Whole body vibration exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Publication date: Available online 17 April 2019

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Author(s): Yulin Dong, Wang Wu, Jiejiao Zheng, Su Chen, Jun Qiao, Xueqiang Wang

Abstract

Objective

This study systematically reviews previous work on the effects of whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) on pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders.


Data Sources

Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, Physiotherapy Evidence and CNKI) were searched for articles published between January 1980 and September 2018.


Study Selection

Randomized control trials involving adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP), osteoarthritis (OA) or fibromyalgia were included. Participants in the WBVE intervention group were compared with those in the non-treatment and non-WBVE control groups.


Data Extraction

Data were independently extracted using a standardised form. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (Pedro).

Data Synthesis

Suitable data from 16 studies were pooled for meta-analysis. A random effects model was used to calculate between-groups mean differences at 95% confidence interval (CI). The data were analysed depending on the duration of the follow-up, common disorders and different control interventions.

Results

Alleviation of pain was observed at medium term (standardised mean difference (SMD, −0.67; 95% CI, −1.14 to −0.21; I², 80%) and long term (SMD, −0.31; 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.02; I², 0%). Pain was alleviated in OA (SMD, −0.37; 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.10; P < 0.05; I², 22%) and CLBP (SMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.75 to −0.13; P < 0.05; I², 12%). Long term WBVE could relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions of OA (SMD, −0.46; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.13; I², 0%; P < 0.05). WBVE improved chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with the treatment “X” control (SMD, −0.37; 95% CI, −0.61 to −0.12; I², 26%; P < 0.05), traditional treatment control (SMD, -1.02; 95% CI, −2.44 to 0.4; I², 94%; P > 0.05) and no treatment control (SMD, −1; 95% CI, −1.76 to −0.24; I², 75%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Evidence suggests the positive effects of WBVE on chronic musculoskeletal pain, long durations of WBVE could be especially beneficial. However, WBVE doesn’t significantly relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with the traditional treatment. Further work is required to identify which parameters of WBVE are ideal for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

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