Is Whole-Body Vibration an Effective and Safe Treatment Choice for Older Adults?

Course overview

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is the application of mechanical oscillations to the body by standing on a vibrating platform. This modality is used in fitness clubs and physical therapy clinics as a method of exercise and functional training, and many vendors are marketing WBV units for home use. Several studies have shown potential health benefits, including improvements in strength, balance, functional mobility, and bone density. This course will review current evidence regarding the effectiveness of WBV and identify clinical guidelines to ensure safety when using this modality for treatment of older adults and deconditioned patients.