Effects of 12 weeks of inspiratory muscle training and whole body vibration on the inflammatory profile, BDNF and muscular system in pre-frail elderly women: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: to investigate the effects of the whole body vibration (WBV) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the inflammatory profile and in muscle mass and strength in pre -frail older women. Methods: this study was a randomized double-blind trial. Forty two older women aged 60 - 80 years were randomly allocated to IMT + WBV (G1), IMTsham + WBV (G2) or Sham groups (G3). During 12 weeks G1 received both trainings, whereas G2 received WBV alone and G3 received IMT with a low fixed load and were positioned at the vibratory platform without therapeutic effect. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention for the following outcomes: Brain -derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory biomarkers (IB), respiratory (RT) and quadriceps thickness (QT) and diaphragmatic mobility (DM) using muscle ultrasound, body composition (BC) using a bioelectrical impedance scale and inspiratory muscle strength (IMS). Results: after the training, G1 (114.93 +/- 21.29) improved IMS (p <0.005) compared with G2 (91.29 +/- 23.10) and G3 (85.21 +/- 27.02). There was also a significant improve on time of the DM (p <0.001) and RT (p =0.006) for G1 (8.59 +/- 3.55 and 11.11 +/- 12.66) compared with G2 (1.05 +/- 3.09 and 1.10 +/- 10.60) and G3 (0.40 +/- 2.29 and -1.85 +/- 7.45). BDNF, IB, QT and BC were similar between groups. Conclusions: IMT associated with WBV is effective to improve in increasing IMS, RT and DM in pre -frail older women. However, these interventions do not modify BDNF, IB, QT or BC in this population.