Results from a recent pilot study conducted by Indiana university researchers indicate that whole-body vibration may reduce pain symptoms and improve aspects of quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Tony Kaleth, PhD, lead author, (pictured above) associate professor in the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, explains that while the results are promising, “it is not entirely clear whether these improvements were the result of added vibration or just the effects of being more active.”
While regular exercise participation is reportedly one of the best-known therapies for fibromyalgia, the release states that many patients may neglect to participate in response to fear of pain that might be linked to increased physical activity. This can ultimately lead to additional weight gain, as well as chronic health conditions linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, Kaleth says.
The release notes that whole-body vibration encompasses standing, sitting, or lying on a machine with a vibrating platform engineered to cause muscles to contract and relax as the machine vibrates.
Kaleth points out that, “Vibration training is increasingly being studied in clinical populations as a potential therapeutic mode of exercise training. Although the results are largely equivocal and in need of further study, studies have reported improvements in strength, muscle spasticity and pain in select populations.”
Photo Credit: Indiana University
Source: Indiana University
