300 Section - Evaluation of a Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity and Bone Quality in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT

Presenter(s)

DM

Daniela M. Mitiyo Odagiri Utiyama, PhD

Physiotherapist
Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Co-Author/Coautor(s)

RV

Rafael Francisco Vieira de Melo, MS

Physiotherapist
Instituto de Medicina Fisica e Reabilitacao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
FF

Fernando Fernando Cezar Alves de Salles, BS

Physical educator
Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/ Departamento de Medicina/Disciplina de Endocrinologia
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
ML

Mônica Longo de Oliveira, PhD

Physiotherapist
Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/ Departamento de Medicina/Disciplina de Endocrinologia
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
OA

Oliver A. Nascimento, PhD

Medical Doctor
Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/ Departamento de Medicina/Disciplina de Endocrinologia
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
JJ

José Jardim, PhD

Medical Doctor
Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/ Departamento de Medicina/Disciplina de Endocrinologia
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
ML

Marise Lazaretti Castro, PhD

Medical Doctor
Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/ Departamento de Medicina/Disciplina de Endocrinologia
São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Objectives : Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is complicated by sarcopenia and osteoporosis, increasing fracture risk and reducing function. Whole-body vibration (WBV) may enhance standard pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study determines if WBV added to PR improves bone microarchitecture, neuromuscular function, and capacity in mild-moderate COPD.

Design: Prospective, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty patients were allocated to Intervention (PR + active WBV at 0.6g, 60Hz, 20min) or Control (PR + sham WBV), 3x/week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes: bone quality (HR-pQCT radius/tibia) and functional capacity (6MWT, strength). Secondary: body composition (DXA), perfusion (thermography), spirometry, and serum biomarkers (P1NP, CTX, CRP, Irisin). Assessments at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results:

The Intervention Group showed significantly greater improvements in tibial/radial bone microstructure, including increased trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness, versus Control. Greater gains in functional capacity, muscle strength, and exercise tolerance were also observed. Serum biomarkers indicated a more anabolic bone profile and reduced inflammation.

Conclusion: WBV is an effective adjunct to PR, improving musculoskeletal health and physical performance in COPD. This safe, non-pharmacological strategy can be integrated into rehabilitation to reduce fracture risk and enhance quality of life, informing new clinical guidelines.