Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Improves Blood Pressure, Endothelial Function, and Arterial Stiffness in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Okuneye R
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

Taiwo A
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

Apalara F
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

Dansu T
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

Oforka O
University of Houston, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Health and Human Performance, Houston, USA

Ajoseh I
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos, Nigeria

Adefuye M
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos, Nigeria

Ogar E
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Cross River State, Cross River, Nigeria

Rabiu M
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains a global public health concern due to its morbidity and mortality rates. Several studies have evaluated the effects of Whole-body vibration (WBV) on cardiovascular markers, with conflicting reports. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to quantify the effects of WBV on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (HR) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) in young adults. A search was conducted on the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for RCTs published from 1 January 2015 to 1 June 2025 that compared WBV with non-active controls in young adults. Data extraction and assessment of the quality of the study were done by two independent reviewers using Cochrane RoB 2.0. The pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model, and I² was used to quantify the heterogeneity. Pre-specified subgroup analyses examined participant health status, vibration frequency (<30 Hz versus ≥30 Hz) and intervention duration (<8 versus ≥8 weeks). Meta-regression assessed the influence of frequency on SBP. Twenty RCTs met the inclusion criteria. when compared with control, WBV has significant effect on the SBP (WMD = −7.0 mmHg; 95% CI −9.8 to −4.2; p < 0.01; I² = 42%), DBP (WMD = −1.8 mmHg; 95% CI −3.4 to −0.2; p < 0.01; I² = 35%), HR (WMD = −2.2 bpm; 95% CI −3.6 to −0.8; p < 0.01; I² = 28%) and PWV (WMD = −0.9 m/s; 95% CI −1.2 to −0.6; p < 0.01; I² = 48%). Subgroup analyses indicated larger SBP and DBP reductions in overweight/metabolic-syndrome cohorts and in trials using frequencies ≥30 Hz. Meta-regression showed a significant frequency effect (β = −0.9 mmHg per 5-Hz increase; 95% CI −1.6 to −0.2; p = 0.01), explaining ~45% of between-study variance. Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses excluding high-risk studies. Overall risk of bias was moderate. Conclusions: In young adults, WBV produces modest but clinically relevant reductions in SBP, DBP, resting HR and PWV, with greater benefit observed in overweight/metabolic-risk populations and with vibration frequencies ≥30 Hz. Although results are robust across sensitivity checks, the evidence is constrained by small, short-term trials and a moderate risk of bias.

Keywords: whole-body vibration; systolic blood pressure; pulse-wave velocity; heart rate; meta-analysis.