Relationship between whole body vibration application and muscle strength and thickness, body composition, physical performance, balance, kinesiophobia, emotional state, fatigue, quality of life and sleep in pre-frail individuals over 65 years of age: randomized clinical trial

Frailty is included in geriatric syndromes. Elderly people who do not meet all the frailty criteria but are at risk are defined as pre-frail. Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of whole body vibration therapy on STAR value, anterior thigh muscle thickness, muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, physical activity, mood, kinesiophobia, fatigue, quality of life and sleep in pre-frail individuals aged ≥65 years. A total of 58 people were included in the study and randomized into two groups. Whole body vibration therapy was applied to the vibration group on the Thinning plate platform, a home-type vibration device, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The same exercise program was applied to the floor group on a flat surface without a vibration platform. Primary outcome measure; The STAR value was determined by the anterior thigh muscle thickness and the sit-to-stand chair test. Other assessments were considered secondary outcome measures. In the intra-group evaluation of treatment effectiveness; A statistically significant improvement was detected in the primary outcome measures, muscle strength, physical performance, balance, mood, kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life and sleep in the vibration and floor group. In the body composition analysis in the vibration group, a statistically significant decrease in total and regional fat weight was observed at the end of the treatment compared to the baseline. When the difference between groups was evaluated at the end of the treatment; an increase in the STAR value was detected in favor of the vibration group. In addition, a statistically significant improvement was detected in favor of the vibration group in the Timed Up and Go Test, Geriatric Depression Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. İn conclusion, whole body vibration therapy was found to have a more positive effect on increasing the STAR value and improving physical performance. We believe that whole body vibration therapy, which is a well-tolerated, easy-to-apply and less costly, could be an alternative treatment option for pre-frail elderly people. Keywords: Vibration, frail, ultrasound, quadriceps muscle