I’m a science writer preparing an article about this subject, and I’m looking for resources – research and topic experts.
Is Whole Body Vibration a viable treatment for osteoporosis in post-menopausal women? And are there other proven or promising (currently under examination) alternative therapies to drug treatments to prevent and reverse bone loss? I’m looking for current research (2015 and beyond) as well as experts in this field willing to answer questions.
Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
Margo
There is no treatment for "osteoporosis" for the simple reason that osteoporosis is no disease.
Some of us consider "osteoporosis" to be unpleasantly fragile bones due to low bone mass due either normal (physiological) low bone masse which is strongly associates to normal (physiological) body weight -
or physiological age-dependent or un-physiological calcium loss from bones, which to some (those who has littel to loose, or low peak bone mass) may also give some an unpleasant high risk of femoral fractures.
So to avoid "osteoporosis", choose heavy weigthed parents - but then you will never be good at high jumpin or at long distance running, -
if you still are at risk of severe fractures (hip fractures) you need pharmacological help.
No alternative therapy is more beneficial than the physical exercises including weight training under supervision. Brisk walk and good diet are other adjuncts.
Whole body vibration and lot other things may improve it but not as significantly and faster than actual physical exercises.
Vitamin D supplements and other pharmaceutical therapy as per the case basis will do fine.
The concept of attaining good " peak bone mass" in younger age is best investment for younger kids.
Thank you both for your feedback. Your comments are in keeping with what I have learned thus far. That said...
The side effects of pharmacology aren't always appealing to those who are trying to address this condition. So-called "alternative medicine" (nearly everything that isn't the western-style) has a longer history and offer a homeopathic approach. Ayurvedic medicine is one that comes to mind.
Do you know of any studies or resources available along those lines that I might explore?
Best regards,
Margo
Work using whole body vibration platforms in older populations including postmenopausal women has proven it is feasible in this population. Benefits in terms of BMD have been seen, generally small increases or maintenance of BMD in studies to date, with potential greater benefits in terms of increased balance and reduced falls risk. I am currently working on publishing data surrounding the transmission and strain induced at the tibia by the different forms of WBV used in research to date.
In terms of publications, here's a few to get you started:
Pre 2015
Article Effect of 6-Month Whole Body Vibration Training on Hip Densi...
Article High-Frequency Vibration Training Increases Muscle Power in ...
Article Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss by a Low-Magnitude, H...
Article Effects of vibration therapy on bone mineral density in post...
Article Whole body vibration exercise improves body balance and walk...
Article Low-frequency vibratory exercise reduces the risk of bone fr...
Post 2015
Article Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Balance Using Posturograph...
Article Whole body vibration versus magnetic therapy on bone mineral...
Article Effect of 6 months of whole body vibration on lumbar spine b...
Article Bone quality in osteopenic postmenopausal women is not impro...
This is a wonderful list of resources, thank you for making the time to put this together!
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