Effects of whole-body vibration training on muscle performance in healthy women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: This study aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle performance in healthy women. Methods: A systematic search of studies available up to 30 May 2024 was conducted using seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Studies with a randomized and controlled protocol in which the effect of WBVT on muscle performance variables was compared to that of a) a non-exercise intervention or b) exercise intervention in healthy women were assessed for eligibility. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models, and the results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A total of 21 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 748 healthy women, was included in the meta-analysis. WBVT demonstrated significantly greater effects on muscle strength and power when compared with the non-exercise control groups with regard to knee extension (SMD = 0.534, 95% CI: 0.303 to 0.766, p 30 Hz, SMD = 0.736, p 30 Hz) provided greater improvements in muscle strength, while post-menopausal women reaped greater benefits in muscle power than pre-menopausal women.