Whole-body Vibration for Osteoarthritis

Overseen By Ryan Harris, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Augusta University

Disqualifiers: Balance issues, Falls, Epilepsy, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a whole-body vibration machine might reduce knee pain and inflammation in older adults with osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. The researchers believe that using this machine for 12 weeks could lessen knee pain and improve blood flow by reducing inflammation in the body. Individuals who have experienced knee pain from osteoarthritis for at least 6 months and can stand for 20 minutes may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for those with osteoarthritis.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Please consult with the trial coordinators for more details.

What prior data suggests that this whole-body vibration technique is safe for older adults with osteoarthritis?

Research has shown that whole-body vibration (WBV) training is generally well-tolerated by people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Studies have found that WBV can strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint function. These studies report no major serious side effects from WBV. Instead, it appears to be a safe and promising way to manage symptoms like pain and stiffness.

While the specific trial you might join lacks detailed safety information, the use of WBV in other studies suggests it is considered safe. This could be reassuring for those considering joining a trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for osteoarthritis, which often focus on medication or surgery to manage pain and inflammation, whole-body vibration training offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative. This technique involves standing on a platform that sends gentle vibrations through the body, potentially improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort. Researchers are excited about this approach because it targets the whole body, possibly enhancing overall physical function and quality of life without the side effects associated with medications. Plus, it could be a promising option for individuals who cannot undergo surgery or prefer to avoid pharmaceuticals.

What evidence suggests that whole-body vibration is effective for osteoarthritis?

Research shows that whole-body vibration (WBV) training, which participants in this trial will receive, can reduce pain and improve movement in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A review of studies found that adding WBV to regular rehab exercises significantly lessened pain and improved mobility. Studies also indicate that WBV training enhances knee joint function and strengthens muscles, helping to relieve pain. Additionally, WBV may improve overall knee function by boosting the body's ability to sense movement and position. Overall, WBV training appears promising for easing symptoms in people with KOA. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 40-75 who have been experiencing knee pain from osteoarthritis for at least six months. It's not suitable for those who are pregnant, have used whole-body vibration recently, can't stand for 20 minutes, are outside the age range, have a history of falls or balance issues, epilepsy, or recent knee surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either a man or a woman.

I have had knee pain from arthritis for at least 6 months.

I am between 40 and 75 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a history of problems with your balance.

You have a history of falling down.

I am either younger than 40 or older than 75.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 12 weeks of home-based whole-body vibration training to assess effects on knee pain and inflammation

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Sub Acute Whole Body Vibration Training

Trial Overview The study is testing if using the Vibrant Health Ultimate whole-body vibration machine can reduce pain and inflammation in older adults with osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo sub-acute WBV training over a period of 12 weeks to see if it improves their knee pain and vascular function.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Whole Body Training (12 week) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Sub Acute Whole Body Vibration Training is already approved in European Union, United States, China for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Whole Body Vibration Training for:

• Rehabilitation for stroke patients
• Improvement of muscle strength and balance
• Treatment of osteoporosis
• Management of spasticity in cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis

Approved in United States as Whole Body Vibration Training for:

• Rehabilitation for stroke patients
• Improvement of muscle strength and balance
• Treatment of osteoporosis
• Management of spasticity in cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis

Approved in China as Whole Body Vibration Training for:

• Rehabilitation for stroke patients
• Improvement of muscle strength and balance
• Treatment of osteoporosis
• Management of spasticity in cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Augusta University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

219

Recruited

85,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has shown potential benefits in improving bone density in the hip and tibia, but not in the lumbar spine, indicating its specific effects on certain areas of the body.

While some studies suggest that WBV can enhance muscle performance, balance, and functional mobility in older adults, the overall quality of the research is variable, and more rigorous studies are needed to establish safe and effective training parameters.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of whole-body vibration training in aging adults: a systematic review. Merriman, H., Jackson, K.[2019]

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) did not significantly improve exercise capacity in COPD patients compared to conventional training, as measured by sit-to-stand and 6-minute walk tests over a 3-month program involving 28 participants.

Despite the lack of improvement in exercise capacity, WBVT showed some benefits in quality of life measures, with significant improvements in three out of four categories of the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRQ) and a trend towards better scores in the COPD assessment test (CAT).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-Body Vibration Training During a Low Frequency Outpatient Exercise Training Program in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Spielmanns, M., Gloeckl, R., Gropp, JM., et al.[2023]

Whole body vibration training (WBV) significantly reduced myocardial infarct size in rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, indicating improved cardiac tolerance to such injuries.

Rats that underwent WBV experienced fewer and shorter episodes of ventricular tachycardia and had a lower mortality rate from ventricular fibrillation compared to the control group, suggesting enhanced cardiac safety during stress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-Body Vibration Training Increases Myocardial Salvage Against Acute Ischemia in Adult Male Rats. Shekarforoush, S., Naghii, MR.[2020]

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) can lead to potentially harmful levels of vibration exposure, exceeding safety standards set by ISO 2631-1, even with just 10 minutes of training per day.

The study found that performing slow, unloaded squats during WBVT with vertical forces (VV) resulted in greater head acceleration and mechanical impedance compared to using upward forces on one foot at a time (RV), suggesting that RV may pose a lower risk of adverse health effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Vibration exposure and biodynamic responses during whole-body vibration training. Abercromby, AF., Amonette, WE., Layne, CS., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11868871/

The effects of whole-body vibration exercises with and without ... This study aims to examine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy + home-based exercise (HBE) therapy; physical therapy modalities (PTMs)+HBE; and ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1297319X21001494

The application of whole-body vibration training in knee ... Whole-Body vibration training can affect the knee joints function, related muscles and proprioception of KOA patients.

3. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318635

Effects of whole-body vibration training as an adjunct to ... The systematic review found that WBVT combined with conventional rehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in KOA patients.

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT07205133

Study Details | NCT07205133 | A Randomized Controlled ... An alternative modality, Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT), has emerged with evidence in improving muscle strength and function which may be easier to ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-osteoarthritis-10-2023-07d28

Whole-body Vibration for Osteoarthritis The investigators' hypothesize that sub-acute (12 weeks) WBV will lead to improvement in the level of knee pain and improve vascular function via a decrease in ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7895843/

Comparison of whole-body vibration training and ... Our findings suggested that adding WBV training to ST might benefit muscle strength around the knee joint in patients with KOA.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07205133

Study Details | NCT07205133 | A Randomized Controlled ... An alternative modality, Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT), has emerged with evidence in improving muscle strength and function which may be easier to ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/17/5870

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Pain ... Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the acute effects of WBV exercise on pain levels, functionality (Timed Up and Go (TUG test) ...