A study was completed on the feasibility of WBV for exercise in institutionalized elderly people.  The purpose of this study was to see the influence on muscle performance, balance, and mobility. 

Fatigue or lack of interest can reduce the feasibility of intensive physical exercise in nursing home residents.  Low-volume exercise interventions with similar training effects might be an alternative.

For this study, 24 nursing home residents were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of static WBV exercise or a control group of static exercise only.  The outcome measures were exercise compliance, timed up-and-go, Tinetti-test, back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, handgrip strength and linear iso-kinetic leg extension.

WBV and control groups were similar for all outcome variables, at baseline. Twenty-one participants completed the program and attended respectively 96% and 86% of the exercise sessions for the WBV and control groups. Training-induced changes in timed up-and-go and Tinetti-test were better for WBV compared to control. In an alternative analysis the differences in change remained significant on the Tinetti body balance and total score.

It was determined that in nursing home residents with limited functional dependency, WBV exercise is feasible, and is beneficial for balance and mobility.