An interventional study of whole body vibration training and control group in Dynapenia and Abdominal Obesity, sponsored by Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 65 Years to 100 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-09-18.
Sponsored by Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention
This study focuses on whole body vibration training (WBVT), a form of neuromuscular training that uses mechanical vibrations. WBVT has been shown to improve muscle function, bone mineral density, and quality of life. While some benefits have been observed in the elderly population, there remains a research gap concerning its effectiveness in older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity. Therefore, the findings of this study will provide new evidence for health interventions targeting this specific group.
This research targets outpatients aged 65 and above who meet the criteria for dynapenic abdominal obesity. It aims to evaluate the effects of WBVT on brain activity, osteoporosis, quality of life, and biological markers. The study period is from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027, with a planned sample size of 120 participants, equally divided into an experimental group and a control group (60 participants each).
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of whole body vibration training on older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity in the following areas:
Brain activity: Changes in serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Bone mineral density: Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Quality of life: Assessed through questionnaires covering improvements in physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning.
Biomarkers: Changes in levels of total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Outpatients aged 65 years or older
Diagnosed with dynapenic abdominal obesity
Able to understand and follow simple instructions
Able to communicate clearly and express their own will
Willing to sign the informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
Inability to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, resulting in inability to participate in research activities
Severe visual or hearing impairment that hinders study participation
Presence of cognitive impairment, musculoskeletal or severe osteoporosis-related conditions
Refusal to sign the informed consent form
Participants in the experimental group underwent whole-body vibration (WBV) training three times per week for a total duration of 24 weeks. During each session, participants stood barefoot on a vibration platform, maintaining a static squat position with knees bent at 30 degrees and feet shoulder-width apart. The training protocol gradually increased in duration, number of sets, and total exercise time from an initial 10 minutes to 30 minutes over the 24-week period. The vibration frequency was progressively raised from 20 Hz to 40 Hz, with a constant amplitude of 2 mm. Each 10-minute session included a 1-minute rest interval. Additionally, all participants were provided with the "Move for Health" handbook issued by the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, as part of health education guidance. Post-intervention data collection was conducted at weeks 18 and 25 following the 24-week intervention program.
Behavioral: whole body vibration training
The control group received the "Move for Health" handbook issued by the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, and participated in 30-minute health education sessions over a 24-week period. The educational content included exercise-related information, an introduction to dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO), associated risk factors, and potential health consequences. Post-intervention data collection was conducted at weeks 18 and 25 following the 24-week intervention program.
Behavioral: control group
whole body vibration training and health education booklet
health education booklet
blood tests
Total Cholesterol (TC) Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months；Description: Serum total cholesterol level measured in mg/dL. Reference value: \< 200 mg/dL. Triglycerides (TG) Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months；Description: Serum triglyceride level measured in mg/dL. Reference value: \< 150 mg/dL. Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months；Description: Serum LDL cholesterol measured in mg/dL. Reference value: \< 130 mg/dL. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months；Description: Serum HDL cholesterol measured in mg/dL. Reference values: \> 40 mg/dL for men, \> 50 mg/dL for women. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Time Frame: Baseline, 3months, 6 months；Description: Quantitative serum CRP level measured in mg/dL. Normal reference value: 0.3 mg/dL. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months；Description: HbA1c percentage measured in blood. Normal Brain-Derived Neurotroph in pg/mL using
Time frame: 24 weeks
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)
This study employed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a widely used and clinically safe method for assessing bone health. The DXA system (brand referenced in previous publications) operates by emitting a low-radiation dose (±10 μSv) X-ray beam to measure the extent of X-ray penetration through body tissues. Based on the absorption data, the device calculates bone mineral density (BMD). Since bones absorb more X-rays and have high penetrability, while fat absorbs less and has low penetrability, DXA effectively differentiates between tissue types. DXA results are typically interpreted using T-scores for BMD. A T-score ≥ -1.0 indicates normal bone density and good skeletal health. A T-score between -2.5 and -1.0 suggests low bone mass (osteopenia), indicating a decreased BMD but not yet at the threshold for osteoporosis. A T-score ≤ -2.5 defines osteoporosis, indicating significantly reduced BMD and a higher risk of fractures. Severe osteoporosis is diagnosed when a T-score ≤ -2.5.
Time frame: 8 months
quality of life questionnaire
The Taiwan version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire is a shortened version derived from the original 100-item WHOQOL-100 developed by the World Health Organization. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the questionnaire support a four-domain model consisting of physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) of these four domains ranges from 0.70 to 0.77. The questionnaire includes 28 items: one item for overall quality of life, one for general health, seven for physical health, six for psychological well-being, three for social relationships, and eight for environmental factors. The scale uses a 5-point Likert format based on frequency, intensity, capability, and evaluation. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: 24 weeks
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Supporting information: Study protocol
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Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital