Vibration training as an alternative exercise for war veterans presenting with chronic conditions
Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Introduction: Vietnam War Veterans reporting with chronic disease are at risk of low exercise adherence due to fatigue and inadequate clinical supervision. Vibration training may be an effective exercise mode for this population. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of traditional and vibration exercise on the health and function of Vietnam War Veterans. Methods: Vietnam War Veterans (n=32) volunteered and provided informed consent as per Institutional Ethics before completing 12-wk, 3xwk of 1) lower-body vibration, upper-body resistance and stretching (20-30 mins); 2) lower-body vibration, upper-body resistance, aerobic exercise and stretching (40-60 mins); or 3) full-body resistance, aerobic exercise and stretching (40-60 mins). Health and functional ability were assessed pre and post-intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD was used to identify differences in health and function between groups and across time. Results: 82% of participants completed the program. Significant overall time effect improvements (p<0.001) were evident for: 6 min walk test, static squat, timed up and go, sit and reach, leg and back strength, resting heart rate and blood pressure and girths following intervention. While not statistically significant, group 2 demonstrated the largest improvement in functional performance (9-20% improvement). Conclusions: High adherence was attributed to social interaction and personalised supervision therefore AEPs should focus on providing a socially engaging exercise environment for this population. In light of the clinically significant greater functional improvements achieved by group 2, vibration-training appears to be a viable addition to traditional exercise programs in previously sedentary, elderly War Veterans.
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Exercise and Sports Science Australia
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978-0-646-53190-8
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1
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Exercise and Sports Science Australia
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