NCT07509606

Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Healthy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Lung Function, Respiratory Function, Upper Extremity Strength and Flexibility, Cardiac Automatic Function and Quality of Life in Healthy and Moderate and Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 102 (estimated)
• Sponsor: National Cheng Kung University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and increased lung compliance. It leads to dyspnea, skeletal muscle dysfunction, impaired functional capacity, and reduced quality of life. Physical inactivity is considered a major contributor to symptom deterioration, the development of a vicious cycle, and ultimately increased mortality. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), pulmonary rehabilitation should include aerobic and resistance exercise for at least 20 minutes per session, performed three to five times per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Exercise intensity should be progressively increased to exceed 60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), and patients are encouraged to maintain long-term exercise habits. However, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal initial intensity, progression strategy, and exercise duration. Previous studies have demonstrated that whole-body vibration (WBV) can improve lower extremity muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with COPD. However, its effects on lung function and the optimal training dose remain unclear. In addition, COPD also affects respiratory muscles, upper extremity strength and flexibility, as well as cardiac autonomic function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different WBV frequencies on lung function, respiratory muscle function, upper extremity strength and flexibility, and cardiac autonomic function, in order to determine the optimal training dose.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Whole Body Vibration

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Whole body vibration	All participants will receive three different frequencies of WBV (15, 25, and 35 Hz) in a block-randomized order, with a washout period of at least 7 days between conditions. Subsequently, participants will undergo three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency over one week to evaluate the cumulative effects.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-07
• Primary completion: 2025-05-08
• Completion: 2027-12-31
• First posted: 2026-04-03
• Last updated: 2026-04-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan