Whole Body Vibration Device Shows Promise in PH Treatment

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) who participated in a trial where they used an oscillatory whole body vibration (WBV) device showed an increased capacity for exercise and improved physical performance.

Dr. Kristina Kudelko discusses whether pulmonary hypertension patients should exercise and the health benefits they may experience if they do.

Patients stand on a platform and hold onto a bar. The device then vibrates and the patient then uses muscle spindle reflexes to counter the vibrations. Dynamic or static exercises can be performed on the device by standing in certain positions.

The WBV device has been used with success for patients with other chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and COPD and has been proven to lead to improved muscle strength and power. The 22 patients who took part in the pulmonary hypertension trial reported improved six-minute walking distances and quality of life scores. Read more about this study here.

Pulmonary hypertension patients engaged in exercise training show range of improvements, a study finds.

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