Vibration Doesn’t Slow Bone Loss

Postmenopausal women don’t benefit from using a vibration platform to prevent bone loss. The study included 202 women. Each was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Two of the groups stood on vibrating platforms for 20 minutes a day at either high or low speed. The third group did nothing. After a year, there were no differences in bone loss among the groups. The special platforms are thought to stimulate bone growth in a similar way as weight-bearing exercise. They can be found in some health clubs and health food stores. About one-third of older women are at risk for fracture due to osteoporosis. The study was published Nov. 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. HealthDay News wrote about it the same day.