Effect of Whole-Body Vibration training on arterial stiffness in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on arterial stiffness (AS) in adults.

METHODS

We primarily evaluated pulse wave velocity (PWV) as the main outcome, while augmentation index (AIx), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were secondary measures. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software, employing a random effects model for pooled effect sizes, reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 174 subjects were included. WBV training significantly reduced PWV (-0.68 m/s [95% CI: -0.81 to -0.54], p < 0.00001), AIx (-5.81% [95% CI: -7.51 to -4.11], p < 0.00001), SBP (-4.82 mmHg [95% CI: -7.71 to -1.94], p = 0.001), and DBP (-1.90 mmHg [95% CI: -3.71 to -0.09], p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term WBV training significantly improves arterial health by reducing PWV, AIx, SBP, and DBP in adults. These findings support WBV training as a beneficial intervention for cardiovascular health management.