Differential Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Floor Exercises on Muscle Architecture, Functional Performance, and Well-Being in Prefrail Seniors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a 6-wk whole-body vibration program versus floor exercises on physical and psychosocial outcomes in prefrail elderly. In this randomized, single-blind, parallel-group superiority trial, 58 prefrail participants aged ≥65 were randomized 1:1 to whole-body vibration or floor groups. Both groups performed structurally similar exercise programs (5 sessions/week), tailored to either a vibration platform or the floor. Primary outcomes were quadriceps thickness, Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio, and Chair Stand Test. Secondary outcomes included handgrip strength, body composition, performance, mobility, balance, and questionnaires on physical activity, mood, kinesiophobia, depression, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. Assessments occurred at baseline and week 6, except for quadriceps thickness and Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio, also measured at weeks 2 and 4. While both interventions significantly improved quadriceps thickness, Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio, Chair Stand Test, performance, balance, mood, fatigue, and sleep quality, whole-body vibration showed greater Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio gains at week 6 (right: P = 0.027, left: P = 0.043) and better outcomes in Timed Get-Up-and-Go ( P = 0.008), depressive symptoms ( P = 0.036), fatigue ( P = 0.036), and trunk fat percentage ( P = 0.008) and mass ( P = 0.006), with no serious adverse events. Whole-body vibration yielded greater benefits in sarcopenia prevention, mobility, mood, fatigue, and body composition, although other outcomes showed no between-group differences, suggesting domain-specific rather than universal effects.