Bone fracture is among the most common and most expensive health problems in the population, particularly in postmenopausal women. The major determinants of bone fractures are falls, bone fragility, loss of balance and decrease of lower limb strength.

Physical exercise is considered as an effective strategy, frequently recommended in general practice, for the prevention and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Aerobics, weight bearing and resistance exercises were all effective increasing bone mass density. However, arduous bone stress induced by vigorous weight-bearing activities can increase the risk of injuries, particularly in the elderly.

Therefore, alternative strategies with a lower risk of injury have been sought and usually included in the medical advice, such as walking programs. Walking and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programs have been shown to reduce bone loss although they did not increase significantly bone mineral density (BMD) compared to controls in the first few years of menopause and they showed limited effects on bone in postmenopausal women.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a type of exercise that has been increasingly tested for the ability to prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis in frail people.  A few studies have shown the effectiveness of vertical vibration for increasing Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and balance. 

Read more about how Whole Body Vibration helps reduce the risk of bone fractures at Pub Med Central