Effect of Whole Body Vibration Exercise in the Horizontal Direction on Balance and Fear of Falling in Elderly People: A Pilot Study

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in the elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly individuals. Participants performed whole body vibration exercise...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2014, Vol.26(7), pp.1083-1086
Main Authors: Shim, ChungSin, Lee, YunBok, Lee, DongGeon, Jeong, BeomHo, Kim, JinBeom, Choi, YoungWoo, Lee, GyuChang, Park, Dong-sik
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Balance
Elderly
Original
Whole body vibration
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Summary:[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in the elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly individuals. Participants performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction using a whole body vibration device for 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. At baseline and after the 6-week intervention, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, and fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale. [Results] After the intervention, significant improvements from baseline values in the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Falls Efficacy Scale were observed in the study participants. [Conclusion] Elderly individuals who performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction showed significant improvements in balance and fear of falling. However, the observed benefits of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction need to be confirmed by additional studies.
ISSN:0915-5287
2187-5626
DOI:10.1589/jpts.26.1083