Efficacy of whole-body vibration training in the management of patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often presents with skeletal muscle dysfunction, which worsens prognosis. Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been proposed as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation, but evidence of its clinical efficacy remains inconsistent.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of WBVT on functional capacity, muscle strength, pulmonary function, and quality of life in individuals with COPD.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Outcomes assessed included 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS), pulmonary function, and quality of life.

Results: Fifteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. WBVT significantly improved functional capacity measured by the 6MWD (MD = 34.35 m; 95% CI: 13.67,55.04; GRADE: very low). Subgroup analysis revealed a clinically meaningful improvement compared with usual care (MD = 75.97 m; 95% CI: 58.65,93.30), but not when compared with active exercise interventions. For the 5STS, a clinically relevant gain was observed versus usual care (MD = -5.95 seconds; 95% CI: -10.76, -1.14), with no significant difference compared to conventional exercise. No statistically significant effects were found for FEV₁ or quality of life. Most trials presented high risk of bias, and evidence certainty ranged from low to very low.

Conclusion: WBVT may offer benefits in walking distance and sit-to-stand performance only when compared with no rehabilitation exposure, a scenario that is unrealistic in contemporary clinical practice given the strong evidence supporting structured exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD management.