Whole Body Vibration and Resistive Exercises May Reduce Risk Factors for Fractures in Type I Osteogenesis Imperfecta

There is a scarcity of research on whole body vibration exercise and resistance exercise as a combined program for children and adolescents with type I Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Type I OI is the mildest and most common form, characterized by mild to moderate fragility without bone deformity. The goal of treatment when working with people with Type I OI is to reduce the risk of fractures primarily by increasing bone mineral density. Research has indicated that whole body vibration, by means of mechanical oscillation, and resistive exercise, that creates a tensile force on the bone and musculature, are effective means for increasing muscular strengthening and bone formation and for preventing the loss of bone mineral density. Using the Oxford Level of Evidence, a systematic review of literature was done to determine if whole body vibration and resistive exercise training can reduce risk factors for fractures in children and adolescents with type I OI. Based on the gathered evidence, we surmised that combining whole body vibration and resistive exercises yields greater effects on bone mineral density in reducing risk factors for fractures in children and adolescents with type I OI.