Reporting Guidelines for Whole-Body Vibration Studies in Humans, Animals and Cell Cultures: A Consensus Statement from an International Group of Experts
Marieke J. G. van Heuvelen,
Jörn Rittweger,
Stefan Judex,
Borja Sañudo,
Adérito Seixas,
Anselm B. M. Fuermaier,
Oliver Tucha,
Csaba Nyakas,
Pedro J. Marín,
Redha Taiar,
Christina Stark,
Eckhard Schoenau,
Danúbia C. Sá-Caputo,
Mario Bernardo-Filho,
Eddy A. van der Zee
Affiliations
Marieke J. G. van Heuvelen
Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
Jörn Rittweger
Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany
Stefan Judex
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
Borja Sañudo
Departamento de Educación Física y Deporte, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
Adérito Seixas
Escola Superior de Saúde Fernando Pessoa, 4200-253 Porto, Portugal
Anselm B. M. Fuermaier
Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
Oliver Tucha
Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
Csaba Nyakas
Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
Pedro J. Marín
Development Research, CYMO Research Institute, 47140 Valladolid, Spain
Redha Taiar
MATIM, Department of Sport Science, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France
Christina Stark
Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, D50931 Cologne, Germany
Eckhard Schoenau
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, D50931 Cologne, Germany
Danúbia C. Sá-Caputo
Faculdade Bezerra de Araújo, Rio de Janeiro 23052-180, Brazil
Mario Bernardo-Filho
Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Policlínica Piquet Carneiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20950-003, Brazil
Eddy A. van der Zee
Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality or treatment/prophylaxis method in which subjects (humans, animals, or cells) are exposed to mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform or device. The vibrations are defined by their direction, frequency, magnitude, duration, and the number of daily bouts. Subjects can be exposed while performing exercises, hold postures, sitting, or lying down. Worldwide, WBV has attracted significant attention, and the number of studies is rising. To interpret, compare, and aggregate studies, the correct, complete, and consistent reporting of WBV-specific data (WBV parameters) is critical. Specific reporting guidelines aid in accomplishing this goal. There was a need to expand existing guidelines because of continuous developments in the field of WBV research, including but not limited to new outcome measures regarding brain function and cognition, modified designs of WBV platforms and attachments (e.g., mounting a chair on a platform), and comparisons of animal and cell culture studies with human studies. Based on Delphi studies among experts and using EQUATOR recommendations, we have developed extended reporting guidelines with checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, including information on devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. In addition, we provide explanations and examples of how to report. These new reporting guidelines are specific to WBV variables and do not target research designs in general. Researchers are encouraged to use the new WBV guidelines in addition to general design-specific guidelines.
