Whole Body Vibration Training Attenuates Bone Loss in Osteoporosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteoporosis increases risk for fracture, however weight-bearing exercise may influence bone health and reduce risk for falling. This case study involves an osteoporotic female (57 years) who underwent whole body vibration training which progressed to achieve 15 sets of 60 sec at 26 Hz. Between sets of whole body vibration training, the participant performed 1 min of exercise aimed to reduce risk for falling. Training occurred 3 days/week for 6 months, when the patient experienced bilateral radial fractures unrelated to training. After healing, whole body vibration training resumed for another 9 months. Physical fitness and risk for falls was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test at three time points across the intervention. Bone mineral density was measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the hip and spine regularly for approximately 18 years; in the 16 years leading up to and including the 2 years of vibration training. Six months of whole body vibration training, interrupted by 10 months for fracture healing, followed by another 9 months, corresponded to an 8% improvement in bone mineral density at the femoral neck and maintenance of bone mineral density at the spine. Improvements in the Senior Fitness Test indicate reduced risk for falling. Whole body vibration may be a viable treatment option for osteoporotic women averse to medications and/or those who cannot tolerate weight-bearing activity.