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Potential effects of whole-body vibration exercises on blood flow kinetics of different populations: a systematic review with a suitable approach


Danúbia Sá-Caputo
Laisa Paineiras-Domingos
Rafaelle Carvalho-Lima
Glenda Dias-Costa
Patrícia de Castro de Paiva
Claudia Figueiredo de Azeredo
Roberto Carlos Resende Carmo
Carla F. Dionello
Eloá Moreira-Marconi
Éric Heleno F.F. Frederico
Cintia Renata Sousa-Gonçalves
Danielle S. Morel
Dulciane N. Paiva
Núbia C.P. Avelar
Ana C. Lacerda
Carlos E.V. Magalhães
Leonardo S. Castro
Giuseppe A. Presta
Severo de Paoli
Borja Sañudo
Mario Bernardo-Filho

Abstract

Background: The ability to control skin blood flow decreases with advancing age and some clinical disorders, as in diabetes and in rheumatologic diseases. Feasible clinical strategies such as whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) are being used without a clear understanding of its effects. The aim of the present study is to review the effects of the WBVE on blood flow kinetics and its feasibility in different populations.

Material and Methods: The level of evidence (LE) of selected papers in PubMed and/or PEDRo databases was determined. We selected randomized, controlled trials in English to be evaluated.

Results: Six studies had LE II, one had LE III-2 and one III-3 according to the NHMRC. A great variability among the protocols was observed but also in the assessment devices; therefore, more research about this topic is warranted.

Conclusion: Despite the limitations, it is can be concluded that the use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve blood flow. However, more studies with greater methodological quality are needed to clearly define the more suitable protocols.

Keywords: blood flow, whole body vibration exercise, PubMed database, PEDRo database


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eISSN: 0189-6016