None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This research aims to examine the compliance and tolerance of low amplitude Whole Body Vibration (WBV) exercise in frail elderly both in the short (8 & 16 weeks) and longer (24 weeks) term. The physiological, psychological and functional changes in balance, movement, and strength will be monitored – this will continue beyond the 24 week exercise intervention to determine any longer-lasting and detraining effects. A second aim is to investigate if WBV enhances the uptake of dietary calcium + vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) supplementation, and therefore increases bone mineral density beyond that seen with the treatment alone and could be an effective or preventative treatment for osteoporosis in old age.
Interventions
Arm 1: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) exercise intervention group (WBV). Participants in this group will complete three 20-minute sessions of low-intensity WBV exercise each week for 24 weeks. Progression of Hz and amplitude will be dependent upon each individual’s ability to tolerate the low level vibration (individual comfort and body resonance), but the starting level for all participants will be 6Hz. The WBV exercise is performed with isometric knee flexion ~20 degrees (+/- 5 deg.) which provide
Arm 1: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) exercise intervention group (WBV). Participants in this group will complete three 20-minute sessions of low-intensity WBV exercise each week for 24 weeks. Progression of Hz and amplitude will be dependent upon each individual’s ability to tolerate the low level vibration (individual comfort and body resonance), but the starting level for all participants will be 6Hz. The WBV exercise is performed with isometric knee flexion ~20 degrees (+/- 5 deg.) which provides a dampening effect to prevent spine or head vibration. The effects of WBV will be monitored using a small health questionnaire & perceived exertion scale - the results of which will be fed-back to geriatricians. Arm 2: Simulated-WBV exercise intervention group (SIM). Participants in this group will complete three 20-minute exercise sessions each week for 24 weeks, in which they will mimic the standing on the machine (but with no vibration) All sessions for groups 1 & 2 (WBV & SIM) will be supervised by University staff or trained students (all with 1st aid certification). Arm 3: Control group (CON). No exercise intervention All participants will continue to receive standard care.
Sponsors
Massey University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
75 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Institutionalized in a care home Are frail individuals, as categorised by a Functional Ambulation Categorisation of 2-5 Asymptomatic for pain
Exclusion criteria
For all participants in the study: Individuals engaging in above normal levels of exercise already Knee or hip prosthesis A recent history of venous thrombosis, fracture or surgery Individuals with spinal tumours or metastases, disc herniation or aortic aneurisms A cognitive ability score below 22 in the RUDAS assessment Individuals with a pacemaker, Epilepsy, or Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy Biochemical indicators of pathologies such as Paget’s disease, renal disease, FBC, or diabetes For those undergoing bone-health measures only: Individuals suffering from hypoparathyroidism or diseases/conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria Fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency
Outcome results
None listed