Evaluation of the Effects of Systemic Vibration Therapy on Thermogenesis, Cardiovascular Parameters, Endocrine-inflammatory Markers, and Physical-functional Performance in Adults With Obesity.

Laboratorio de Vibraçoes Mecanicas e Praticas Integrativas90 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of Systemic Vibration Therapy (SVT) on thermogenesis, cardiovascular health, endocrine-inflammatory markers, and physical performance in adults (men and women, aged 18-59) with obesity. The main questions it aimed to answer were: What were the effects of SVT on thermogenesis and physical-functional performance in people with obesity? How did SVT affect cardiovascular risk, hormone levels, and inflammation? Researchers compared two types of vibrating platforms (vertical and side-alternating) to a placebo group (where the platform was turned off but simulated the sound) to see if the vibration led to changes in these health parameters. Participants: Attended sessions 2 times per week for either 6 or 12 weeks. Stood barefoot in a static squat position on a vibrating platform for 29 minutes per session (alternating 1 minute of vibration with 1 minute of rest). Underwent health assessments, including blood tests, body composition scans, muscle strength tests, and quality of life questionnaires.

Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat and triggers systemic impacts. Currently, it affects 1 in 8 people worldwide, with projections of generating global costs of US$ 3 trillion per year by 2030. In Brazil, prevalence may reach 30.4%. Central obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunctions, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the leading causes of death globally. Low-grade inflammation and alterations in the autonomic nervous system also exacerbate cardiovascular risk. In this context, brown adipose tissue, with its thermogenic function, has been studied as a potential ally in body mass control. Excess fat combined with muscle mass loss accentuates functional impairments. Although physical exercise is essential, low adherence among individuals with obesity requires viable alternatives. Systemic vibration therapy (SVT), which utilizes mechanical vibrations through vibrating platforms, emerges as a promising strategy, with evidence of effects on reducing body fat, increasing muscle strength, and modulating hormonal and neuromuscular responses. However, conclusive evidence regarding the best protocols is lacking, justifying further studies.This study aims to evaluate the effects of SVT on thermogenesis, cardiovascular, endocrine-inflammatory parameters, and the physical-functional performance of adults with obesity by applying different protocols. Individuals aged 18 to 59 of both sexes, with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and WHR ≥ 0.50, will be included. Recruitment will take place at HUPE, PPC/UERJ, the general community, and social media. The sample size calculation indicated a need for 30 participants, accounting for potential dropouts. Personal information will be collected, and biochemical, endocrine-inflammatory, vascular, cardiovascular risk, body composition, muscle strength, electromyography, physical-functional tests, eating behavior, quality of life, cognition, sleep, vital signs, and perceived exertion assessments will be performed.Interventions will occur twice a week, with a 72-hour interval, for 6 and 12 weeks. Two types of vibrating platforms will be used: vertical displacement (VVP) and side-alternating displacement (AVP). Three protocols will be applied: the GAVP will use the AVP with a frequency of 30 Hz and an amplitude of 2.5 mm or 5.0 mm; the GVVP will use the VVP, also at 30 Hz with "low" amplitude; and the SG (Sham Group) will perform the same movements with the platform turned off, simulating the vibration sound. In all groups, participants will be barefoot, in a static squat with knees at $50\^\\circ$, for 1 minute of exposure followed by 1 minute of rest, repeated 15 times, totaling 29 minutes per session.

Interventions

Systemic vibratory therapyDEVICE

The vertical displacement vibrating platform (Power Plate Pro 5, North America, Inc.) used features triplanar movement of its base (up and down, right and left, and forward and backward movements). However, the resultant of these movements is vertical; therefore, the individual felt as if it performed only the up and down movement while undergoing systemic vibration therapy. In this equipment, the frequency could be adjusted, and the amplitude was selected according to the chosen frequency, such as "high" or "low." The side-alternating displacement vibrating platform (KIKOS FITNESS, model P204IXC, São Paulo) that was used features base movements like a "seesaw," where the right side rises while the left side lowers and vice versa (in relation to the central fulcrum). On this equipment, the individual felt as if they were on a "seesaw." On this vibrating platform, the frequency could be adjusted, and the amplitude was selected according to the positioning of the individual's.

Systemic vibration therapyDEVICE

The individual was positioned barefoot, standing on the base of the side-alternating vibrating platform. The vibrating platform was turned off and coupled with a device that simulated the sound of mechanical vibration.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Thermogenin

Thermogenin (Uncoupling Protein 1 \[UCP1\]) was measured before and immediately after the WBV session. Blood samples were collected by a trained professional at the PPC/UERJ Clinical Analysis Laboratory (Capsule Unit), always during the same morning shift and no later than 8:00 a.m. For peripheral blood assays, serum and plasma collection tubes were centrifuged at 2,000 rpm at 25°C. Subsequently, 500 µL of serum was aliquoted into two microtubes and stored at -80°C until analysis. Serum UCP1 concentrations were determined using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Optical density (OD) was measured using a Thermo Scientific spectrophotometer.