Whole Body Vibration Training Among Older People Using Sheltered Housing (VAREX)

• Physical functioning [ Time Frame: 10 weeks and one year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  The standard Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is used for the assessment of participant's balance, walking speed and chair rising time at the baseline, after the 10 week training and after the subsequent 10 month follow-up.
• Fear of falling [ Time Frame: 10 weeks and one year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  The Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I)is used for the assessment of perceived fear of falling at the baseline, after 10 week training and after the subsequent 10-month follow-up.

The purpose of this randomised (double-blind) controlled exercise intervention trial is to determine whether the whole body vibration (WBV) training can effectively improve physical functioning of older people living in or regularly using services of sheltered housing, reduce their fear of falling, and prevent falling. The study comprises a 10-week training period and a 10-month follow-up period.

• Falls
• Physical Performance
• Fear of Falling

• Behavioral: Whole body vibration training
  The intervention comprises a 10-week individually supervised, progressive WBV training done twice a week on a side-alternating device with simultaneous body transferring and slight squatting exercises. At the week one, the duration of a single training bout is 1 x 1 min, and the number of 1 min bouts is weekly increased by one until five bouts is reached. During weeks 4 - 10, the training comprises 5 x 1 min bouts with 1 min rest periods between. During weeks 1 to 3, vibration frequencies are 12 and 18 Hz, which are used alternately. Thereafter, also 26 Hz may be used instead of 18 Hz. In addition, the amplitude of vibration is increased progressively according to a specified protocol. A detailed training diary is kept.
  Other Name: Galileo Med M Plus
• Behavioral: Wellness group
  The intervention comprises a 10-week supervised group training done once a week with the focus on stretching and flexibility exercises done mostly in a sitting position. The duration of a single training session is 45 minutes. A training diary is kept.

• Experimental: Whole body vibration training
  Intervention: Behavioral: Whole body vibration training
• Active Comparator: Wellness group
  Intervention: Behavioral: Wellness group

Inclusion Criteria:

• lives in sheltered housing or uses regularly services provided by sheltered housing
• ambulatory, able to walk independently with or without a walking aid
• Mini Mental State Examination (MSSE) points 16 or more

Exclusion Criteria:

• knee or hip prosthesis
• osteosynthetic material in lower limbs
• stiffening operation of the spinal column
• cardiac pacemaker
• recent fracture (< 1 yr for lower limb or spinal fractures, < ½ yr for upper limb fractures)
• recent major surgical operation
• acute thrombosis or its high risk
• acute musculoskeletal inflammation
• gall or bladder stones
• problematic hernia
• unstable cardiovascular or other systematic disease
• tumor
• diabetic neuropathy
• strong vertigo

• Finnish Ministry for Education and Culture
• Pirkanmaa Hospital District