Low Magnitude High Frequency Vibration Therapy

Sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis are the commonest problems in elderly. Human muscle consists of various types of muscle fibers. With increase in age, the number of muscle fibers, esp. muscle fiber type II for power burst, decrease significantly. This will lead to reduced muscle strength and poor balancing ability, thus leading to fall incidences and fragility fractures.

According to our previous studies, muscle fiber type II positively correlates with bone mineral density (BMD), which means that daily muscle fiber contractions may help to maintain BMD. Therefore, muscle weakness is associated with osteoporosis that is characterized with low BMD and poor bone microarchitecture. An intervention that can improve both muscle and bone quality is the best strategy for elderly.

Vibration platform in community centres

01

LMHFV

LMHFV is a kind of biophysical intervention to provide systemic mechanical stimulation. The platform provides vibration signals at a frequency of 35Hz and magnitude of 0.3g. According to our clinical and in vivo research, LMHFV can significantly improve muscle performance in terms of muscle strength and balancing ability as early as 6 months after treatment. This will eventually reduce the risk of fall and fracture. Bone needs a longer time to react and improvement of bone mineral density can be detected after at least 1 year. Besides, blood circulation can also be enhanced after LMHFV treatment. Most importantly, there is no adverse effect reported after LMHFV treatment. Therefore, LMHFV is a non-invasive and safe intervention for elderly or those who are not suitable to do regular weight bearing exercise to improve their musculoskeletal health.

02

Treatment duration

Clients should stand upright on the LMHFV platform. It is recommended that LMHFV treatment should be carried out 20min per day and at least 3 times per week for at least 1 year.

03

Precautions

LMHFV is a form of exercise to induce muscle contraction that may lead to tiredness. Clients completing LMHFV treatment should take a rest. If there is any discomfort, please stop the treatment and consult doctors.

04

Contraindications

Pregnancy, malignancy and pacemaker installed.

05

Research projects in Vibration Therapy: Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration reduces fall and fracture risks

With the collaboration with 24 community elderly centers, we have been conducting a control trial to investigate the effect of LMHFV in reducing fall and fracture risks in community elderly since 2009. Elderly women aged 60 or above were recruited and they were randomized into control and treatment groups. Treatment group elderly received LMHFV 5 days per week and 20 minutes per day for 18 months. The control group remained in their habitual life style without receiving LMHFV treatment. Fall and fracture rate, balancing ability, quadriceps strength, and bone mineral density were assessed in this study.