Safety of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise for Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose: The benefits of whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) have not yet been recognized in heart transplant recipients although these patients often show a severe loss in skeletal muscle strength and bone mineral density over time. At present, WBV is not generally recommended for rehabilitation of transplant patients. The purpose of this study was to document the safety, cardiovascular responses and metabolic changes to WBV in heart transplant patients. Material and Methods: 14 male clinically stable heart transplant recipients were included in this study. The subjects were exposed to one set of whole-body vibration using the Galileo 2000 device. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood lactate concentration and the Borg scale were used to determine objective and subjective exertion during WBV. Results: In every patient WBV was terminated due to muscular fatigue. The mean duration of exercise was 248 seconds (range, 51 - 607 seconds). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lactate concentrations and the Borg score increased during WBV to levels achieved during aerobic exercise. No patient experienced adverse events. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that WBV is feasible and safe in heart transplant recipients. The cardiovascular and metabolic response of an acute bout of WBV is similar to that of standard aerobic exercise.