Elderly People Exercise with Vibration Therapy
Treatments Improve Quality of Life for Older Persons & Caregivers
Sep 20, 2009
Elderly people have something in common with Russian cosmonauts: Whole body vibration. Vibration therapy, originally developed to preserve muscle and bone mass in zero-gravity conditions, is gaining recognition among rehabilitation specialists and health care providers that work with senior clients and their caregivers. Whole body vibration therapy can aid elderly people by stimulating muscles, joints, and tissues. The effects of increased blood flow improve bone density and may even boost neurological function.
Caregivers benefit too, when elderly loved ones respond favorably to whole body vibration therapy. Elderly clients feel less pain and experience happier moods. Some elderly participants show improvements in cognitive function due to increased oxygen in the brain. Improved balance and mobility for elderly people mean fewer falling accidents. Caregivers worry less and stress is reduced.
How Does Whole Body Vibration Work?
WBV provides designated levels of stimulation as the user stands or sits on the equipment platform. Vibrations reverberate through the body stimulating muscles, circulation, nerves, and even brain function. Muscles are forced to respond to the stimulating movement, though the motion itself is very slight. One can touch the platform and feel a vibrating sensation, but the motion can't be detected just by looking at the vibrating plate.
Athletes sometimes use whole body vibration in conjunction with other modes of physical exercise to tone and firm the body. Other people might incorporate WBV into a program for losing weight. Additionally, whole body vibration therapy for the elderly can be administered in a therapeutic environment as a passive mode of exercise, meaning the machine does most of the work while the client enjoys the ride.
There are two types of vibration therapy units, according to Vivian Eisenstadt, MAPT, OCS, who is the owner of Prevent the Pain Therapy in Los Angeles, CA. In a patient handout article from Advance for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants magazine titled, "A New Platform to Better Health" (July 2009, p. 20), Eisenstadt explains, "Motor units move in horizontal and vertical planes. Vibrational sound or piston models operate in the vertical plane only ... This can benefit an older population and those recovering from injury."
How Can Elderly People Benefit from Whole Body Vibration?
Whole Body Vibration increases muscle strength by gently exercising the entire body. The intensity can be adjusted as needed or recommended by a therapist. Post-surgical patients can also benefit from vibration therapy during recovery.
Elderly people benefit from whole body vibration in a variety of ways:
- Bone density. In the article mentioned above, Eisenstadt states, "WBV can quell the effects of osteoporosis by balancing hormones and increasing mechanical stressors on bones via involuntary muscle contractions."
- Improved muscle strength. Exercise improves the quality of life. WBV can improve mobility for aging persons with osteoarthritis in the knees.
- Improved balance and coordination. Balance exercise can aid in preventing falls in elderly persons.
- Joint function. Increased movement results in increased blood flow and removal of fluids that collect in tissues. This is especially helpful for elderly persons that are overweight or those affected by degenerative diseases that limit mobility and everyday activities.
- Improved circulation. WBV increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, increasing physical energy.
- Improved quality of life. Increased oxygen to the brain lifts the mood and leaves one feeling energized, yet relaxed. Stress and tension are relieved.
Persons of all ages can benefit from whole body vibration, including clients with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, and muscular dystrophy, to name a few conditions. The stimulation helps minimize muscular atrophy – a condition where lower body muscles shrink from lack of use. As part of an exercise program, WBV can aid in losing weight or can be used as part of a fitness maintenance program.
Caregivers for elderly loved ones can also reap the benefits of whole body vibration therapy. Aged persons who have undergone WBV therapy are less likely to experience balance problems and falls. The quality of life for all family members improves when an elderly parent/grandparent is more focused, is in a better mood, and has better mobility. Caregivers and loved ones interested in learning more are urged to consult with the person's health care provider to see if an elderly client might benefit from whole body vibration therapy.
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