Safety and Health at Work  2013;4(3):149-155

Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, and Body Balance: A Worksite Training Study.

Achim ELFERING 1 ; Sibille ARNOLD ; Volker SCHADE ; Christian BURGER ; Lorenz RADLINGER

Affiliations

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Keywords

low back pain; musculoskeletal system; occupational health

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training (SR-WBV) was tested to reduce work-related musculoskeletal complaints. METHODS: Participants were 54 white-collar employees of a Swiss organization. The controlled crossover design comprised two groups each given 4 weeks of exercise and no training during a second 4-week period. Outcome was daily musculoskeletal well-being, musculoskeletal pain, and surefootedness. In addition, participants performed a behavioral test on body balance prior to when SR-WBV started and after 4 weeks of SR-WBV. RESULTS: Across the 4-week training period, musculoskeletal well-being and surefootedness were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas musculoskeletal pain was significantly reduced only in those who reported low back pain during the last 4 weeks prior to the study (p < 0.05). Body balance was significantly increased by SR-WBV (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SR-WBV seems to be an efficient option in primary prevention of musculoskeletal complaints and falls at work.