Whole body vibration in institutionalized older people over the age of 80 to improve static balance

Balance is a key factor in falls suffered by older people. Institutionalized older people cannot perform strenuous exercise due to their physical condition, so vibration training can be an alternative to conventional exercise. 44 institutionalized people aged over 80 years were randomly divided into three groups: vibration group (GV), no vibration group (GsV) or control group (GC), in order to determine whether a program of eight weeks of vibration training has any effect on static equilibrium of these people. The oscillation frequency progressive training had over eight weeks of 30-35 Hz. and a constant amplitude of four mm. Postural stability was measured by a force platform collecting the anterior-posterior (AP) and medium-lateral (ML), including distance, both axes main speed and amplitude of x and y axes, to determine the centre of pressure (COP) in a static position. Of the 44 participants randomized to one of the study groups, only 33 completed all requirements thereof and therefore were analysed. No significant differences in any of the study outcomes related to postural stability between the groups were found (p>.05). This study does not prove that a vibration training of eight weeks may cause improvements in static standing posture in institutionalized people over the age of 80.