Simply Seniors
A recent study on arthritis and seniors
Recently a study investigated the effectiveness of whole-body vibration as a therapy for females with rheumatoid arthritis. The study concluded that this therapy can improve functional ability, preserve bone mass and decrease fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can experience on-going pain, swollen joints and a limited ability to carry out daily tasks. Limited mobility can lead to a reduction in bone mass and bone mineral density, which is a measure of calcium and other minerals in the bones and indicator of bone strength.
All these factors lead to a more inactive lifestyle and reduced quality of life for RA patients.
Vibration Exercise and Rheumathoid Arthritis
Physical exercise has already proven to be an effective therapy for RA. These exercises are not always possible for patients depending on their level of mobility. Whole-body vibration has been suggested as a possible alternative to these exercises. Participants in the study were divided into two groups. A control group that continued their current treatment, and a second group that added whole-body vibration to their treatment.
The whole-body vibration group of patients reported a significant increase in their ability to perform day to day tasks after the treatment. This improvement was still evident at a three-month follow-up visit.
No significant improvement was reported by the control group. Bone mineral density in the hip was decreased in the control group but the whole-body vibration group showed no decrease. Overall BMD was improved in the whole-body vibration group compared to the control group. This group also reported an improvement in fatigue levels which was not seen in the control group.
Another similar study confirmed that women suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee experienced significantly improved muscle strength and increased threshold movement levels when treatment includes whole-body vibration compared to those who did not use this type of therapy. The study also noted that whole-body vibration is not only effective but can be time saving as well.
An added bonus that was found in some studies was that of improved pulmonary rehabilitation and function for users of whole-body vibration therapy who suffer from COPD.
An interesting note observed in nearly every study that was discussed was the consensus that in nearly every situation whole-body vibration could be added to current treatment programs with little to no added risks, and the possibility of significant improvements.
This is exactly in line with the experiences I have seen by many of our readers I talk to who have tried whole-body vibration. And, it is also my personal experience after using my LifetimeVibe machine along with others in our office.
Whole-body vibration has proven to me to be an effective form of treatment that can help in many areas with little risk associated with it. Now, I am not saying that whole-body vibration is intended to be a cure all for everything out there. What I am saying is that adding whole-body vibration therapy to your current treatment or exercise plan has been proven to increase the effectiveness, healing effects, and overall function of your body systems.
How you can learn more
Do you want to find out about whole-body vibration therapy for yourself and see if it can make a difference for you?
Check our more research on Arthritis and Whole Body Vibration here.
More overall health benefits of vibration plates here.