Sarcopenia and whole body vibration training: an overview

The loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle endurance-capability in the elderly is summarized under the term 'sarcopenia'. This phenomenon is widespread in the older population and is a large financial burden for the health system. As a consequence of sarcopenia, functional and metabolic consequences occur. These among other things are associated with a loss of the independent lifestyle and the appearance of various age-related chronic diseases. An intervention with whole body vibration training can increase muscle strength, especially in older people with a low level of muscle strength, similar to resistance training. A strength increase is mainly attributed to improved inter- and intramuscular coordination. A muscle hypertrophy is also possibly realizable with people with low base level. A low injury-risk and the only rare appearance of side-effects makes whole body vibration training an interesting preventive intervention for older people.