Effects of bioDensity Training and Power Plate Whole-Body Vibration on Strength, Balance, and Functional Independence in Older Adults
in Journal of Aging and Physical ActivityClick name to view affiliation
Reduced strength, balance, and functional independence diminish quality of life and increase health care costs. Sixty adults (82.2 ± 4.9 years) were randomized to a control or three 12-week intervention groups: bioDensity (bD); Power Plate (PP) whole-body vibration (WBV); or bD+PP. bD involved one weekly 5-s maximal contraction of four muscle groups. PP involved two 5-min WBV sessions. Primary outcomes were strength, balance, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). No groups differed initially. Strength significantly increased 22–51% for three muscle groups in bD and bD+PP (P < .001), with no changes in control and PP. Balance significantly improved in PP and bD+PP but not in control or bD. bD, PP, and bD+PP differentially improved FIM self-care and mobility. Strength improvements from weekly 5-min sessions of bD may impart health/clinical benefits. Balance and leg strength improvements suggest WBV beneficially impacts fall risk and incidence. Improved FIM scores are encouraging and justify larger controlled trials on bD and bD+PP efficacy.
Smith and Moynes are with the Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Smith is also with the Department of Zoology/Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Judge and Malone are with Springpoint Senior Living, East Windsor, NJ. Conviser is with JMC and Associates, Chicago, IL. Skinner is with the Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
© 2023 Human Kinetics