The addition of whole-body vibration to a lifestyle modification on arterial stiffness in overweight and obese women

Background: Increased arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness increases in obese individuals as compared to normal weight. While weight loss by calorie-restriction alone decreases arterial stiffness in obesity, it decreases muscle mass. Resistance training is recommended treatment for this frailty, but it can also increase arterial stiffness. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has recently been indicated as an alternative for resistance training. The present study aimed to examine whether lifestyle modifications combined with WBV decrease arterial stiffness in overweight and obese women. Methods: Twelve overweight and obese women (age: 30-48 years) completed a 12-week lifestyle-modification program (1200. kcal/day diet, brisk walking for 30. min, 3 days/week) and WBV (30-35. Hz, 30. min, 3 days/week). Results: Before and after this program, we measured body weight and indices of arterial stiffness, i.e., carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV). Body weight, cfPWV, and baPWV of the overweight and obese women significantly decreased after this intervention. The concentration of plasma pentraxin 3, which has a cardioprotective effect, significantly increased after the program. Conclusion: We recommend the addition of WBV to classical lifestyle modifications to decrease arterial stiffness, which would reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and muscle weakness in obese individuals.