Effect of long-term whole body vibration training on visceral adipose tissue: a preliminary report.

AIM

To determine the effect of whole body vibration (WBV), combined with caloric restriction, on weight, body composition and metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled study with a 6-month intervention period and a 6-month 'no intervention' follow-up. 61 of the 79 participants completed the study. Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months in the control group (CONTROL), the diet only group (DIET), the diet plus fitness group (FITNESS) and the diet plus WBV group (VIBRATION).

RESULTS

Weight decreased significantly in all three intervention groups. Only FITNESS and VIBRATION managed to maintain a weight loss of 5% or more in the long term. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) changed most in VIBRATION: -47.8 +/- 41.2 and -47.7 +/- 45.7 cm2 after 6 and 12 months respectively compared to CONTROL (-3.6 +/- 20.5 or +26.3 +/- 30.6 cm(2)), DIET (-24.3 +/- 29.8 or -7.5 +/- 28.3 cm(2)) and FITNESS (-17.6 +/- 36.6 or -1.6 +/- 33.3 cm(2)) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining aerobic exercise or WBV training with caloric restriction can help to achieve a sustained long-term weight loss of 5-10%. These preliminary data show that WBV training may have the potential to reduce VAT more than aerobic exercise in obese adults, possibly making it a meaningful addition to future weight loss programs.