Abstract
Objective:
To investigate whether a comprehensive exercise program was effective in improving physical function among institutionalized older adults and whether adding whole-body vibration to the program conferred additional therapeutic benefits.
Design:
A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted.
Setting:
This study was carried out in residential care units.
Participants:
In total, 73 older adults (40 women, mean age: 82.3 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled into this study.
Interventions:
Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: strength and balance program combined with whole-body vibration, strength and balance program without whole-body vibration, and social and recreational activities consisting of upper limb exercises only. All participants completed three training sessions per week for eight weeks.
Outcome measures:
Assessment of mobility, balance, lower limb strength, walking endurance, and self-perceived balance confidence were conducted at baseline and immediately after the eight-week intervention. Incidences of falls requiring medical attention were recorded for one year after the end of the training period.
Results:
A significant time × group interaction was found for lower limb strength (five-times-sit-to-stand test;
Conclusion:
The exercise program was effective in improving lower limb strength among institutionalized older adults but adding whole-body vibration did not enhance its effect. Whole-body vibration may improve balance confidence without enhancing actual balance performance.
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