OBJECTIVE:

To test whether training on a high-frequency (28Hz) vibrating platform improves muscle power and bone characteristics in postmenopausal women.

DESIGN:

Randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up.

SETTING:

Outpatient clinic in a general hospital in Italy.

PARTICIPANTS:

Twenty-nine postmenopausal women (intervention group, n=14; matched controls, n=15).

INTERVENTION:

Participants stood on a ground-based oscillating platform for three 2-minute sessions for a total of 6 minutes per training session, twice weekly for 6 months. The controls did not receive any training. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Muscle power, calculated from ground reaction forces produced by landing after jumping as high as possible on a forceplate, cortical bone density, and biomarkers of bone turnover.

RESULTS:

Over 6 months, muscle power improved by about 5% in women who received the intervention, and it remained unchanged in controls (P=.004). Muscle force remained stable in both the intervention and control groups. No significant changes were observed in bone characteristics.

CONCLUSION:

Reflex muscular contractions induced by vibration training improve muscle power in postmenopausal women.