Whole-body vibration therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Therapy on Muscle Oxygenation in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial tests whether whole-body vibration therapy, compared with aerobic exercise, can improve muscle oxygenation, vibration sense, balance, and physical capacity in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ankara Medipol University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya)
• Trial ID: NCT07002125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with type 2 diabetes who meet specific glucose control and mobility criteria will be assigned to a program of whole-body vibration therapy or to an aerobic exercise program. Researchers will measure peripheral muscle oxygenation, vibration sensation, functional capacity, and balance before and after the intervention. Sessions will be conducted at Gazi University’s Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Ankara and include supervised training over a multi-week period. Outcomes will compare changes between the two groups to determine whether vibration training offers advantages over conventional aerobic training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes of 2–10 years' duration, HbA1c 6.5–10%, BMI <30 kg/m2, able to walk independently, on oral hypoglycemic agents, and without neuropathy or other contraindicating conditions.

Not a fit: People using insulin, with diabetic neuropathy, foot ulcers, severe comorbidities (such as active cancer, deep vein thrombosis, or severe osteoporosis), a BMI ≥30, or who cannot attend supervised sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, whole-body vibration could provide a lower-impact option to improve muscle oxygenation, balance, and physical function for people with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials in older adults and some metabolic-condition cohorts have shown mixed but sometimes promising effects of whole-body vibration on balance and muscle function, while high-quality evidence specifically in type 2 diabetes remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteering to participate in the research
* Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
* 18 years of age or older
* HbA1c level to be 6.5-10%
* Having a clinical history of diabetes between 2-10 years
* Receiving oral hypoglycemic agent treatment
* At least three HbA1c measurements within 12 to 24 months
* Hemoglobin variability score (HVS) \<50
* Being able to walk independently
* Mini mental test score ≥ 24
* Vastus lateralis muscle adipose tissue thickness \<20mm
* BMI \<30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous or concurrent psychiatric, neurological, orthopedic or systemic illness
* Use of insulin in treatment
* Diabetic neuropathy
* Foot ulcer
* Participation in any exercise program in the last 6 months
* History of major hypoglycemia in the last 12 months
* Working or have worked in a job with high exposure to mechanical whole body vibrations
* Conditions that may contraindicate whole body vibration (deep vein thrombosis, severe osteoporosis, active cancer, implanted medical devices, etc.)
* Hearing, vision and perception problems that may affect research results

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Çankaya

• Gazi University, Faculty of Health, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation — Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Selcan Suicmez, Research Asst.

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, Whole Body Vibration, Muscle Oxygenation, Aerobic Exercise, Aerobic exercise, diapason, balance, HbA1c