Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) and strengthening exercises to strengthening exercises or to a multimodal approach of exercises for females between the ages of 50-70 years old with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Methods: Studies analyzing WBV and strengthening exercises were compared to studies analyzing strengthening exercises or a multimodal approach. The studies were analyzed to determine treatment effect size and homogeneity. Results: Two studies were included in this meta-analysis. For the primary analysis, a small effect size was found favoring WBV and strengthening exercises versus strengthening exercises or a multimodal approach. Similarly, for the secondary analysis that assessed the short-term effect of these 2 treatments, a small effect size was found favoring WBV and strengthening exercises versus strengthening exercises or a multimodal approach. Conclusion: Within this meta-analysis, the findings reveal that females with FMS will benefit from participating in WBV and strengthening exercises in improving patients’ health status when compared to strengthening exercises or a multimodal approach of exercises. Study Design: A meta-analysis observing the effects of WBV and strengthening exercises versus strengthening exercises or a multimodal approach of exercises in females with FMS.