The Effect of Horizontal Whole-body Vibration Therapy in Post-menopausal Women

In this prospective, randomized controlled 3-month study, 185 post-menopausal women who were diagnosed with osteoporosis and followed up in our outpatient clinic based on the osteoporosis diagnostic criteria by the World Health Organization were analyzed.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 patients were included in the study. The patients included in the study were randomized by the co-researcher into 3 groups of 20 patients each according to the random numbers table. Group 1 received WBV and infrared therapy for 20 minutes per session, 2 days a week for 3 months. Group 2 received only infrared therapy for 20 minutes, 2 days a week for 3 months, in the same bed system. The patients were placed in the supine position with the whole body in contact with the platform/bed during the treatment. In terms of compliance with the WBV therapy, the frequency was increased to 30 Hz in the first week, 40 Hz in the second week, 50 Hz in the third week, and 60 Hz in the fourth week and administered for a total of 20 minutes. Subsequent sessions continued with 60 Hz. The acceleration value administered by the device was 2.0-4.0 m/s², and the amplitude of the applied vibration in the vertical direction was 0.5-2.0 mm.Infrared therapy at a wavelength of 550-950 nm was applied to both groups of patients by means of infrared pads on the bed during the treatment.Group 3 did not receive any treatment. Patients in all 3 groups continued their treatment with 1000 mg Ca and 880 IU vitamin D. The patients were called every week by phone to check whether they were complying with the treatment or not.Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar and femoral regions of all the patients was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. In addition, osteocalcin and hydroxyproline values were measured. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, pain was assessed using the visual analog scale, and balance was assessed based on the participants' performance in the Berg Balance test.The scales were applied at the beginning and at the end of the treatment.