Potential contraindications to using Whole Body Vibration (WBV) with osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes.
Absolute contraindications
Severe osteoporosis with BMD < 70 mg/ml
Acute disc related problems and fractures
The above contraindications would prevent an individual from using Whole Body Vibration (WBV). The individual should discuss her/his latest bone mineral density findings with her/his physician. If an individual falls into the severe category for osteoporosis she/he should not use the machine. The risk for potential fractures to weakened bone is too significant regardless of the perceived benefits. In the case of less severe osteoporosis research has indicated that WBV may be beneficial at maintaining or increasing bone density 1, 2, 3. There is also research that has shown that WBV improves postural steadiness and balance in older individuals 4, 5. This may be a benefit to individuals with osteoporosis as it helps to reduce their falls risk.
Compression fractures (collapsed vertebrae) due to osteoporosis affect both the bones and discs of the spine. Individuals with unhealed fractures should not use WBV. The vibration can impact healing of a fracture.
Relative contraindications
Parkinson’s disease
Severe diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease or neuropathy
Relative contraindications are to ensure that an individual discusses WBV with a physician familiar with both her/his medical conditions and WBV. This is so a physician can help an individual make an informed decision regarding WBV, weighing the benefits to potential risks of using the platform.
Although Parkinson’s disease is listed as a contraindication there is some research that demonstrates potential benefits in this population with respect to balance, gait and motor symptoms 6, 7.
WBV may also help an individual with controlled, less severe diabetes due to improvements seen in blood flow in the legs 8, 9. However, if an individual’s diabetes has caused blood clot formation in the legs, WBV should not be used. The vibration may cause clots to loosen and travel to other organs in the body including the lungs. This leads to a potentially life threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
In effect, this individual should discuss WBV with a physician. If her/his osteoporosis is deemed severe or there are acute fractures that have not yet healed, WBV should not be used. If there are any blood clotting issues that have arisen due to diabetes, WBV should also not be pursued. If after reviewing WBV with the physician and it is felt the benefits will outweigh any potential risks, exercise on the platform should be initiated at a reduced intensity and duration. If symptoms worsen when using WBV, exercise should be discontinued immediately and changes should be discussed with a physician. If symptoms remain stable or improved, both intensity and duration can be increased as tolerated. Exercises may also be added at the appropriate fitness level. In general, if an individual experiences any dizziness, pain or shortness of breath while using WBV it should be discontinued immediately.
References
1. Gusi N, Raimundo A, Leal A. 2006. Low-frequency vibratory exercise reduces the risk of bone fracture more than walking: a randomized controlled trial, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 7.
2. Humphries B, Fenning A, Dugan E, Guinane J, MacRae K. 2009. Whole-body vibration effects on bone mineral density in women with or without resistance training, Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 80(12), 1025-31.
3. Verschueren SM, Roelants M, Delecluse C, Swinnen S, Vanderschueren D, Boonen S.2004.Effect of 6-month whole body vibration training on hip density, muscle strength, and postural control in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 19(3), 352-9.
4. Rees SS, Murphy AJ, Watsford ML. 2009.Effects of whole body vibration on postural steadiness in an older population, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(4), 440-4.
5. Rittweger J. 2010. Vibration as an exercise modality: how it may work, and what its potential might be, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 108(5), 877-904.
6. Ebersbach G, Edler D, Kaufhold O, Wissel J. 2008. Whole body vibration versus conventional physiotherapy to improve balance and gait in Parkinson's disease. Archives of Physcial Medicine and Rehabilitation, 89(3), 399-403.
7. Haas CT, Turbanski S, Kessler K, Schmidtbleicher D. 2006. The effects of random whole-body-vibration on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. NeuroRehabilitation, 21(1), 29-36.
8. Lythgo N, Eser P, de Groot P, Galea M. 2009. Whole-body vibration dosage alters leg blood flow, Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 29(1), 53-9.
9. Lohman EB 3rd, Petrofsky JS, Maloney-Hinds C, Betts-Schwab H, Thorpe D. 2007. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects, Medical Science Monitor, 13(2), CR71-6.
Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration machine.