Vibration Therapy Can Reduce Falls & May Improve Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women
A 2010 study showed that postmenopausal women undergoing whole body vibration (WBV) at 25-35 Hz twice weekly, in addition to an exercise program, had fewer falls over an 18 month period compared to the control group. Postmenopausal women undergoing an exercise program without WBV did not have significantly fewer falls. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) increased with the exercise program and exercise plus WBV compared to controls; another study showed an increase in lumbar BMD with WBV alone. Hip BMD did not change significantly. A similar trial also showed a reduction in falls with WBV only over 18 months. Women already diagnosed with osteopenia did not show any change in BMD with WBV after 15 months in a separate trial.
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