Whole-Body Vibration Training in Women With Obesity With and Without Type 2 Diabetes

Conditions studied

Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

About this study

This study will examine changes in ankle muscle activity and functional performance following whole-body vibration training in women with obesity, with and without type 2 diabetes. It will also compare the responses to training between these two groups. Participants will attend supervised training twice a week for eight weeks. During training, they will perform exercises on a platform that produces mechanical vibrations. The exercises will progress gradually and will be adapted to each participant's abilities and tolerance. Each session will include warm-up and cool-down exercises. Before and after the training program, researchers will assess muscle activity during normal walking, heel-to-toe walking, and standing with one foot directly in front of the other. Small sensors placed on the skin will record activity from three muscles around each ankle. Walking and functional performance will also be assessed. The study aims to help researchers understand whether women with obesity with and without type 2 diabetes show different changes in muscle activity and functional performance after the same training program.

Interventions

• Device: Whole-Body Vibration Training — Supervised whole-body vibration training will be delivered using a Hypervibe G14 Home V3 side-alternating platform twice weekly for eight weeks (16 sessions). The program comprises three stages: weeks 1-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Exercise-specific frequencies range from 6 to 30 Hz. Planned active vibration exposure per session is 12 minutes, 10.5 minutes, and 15.5 minutes across the three stages, respectively. Sessions include a 5-minute walking warm-up, platform-based exercises and vibration massage, followed by mat-based cool-down exercises. Exercise position, range of motion, support, duration, and rest will be adapted to participant tolerance within protocol limits. Borg 6-20 ratings will be recorded after each session, with a target perceived exertion of 12-14 guiding subsequent adjustments. Both groups will receive the same protocol.

Primary outcomes

• Change in Tibialis Anterior Muscle Activation (Baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention)
• Change in Soleus Muscle Activation (Baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention)
• Change in Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Activation (Baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention)