Whole body vibrations and lower back pain: a systematic review of the current literature

Introduction Whole body vibration (WBV) is thought to be associated with low back pain (LBP). To mitigate against this the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) have created the ISO 2631 standard, recommending safe dose limits. The aim of this research is to conduct a systematic review of available literature addressing the question, is WBV associated with LBP? Methods A literature search was performed from January 1970 until April 2022, including studies focusing on LBP and sciatica in association with WBV, looking specifically for ones reporting on military populations. Studies on populations less than 18 years old or case studies were excluded. We conducted two subgroup analyses on studies that used a validated method to assess LBP and measured an A(8) (daily exposure) or VDV value (highest vibration exposure) as per ISO 2631-1 standard. Results 37 studies were included, 11 showed an association between LBP and WBV. 97.9% of the population was male with an average age of 40.2, 47% used a version of the Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) to assess LBP and 51% used a triaxial accelerometer standard to measure vibration. Two studies reported on military populations. The subgroup analysis for A(8) identified six studies with a total population of 1413. A(8) ranged from 0.17 m/s2 to 0.59 m/s2 and LBP prevalence from 25% to 66%. The subgroup analysis for VDV identified three papers with a total population of 1239. VDV ranged from 6.84 m/s0.75 to 14.7 m/s0.75 and LBP prevalence from 25% to 60.9%. Results 37 studies were included, 11 showed an association between LBP and WBV. 97.9% of the population was male with an average age of 40.2, 47% used a version of the Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) to assess LBP and 51% used a triaxial accelerometer standard to measure vibration. Two studies reported on military populations. The subgroup analysis for A(8) identified six studies with a total population of 1413. A(8) ranged from 0.17 m/s2 to 0.59 m/s2 and LBP prevalence from 25% to 66%. The subgroup analysis for VDV identified three papers with a total population of 1239. VDV ranged from 6.84 m/s0.75 to 14.7 m/s0.75 and LBP prevalence from 25% to 60.9%. Discussion This paper suggests WBV and LBP are associated but there is a research gap for high-level evidence and comparable data. The use of the SNQ was a preferrable method to assess LBP in most included studies. Using this in combination with a protocolised standard for measuring vibration exposure is needed for further research. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022298283.