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AgingNCT07205133

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Whole Body Vibration Therapy With Usual Care and Usual Care to Improve Muscle Health in Older Adults

A study testing Whole Body Vibration Training and Otago Exercise in people with Aging and Frailty, run by Changi General Hospital at 1 site in Singapore.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study is a randomized controlled trial where participants would be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. One group would receive Whole body vibration therapy and usual care and the other group only usual care. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Aging, Frailty, Sarcopenia
What is being tested?
Whole Body Vibration Training and Otago Exercise
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteSingapore
Study dates
10 Jan 2026to 31 Mar 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Healthy Volunteer or Patients aged 65 and above,
  • Clinical frailty Scale (CFS) score of 3-4,
  • Independently ambulating without any aid
  • willingness and consent to participate in the study and ability to travel to the study-site for the measurements and interventions, and
  • participants with no regular exercise habits (defined as less than 150mins/week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and less than twice a week of strengthening exercises)for past 3 months.

Who cannot join

  • current active enrolment into any Day Rehab or community exercise program,
  • contraindications to WBVT machine usage (see below),
  • diagnosis of dementia,
  • history of Diabetes Mellitus
  • BMI ≤20kg/m2,
  • recent hospital admissions within the last 3 months,
Show all 27Show fewer
  • end stage organ failure,
  • chronic diseases which are not well managed, for example, poorly controlled hypertension,
  • New York Heart Association (NYHA) score II and above for patients with history of heart failure and
  • MUST Score ≥1.
  • Contraindications to WBVT:
  • PRIMARY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO WBVT
  • Pregnancy
  • Acute thrombosis (acute vascular occlusion)
  • Artificial joints in stimulated body regions
  • Fresh fractures in stimulated body regions
  • Within 3 months post surgery/procedure and/or any fresh wounds and scars in the stimulated body regions
  • or if the wound healing is not yet completely finished.
  • SECONDARY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO WBVT
  • Acute inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, activated arthrosis or
  • arthropathy (e.g. acute inflammation and swelling in joints).
  • Acute tendinopathies in stimulated body regions (acute tendonitis)
  • Acute hernias (tissue ruptures)
  • Acute discopathy (acute disc-related back problem)
  • Stone disease of the bile ducts and urinary tract
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Epilepsy due to secondary risk of injury

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Christine Yuanxin Chen, MBBS contact

+65-9030 4976

christine.chen.y.x@singhealth.com.sg

Singapore1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Changi General Hospital

    Singapore

    Recruiting

Other trials in Singapore

About this study

Official title: Effectiveness of Whole Body Vibration Therapy and Usual Care Compared to Usual Care in Improving Muscle Mass, Strength and Function in Older Adults

This study is a randomized controlled trial where participants would be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. One group would receive Whole body vibration therapy and usual care and the other group only usual care. Measurements of muscle mass, strength and function would be taken before the interventions, and at 2 other points after interventions. Differences in the outcomes between the two groups would be analysed.

Read the detailed description

Background: The prevalence of Frailty and Sarcopenia is increasing with increasing proportion of older adults in the population. While screening for frailty and sarcopenia has become more common, frailty interventions are still developing. Effective interventions include resistance exercise programs that are progressive and sustained. However, take up rate and adherence to these programs are low due to many barriers like time, cost and convenience to the older adult. Many older adults who are frail may be unable to adhere to exercise programs due to cognitive impairment and tolerability. An alternative modality, Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT), has emerged with evidence in improving muscle strength and function which may be easier to complete and a safe alternative.

Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel progressive 4-week, thrice-weekly WBVT intervention and usual care compared to usual care in improving muscle mass, strength and function in the pre-frail and mildly frail older adult.

Methods: 20 participants would be randomly allocated to each arm. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in change in maximal isometric knee-extension strength from baseline to 2 weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include Appendicular Skeletal Mass Index (ASMI), hand grip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), 5 timed chair stands, Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and physical activity level using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Other secondary outcomes include falls rate during the study, 1-year unplanned emergency department visits, hospitalizations as well as all-cause mortality. The measurements would be done at 3 points, namely pre-intervention (baseline), 2 weeks post-intervention and at 3 months. Qualitative data would include participant surveys and semi-structured interviews to assess feasibility, accessibility and future implementation.

Being tested
Whole Body Vibration Training, Otago Exercise
Keywords
Aging, Frailty, Sarcopenia, Whole Body Vibration Therapy, Muscle Strength, Muscle Function, Muscle Mass
Medical subject headings
Frailty, Sarcopenia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Whole Body Vibration TrainingOther

    Information already included in arm/group descriptions.

  • Otago ExerciseOther

    Usual Care

Study groups in NCT07205133
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Whole Body Vibration TrainingExperimentalThe WBVT would be conducted using the Galileo Vibration machine (Galileo® S 35), for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The participants would be progressed in terms of (i)vibration frequency from 15 Hz to at least 25 Hz (maximum 30 Hz for those who can tolerate) (ii)for the angles of their squats (from an approximate starting point of 20 degrees ("mini squats" to 45 degrees "quarter squats"; maximum to 90 degrees-thighs parallel to ground or "half-squats" for those who can tolerate); as well as (iii) increasing number of each 1-minute set (from 6 to 8 sets), while standing on the WBVT machine barefoot with both feet flat on the platform set at an amplitude of 2-3mm (according to the participant's height and body physique) with variable rest breaks (up to 1 minute) between each set for a total of 15 minutes each training session. Any missed session would be recorded. To ensure compliance, the subjects would receive a standard phone-call/text reminder prior to the scheduled session.
Receives: Other: Whole Body Vibration Training; Other: Otago Exercise
Usual CareActive comparatorParticipants from both arms would also be provided the exercise sheet on "Otago exercises" (30)and demonstrated in one session how to perform the exercises. In-person demonstration of the "Otago exercises" would be done upon recruitment by trained study team members, at the visit for baseline measurements and a return-demonstration would be done after. They would be instructed to perform the Otago exercises daily according to the standardized instructions stated and progressed from 10 to 15 repetitions on their own for at least 3 times a week and advised to also continue other aerobic exercises, for example, brisk walking. Participants would be given an exercise and falls diary to record their exercise participation as well as any falls that occurred during the study duration for up to 3 months.
Receives: Other: Otago Exercise

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Isometric Knee Extension Strength

    Measured using a JTech Medical, Northstar Echo Muscle Tester with subject seated with knee flexed at 90 degrees and hanging, muscle tester is placed at the ventral surface of the ankle between malleoli and subject instructed to push against tester with maximal effort to extend the knee. Best of three trials would be taken.

    Measured: Baseline and 2 weeks after intervention and 3 months after intervention

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Hand Grip Strength

    Measured using Jtech Medical, Northstar Echo Grip hand dynamometer with participant sitting upright with elbows flexed at 90 degrees and arms unsupported, best of 3 tries from each hand.

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  2. Appendicular Skeletal Mass Index

    Height adjusted Appendicular Skeletal Mass index as measured by the InBody S10 Body Composition Analysis machine

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  3. Gait Speed

    6 metres normal gait speed (metres/second)

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  4. 5-timed chair stands

    Time taken to perform 5 chair stands with both arms crossed over chest (seconds)

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  5. Calf Circumference

    Widest calf circumference with participant in standing position

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  6. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

    Assessment for physical activity level according to the PASE questionnaire

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  7. Quality of life scale

    QOL measured with the EQ-5D-5L

    Measured: Baseline and at 2 weeks post intervention and 3 months post intervention

  8. Number of falls

    Number of falls per participant during study period

    Measured: 1 year post interventions

  9. 1 year unplanned emergency department visits and hospitalisation events

    as described above

    Measured: 1 year post interventions

  10. All-cause mortality

    Mortality all-cause

    Measured: up to 1 year post interventions

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Oct 2025
  2. Study start10 Jan 2026
  3. Primary completion31 Mar 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Mar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized Controlled Trial
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07205133
Sponsor's protocol ID
ECOS Ref: 2025-0362
Other IDs
AM/AG001/2025 (SRDUKAMR25G1)
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
25 Sep 2025
Last updated
15 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared at this time because participants were not explicitly consented for data sharing.

Publications

  • Dyer SM, Crotty M, Fairhall N, Magaziner J, Beaupre LA, Cameron ID, Sherrington C; Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Rehabilitation Research Special Interest Group. A critical review of the long-term disability outcomes following hip fracture. BMC Geriatr. 2016 Sep 2;16(1):158. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0332-0.

    PubMed 27590604
  • Akehurst H, Grice JE, Angioi M, Morrissey D, Migliorini F, Maffulli N. Whole-body vibration decreases delayed onset muscle soreness following eccentric exercise in elite hockey players: a randomised controlled trial. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Oct 12;16(1):589. doi: 10.1186/s13018-021-02760-4.

    PubMed 34641941
  • Borg GA. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982;14(5):377-81.

    PubMed 7154893
  • Lee SY, Goh A, Tan K, Choo PL, Ong PH, Wong WP, Wee SL. Effectiveness of a community-delivered pneumatic machine resistance training programme (Gym Tonic) for older adults at neighbourhood senior centres - a randomized controlled trial. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2021 Oct 7;18(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s11556-021-00273-x.

    PubMed 34620081
  • Claflin DR, Larkin LM, Cederna PS, Horowitz JF, Alexander NB, Cole NM, Galecki AT, Chen S, Nyquist LV, Carlson BM, Faulkner JA, Ashton-Miller JA. Effects of high- and low-velocity resistance training on the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers from young and older humans. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2011 Oct;111(4):1021-30. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01119.2010. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

    PubMed 21799130
  • Burd NA, West DW, Staples AW, Atherton PJ, Baker JM, Moore DR, Holwerda AM, Parise G, Rennie MJ, Baker SK, Phillips SM. Low-load high volume resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis more than high-load low volume resistance exercise in young men. PLoS One. 2010 Aug 9;5(8):e12033. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012033.

    PubMed 20711498
  • Yoshiko A, Watanabe K. Author Correction: Impact of home-based squat training with two-depths on lower limb muscle parameters and physical functional tests in older adults. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 29;11(1):15802. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-95096-2. No abstract available.

    PubMed 34326445
  • Chew STH, Kayambu G, Lew CCH, Ng TP, Ong F, Tan J, Tan NC, Tham SL. Singapore multidisciplinary consensus recommendations on muscle health in older adults: assessment and multimodal targeted intervention across the continuum of care. BMC Geriatr. 2021 May 17;21(1):314. doi: 10.1186/s12877-021-02240-8.

    PubMed 34001023
  • Currier BS, Mcleod JC, Banfield L, Beyene J, Welton NJ, D'Souza AC, Keogh JAJ, Lin L, Coletta G, Yang A, Colenso-Semple L, Lau KJ, Verboom A, Phillips SM. Resistance training prescription for muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2023 Sep;57(18):1211-1220. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106807. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

    PubMed 37414459
  • Hurst C, Robinson SM, Witham MD, Dodds RM, Granic A, Buckland C, De Biase S, Finnegan S, Rochester L, Skelton DA, Sayer AA. Resistance exercise as a treatment for sarcopenia: prescription and delivery. Age Ageing. 2022 Feb 2;51(2):afac003. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afac003.

    PubMed 35150587
  • Wu S, Ning HT, Xiao SM, Hu MY, Wu XY, Deng HW, Feng H. Effects of vibration therapy on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2020 Sep 17;17:14. doi: 10.1186/s11556-020-00247-5. eCollection 2020.

    PubMed 32963629
  • Yi M, Zhang W, Zhang X, Zhou J, Wang Z. The effectiveness of Otago exercise program in older adults with frailty or pre-frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Nov;114:105083. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105083. Epub 2023 Jun 22.

    PubMed 37390692
  • Lam FM, Lau RW, Chung RC, Pang MY. The effect of whole body vibration on balance, mobility and falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 2012 Jul;72(3):206-13. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.04.009. Epub 2012 May 18.

    PubMed 22609157
  • Remer F, Keilani M, Kull P, Crevenna R. Effects of whole-body vibration therapy on pain, functionality, postural stability, and proprioception in patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2025 Feb;175(1-2):20-40. doi: 10.1007/s10354-023-01026-4. Epub 2023 Nov 24.

    PubMed 37999785
  • Gloeckl R, Heinzelmann I, Kenn K. Whole body vibration training in patients with COPD: A systematic review. Chron Respir Dis. 2015 Aug;12(3):212-21. doi: 10.1177/1479972315583049. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

    PubMed 25904085

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Whole Body Vibration Training and Otago Exercise in people with Aging and Frailty, run by Changi General Hospital at 1 site in Singapore.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 27 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Christine Yuanxin Chen, MBBS (+65-9030 4976, christine.chen.y.x@singhealth.com.sg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Isometric Knee Extension Strength (time frame: Baseline and 2 weeks after intervention and 3 months after intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07205133, which also lists 28 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Apr 2026.

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