Vibrotherapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2015: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In order to increase the level of physical activity, a key strategy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), whole-body vibration (WBV; a type of vibrotherapy), is increasingly being used. The beneficial effect of WBV on glycemic control and the quality of life with T2DM is described in the number of scientific reports, however of different quality/ research value. Therefore, Brazilian scientists conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature, a restrictive and reliable form of evaluation of randomized and controlled studies of the effects of WBV on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors or physical and functional performance of patients with T2DM. {The presented review was created in 2015; at present, T2DM vibrotherapy is still used and researched; editorial note.}

• Based on reliable scientific articles meeting the above-mentioned research goals, it was noticed that vibrotherapy, in the form of WBV combined with exercise, slightly reduces fasting blood glucose in people with T2DM.
• The isolated impact of vibration on T2DM treatment (data for 2015) has not yet been reliably and correctly investigated in terms of the assumed research goals, but the premises require urgent further research in this direction.

Prepared on the basis of:

The effects of whole body vibration in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Robinson CC, Barreto RP, Sbruzzi G, Plentz RD. Braz J Phys Ther. 2016;20(1):4-14.

Test procedure

The presented systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the recommendations of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. The MEDLINE, LILACS, PEDro and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials scientific databases were searched until June 1, 2015, to find articles describing randomized controlled studies of the effects of WBV (versus control or other intervention) on blood glucose levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity of adults with T2DM.

Use of vibration in the study

1st publication: 30 to 60 minutes of ascending aerobic program plus 8 to 24 minutes on a vibration plate (2 mm amplitude; frequency 30 Hz; 1 minute of vibration alternating with 1 minute of rest) in a squat (110 ° knee bend).

2nd publication: eight exercises for the upper and lower limbs (duration from 30 to 60 seconds with 30-second breaks) on a vibration platform (acceleration 1 to 2 g; frequency 12 to 16 Hz; amplitude 4 mm) in a squat (knee bend 100 °) .

Results

Out of 585 potentially eligible articles, only two studies (described in four manuscripts) were found to meet the strict criteria of scientific reliability, quality and research objectives, qualifying for final evaluation. According to them, WBV plus exercise provided a significant reduction in blood fasting glucose of 25.7 mg/dL (95%CI: -45.3 to -6.1; I: 19%) within 12 hours compared with no intervention. Also compared to no intervention but used for 12 weeks, WBV plus exercise improved glycosylated hemoglobin levels, positively influenced cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional performance.

Comment

Based on reliable and qualitatively correct scientific studies, it seems that WBV, combined with exercise and depending on the specific parameters of vibrotherapy, slightly improves glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Due to the hopes posed by the use of vibrotherapy in the treatment of T2DM, there is a clear need (data for 2015) to conduct large and well-designed studies to establish the efficacy of vibrations with specific parameters in the context of T2DM therapy – combined or standalone.

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