Alavinia SM, Omidvar M, Craven BC. Neural Engineering and Therapeutic Team, Lyndhurst Centre, KITE-Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PubMed databases up to 27th March 2019. 13 studies evaluating the effects of WBV therapy on fat mass as a primary or secondary outcome among healthy (no comorbid disease), overweight or obese adults (Body Mass Index ≥ 25) were included.
The meta-analysis, revealed a statistically significant mean change for percent fat mass (2.56, 95% CI: 3.81, 1.31)
The second fixed effects of the meta-analysis, revealed a significant mean change (1.91, 95% CI: 2.64, 1.18) for fat mass/kg
The meta-analyses indicate a positive effect of Whole Body Vibration therapy on reducing fat mass (%/kg)
The greatest effect is seen when combined with conventional weight loss interventions specifically, diet and exercise
There were no reported side effects or injuries related to the use of WBV devices