Is Whole Body Vibration Exercise a Viable Option for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease?

Besides the cognitive limitations, individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have posture and gait disturbances and risk of falls. Researchers have reported that appropriate physical activity (PA) can enhance cognitive function and attenuates age-related deterioration of the brain structure. The search of the number of publications (NP) in the database PubMed with the keyword "physical activity" alone and in association with other keywords related to chronic diseases has shown that the scientific interest involving PA and diabetes is the highest and with AD is the smallest. Vibrations generated in oscillating/vibratory platform can produce whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) with relevant improvements in patients. Investigations have introduced WBV training also in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The aim of this work is to present the potential importance of the WBVE to AD patients. The NP in the PubMed with the keyword "Whole body vibration" and Alzheimer disease has shown no articles. PA has been considered a non pharmacologic intervention to manage the AD patient Considering that besides the cognitive impairments, AD patients have posture and gait disturbances and risk of falls, it is suggested to include the WBVE in the management of the AD patients. In conclusion, WBVE could be a relevant, viable, safe and inexpensive strategic option of PA to individuals with AD.