SR-WBV Training for Frail Elderly in the Skilling up Stage

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: This randomized controlled study aims to examine long term effects in the skilling up phase over 4 weeks on physical functional performance and strength of mechanical SR-WBV and dance therapy intervention in a frail elderly population.

Detailed Description: This study is based on the guideline of falls management exercise programs (FaME; from Skelton and Dinan).

The goals:

Skilling up: improvement in neuromuscular control, postural control and strengthening of large muscle groups of the lower extremity.

Training Gain: improvement of functional abilities. Maintaining the Gains: muscle growth, improvement of bone density and multi-sensory exercises.

First, a pilot study was conducted with untrained elderly ("Effects of stochastic resonance therapy on postural control in the elderly population" (KEK Bern: No.228/09, Clinical Trial Registry: NCT01045746). Following, a second pilot study was conducted with frail elderly (Application of Whole-body Vibration With Stochastic Resonance in Frail Elderly: The Effects on Postural Control Clinical Trial Registry:NCT01543243).

It was found that the selected chosen form of recruitment (presentation and advertisement) and the measurements methods are suitable for untrained elderly. But for frail elderly the chosen form of recruitment and the measurement methods are not sufficient.

For this study, measurement parameters for functional performance and strength will be used.

Goals of the study in the skilling up phase:

1. Feasibility

2. Study the effect on physical functional performance

3. Study the effects on muscle strength.

The participants will be recruited in Canton Bern - Swizerland and will be randomly allocated to an intervention group or sham group.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

acut joint disease, acut thrombosis, acute fractures, acute infections, acute tissue damage, or acute -- surgical scars
seniors with prosthesis.
alcoholic
acute joint disease, activated osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute lower limb
acute inflammation or infection tumors
fresh surgical wounds
severe migraine
epilepsy
acute severe pain

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Intervention	SR-WBV	T0 - intervention over 4 weeks with stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) (5 Hz, noise 4) - T1
Sham group	SR-WBV	T0 - intervention over 4 weeks with stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) (1 Hz, noise 1) - T1

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical Functional Performance	after 4 weeks	Short physical performance battery (SPBB): The SPBB examines 3 areas of lower extremity function: standing balance (semi-tandem stand, side-by-side stand, full tandem stand), usual walking speed and ability to stand from a chair. These areas represent essential tasks important for independent living. The scores range from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance). SPPB 0-6 is "Poor performance"; SPPB 7-9 is "Intermediate performance; SPPB 10-12 is "High Performance".

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Isometric Rate of Force Development (IRFD) Right Knee-extensor	after 4 weeks	It will be evaluated by isometric RFD (Newton/seconds) at 90 degree angle in the knee joint.
Ismometric Maximal Voluntary Contraction (IMVC) Left Knee-extension	after 4 weeks	It will be evaluated by isometric MCV (Newton) at 90 degree angle in the knee joint.
Isometric Rate of Force Development (IRFD) Left Knee-extensor	after 4 weeks	It will be evaluated by isometric RFD (Newton/seconds) at 90 degree angle in the knee joint.
Isometric Maximum Voluntary Contraction (IMCV) in Newton (N) Right Knee-extensor	after 4 weeks	It will be evaluated by isometric MCV (Newton) at 90 degree angle in the knee joint.