately increased mortality.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), pulmonary rehabilitation should include aerobic and resistance exercise for at least 20 minutes per session, performed three to five times per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Exercise intensity should be progressively increased to exceed 60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), and patients are encouraged to maintain long-term exercise habits. However, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal initial intensity, progression strategy, and exercise duration.

Previous studies have demonstrated that whole-body vibration (WBV) can improve lower extremity muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with COPD. However, its effects on lung function and the optimal training dose remain unclear. In addition, COPD also affects respiratory muscles, upper extremity strength and flexibility, as well as cardiac autonomic function.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different WBV frequencies on lung function, respiratory muscle function, upper extremity strength and flexibility, and cardiac autonomic function, in order to determine the optimal training dose.

Healthy individuals

Inclusion Criteria:

• No prior experience with whole-body vibration therapy or exposure to vibration-related occupations or sports.
• Aged between 18 and 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy.
• Acute thrombosis.
• Severe cardiovascular disease.
• Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
• Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
• Hip or knee implants.
• Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
• Severe diabetes mellitus.
• Epilepsy.
• Recent infection.
• Severe migraine.
• Tumor.
• Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
• Kidney stones.
• Organ failure.
• Presence of musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular conditions, or any form of acute or chronic pain.
• Participation in other research studies concurrently.
• Regular exercise habits (engaging in moderate-intensity exercise ≥3 times per week).

COPD

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II, III, or IV.
• No history of hospitalization within the past two months.
• No participation in any rehabilitation program within the past two months.
• Able to comply with the exercise training program.
• Aged 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, or tuberculosis).
• Current smokers.
• Hip or knee implants.
• Severe joint disease or history of lower extremity surgery.
• History of vitreous hemorrhage.
• Dependence on supplemental oxygen.
• Severe alcohol abuse (>80 g/day).
• Severe malnutrition (BMI < 19 kg/m²).
• Pregnancy.
• Acute thrombosis.
• Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
• Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
• Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
• Severe diabetes mellitus.
• Epilepsy.
• Recent infection.
• Severe migraine.
• Tumor.
• Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
• Kidney stones.
• Organ failure.
• Altered consciousness or inability to comply with assessments.
• Participation in other research studies concurrently