Whole-body vibration training – better care for COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: Whole-body vibrating training (WBVT) is a modality aiming to improve neuromuscular performance of patients with COPD. However, a consensus on the effects of WBVT has not been reached. We aimed to clarify the effects of WBVT on functional exercise capacity, pulmonary function, and quality of life in COPD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched through April 5, 2018. We calculated the pooled weight mean difference (WMD) using a random-effects model. Quality assessment and publication bias analyses were also performed. RESULTS: We included eight randomized control trials involving 365 patients. Compared with control group, WBVT increased 6-minute walking distance (6-MWD) (WMD: 62.14 m; 95% CI: 48.12–76.16; P<0.001), the change of 6-MWD (Δ6-MWD) (WMD: 42.33 m; 95% CI: 15.21–69.45; P=0.002), the change of the time to finish five repeated sit-to-stand tests (WMD: −2.07 seconds; 95% CI: −4.00 to −0.05; P=0.04), and decreased the change of St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score (WMD: −6.65 points; 95% CI: −10.52 to −2.78; P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) (% predicated), change of FEV(1) (% predicated), sit-to-stand test, 6-MWD (% predicated), change of 6-MWD (% predicated), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score, COPD Assessment Test score, and change of COPD Assessment Test score. CONCLUSION: WBVT has beneficial effects on functional exercise capacity for COPD patients.