Short-term whole-body vibration at different frequencies for people with COPD and healthy adults

Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Lung Function, Respiratory Function, Upper Extremity Strength and Flexibility, Cardiac Automatic Function and Quality of Life in Healthy and Moderate and Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This trial tests whether short sessions of whole-body vibration at different frequencies can help breathing, muscle strength, or symptoms in people with COPD and in healthy adults.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 102 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Cheng Kung University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Tainan)
• Trial ID: NCT07509606 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares the immediate (acute) effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) frequencies applied to both clinically diagnosed COPD patients and healthy adults aged 18–65. Participants who meet inclusion criteria and have no contraindications will receive brief WBV sessions at varying frequencies while researchers measure respiratory function, symptom reports, and muscle performance. The protocol excludes people with implants, pacemakers, recent surgery or wounds, pregnancy, severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled comorbidities, or regular high-frequency exercise habits. Outcomes focus on short-term physiological and functional changes rather than long-term rehabilitation effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 with a clinical diagnosis of COPD or healthy adults without contraindications (no implants, pacemaker, pregnancy, severe comorbidities) who can attend in-person sessions.

Not a fit: People with pacemakers, recent surgery or wounds, implanted metal hardware, severe cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, uncontrolled serious comorbidities, or those who already exercise regularly are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a low‑intensity, clinic-based option to temporarily improve breathing, muscle performance, or symptoms for people with COPD.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of WBV in older adults and some COPD cohorts have shown mixed but occasionally positive short-term effects on muscle strength and balance, while strong evidence for respiratory benefits remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Healthy individuals

Inclusion Criteria:

* No prior experience with whole-body vibration therapy or exposure to vibration-related occupations or sports.
* Aged between 18 and 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy.
* Acute thrombosis.
* Severe cardiovascular disease.
* Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
* Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
* Hip or knee implants.
* Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
* Severe diabetes mellitus.
* Epilepsy.
* Recent infection.
* Severe migraine.
* Tumor.
* Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
* Kidney stones.
* Organ failure.
* Presence of musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular conditions, or any form of acute or chronic pain.
* Participation in other research studies concurrently.
* Regular exercise habits (engaging in moderate-intensity exercise ≥3 times per week).

COPD

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinically diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II, III, or IV.
* No history of hospitalization within the past two months.
* No participation in any rehabilitation program within the past two months.
* Able to comply with the exercise training program.
* Aged 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, or tuberculosis).
* Current smokers.
* Hip or knee implants.
* Severe joint disease or history of lower extremity surgery.
* History of vitreous hemorrhage.
* Dependence on supplemental oxygen.
* Severe alcohol abuse (\>80 g/day).
* Severe malnutrition (BMI \< 19 kg/m²).
* Pregnancy.
* Acute thrombosis.
* Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
* Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
* Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
* Severe diabetes mellitus.
* Epilepsy.
* Recent infection.
* Severe migraine.
* Tumor.
* Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
* Kidney stones.
* Organ failure.
* Altered consciousness or inability to comply with assessments.
* Participation in other research studies concurrently

Where this trial is running

Tainan

• National Cheng Kung University Hospital — Tainan, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kun-Ling Tasi, PhD — Department of Physical Therapy, National Cheng Kung University
• Study coordinator: Kun-Ling Tasi, PhD

Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Whole Body Vibration