Martín, G., de Saá, Y.,García-Manso, JM., Martín-González, JM., da Silva-Grigoletto, ME. Andalusian Journal of Sport Medicine. 2009; 2 (1): 7-12. ISSN: 1888-7546.

Abstract

Methods. Sixteen elderly females (mean age 69 64 ±4 years) participated from the study. Both experimental (EG; n= 8) and control group (CG; n= 8) were exposed to whole body vibration on a vibration platform for 24 sessions (three times per week). On the platform, both groups (EG, CG) performed three exercises (two of them were dynamic and one was static). The vibration frequency was progressively increased in GE (20-32 Hz) while CG always received the same frequency (10 Hz). Outcome measures were blood concentrations of parathormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate, β-cross lap. Likewise, other complementary tests used were anthropometry, and the 30-second chair stand test. Results. PTH blood concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) in EG 44.3%; whereas the responses of blood calcium, phosphate, and β-cross lap showed no significant increase (p > 0.05). The 30-second chair stand test showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in strength levels for both groups, with changes being more marked for EG. Anthropometric tests also showed training was more useful for EG. Conclusions. These results suggest that low-intensity whole body vibration training leads to positive hormonal profile on PTH, which can benefit the osseous construction processes on elderly people.

Keywords: PTH; Elderly, Whole Body Vibration; Osteoporosis.