J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2014 Jul;8(4):889-94. doi: 10.1177/1932296814536289. Epub 2014 May 21
The Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Skin Blood Flow and Nitric Oxide Production
Paula K. Johnson, MS; J. Brent Feland, PT, PhD; A. Wayne Johnson, PT, PhD; Gary W. Mack, PhD; Ulrike H. Mitchell, PT, PhD
Department of Exercise Sciences Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vascular dysfunction due to hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes is a factor contributing to distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator, resulting in reduced circulation and nerve ischemia. Increases in blood NO concentrations and circulation have been attributed to whole body vibration (WBV).
PURPOSE: To the determine the effects of low frequency, low amplitude WBV on whole blood NO concentration and skin blood flow (SBF) in individuals with symptoms of DSP.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten subjects with diabetes and impaired sensory perception in the lower limbs participated in this cross-over study. Each submitted to two treatment conditions, WBV and sham, with a one week washout period between. Blood draws for NO analysis and Doppler laser image scans of SBF were performed before, immediately after and following a 5 minute recovery of each the treatments.
- Mean Skin Blood Flow
RESULTS: Low frequency, low amplitude WBV vibration significantly increased skin blood flow compared to the sham condition (F2,18=5.82, p=0.0115). Whole blood nitric oxide concentrations did not differ between the WBV and sham condition immediately or 5 minutes post-treatment (F2,18=1.88, p=0.1813)
CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that subjects with diabetes respond to whole body vibration with increased skin blood flow compared to sham condition. The implication is that WBV is a potential non-pharmacological therapy for neurovascular complications of diabetes.