Effects of whole-body vibration training on resting blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p < 0.01 for both outcomes

• Effect Size: SBP: -6.57 mmHg, DBP: -3.01 mmHg

• Primary Outcome: Resting blood pressure reduction

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Greater effects in hypertensive individuals (SBP: -11.34 mmHg) and overweight/obese participants (SBP: -8.99 mmHg)

• Confidence Interval: SBP: 95% CI [-8.84, -4.29], DBP: 95% CI [-4.32, -1.71]

Clinical Application

Potentially feasible as non-pharmacological intervention, though equipment access and training protocols need consideration Could complement RACGP hypertension guidelines as adjunctive therapy; cost-effectiveness and PBS considerations would need evaluation for broader implementation Adults, particularly those with elevated baseline BP (≥130/80 mmHg) or BMI ≥25 kg/m²

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of whole‑body vibration training (WBVT) on resting blood pressure (BP) in adults and its moderating factors through a meta‑analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to 2 December 2025, with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) as the primary outcomes. Using Stata 17.0 software, effect sizes were pooled with a random‑effects model, and results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 14 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 490 adult participants. WBVT significantly reduced SBP (WMD = -6.57 mmHg, 95% CI [-8.84, -4.29]; p < 0.01) and DBP (WMD = -3.01 mmHg, 95% CI [-4.32, -1.71]; p < 0.01) in adults. Subgroup analyses showed greater BP reduction in individuals with higher baseline BP (SBP: -11.34 mmHg [95% CI: -13.45, -9.23]; p < 0.01; DBP: -6.15 mmHg [95% CI: -7.46, -4.83]; p < 0.01) and in those who were overweight or obese (SBP: -8.99 mmHg [95% CI: -11.18, -6.80]; p < 0.01; DBP: -3.98 mmHg [95% CI: -5.17, -2.78]; p < 0.01). Interventions using combined movement patterns also yielded more pronounced effects (SBP: -7.12 mmHg [95% CI: -9.73, -4.51]; p < 0.01; DBP: -3.30 mmHg [95% CI: -5.61, -0.79]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: WBVT significantly reduced resting BP in adults, particularly effective in those with higher baseline BP, overweight/obese, or using combined exercise protocols, but further high-quality RCTs are needed. This meta-analysis demonstrates that WBVT significantly reduces resting BP in adults, with an average reduction of 6.57 mmHg in SBP and 3.01 mmHg in DBP. Subgroup antihypertensialyses further revealed that the anve effect was more pronounced in individuals with elevated baseline BP (SBP ≥130 mmHg or DBP ≥80 mmHg) and in those who were overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Additionally, training protocols incorporating compound movements, such as squats combined with heel raises, were superior to those using simple standing postures. These findings hold clear clinical significance. The magnitude of BP reduction achieved by WBVT, particularly the approximate 6.57 mmHg decrease in SBP, is expected to translate into a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk. Prior evidence indicates that for every 5 mmHg reduction in SBP, the risk of major cardiovascular events decreases by approximately 10%. Therefore, WBVT provides an effective, safe, and promising non-pharmacological adjunctive management strategy for adults, especially for higher-risk groups (e.g. individuals with hypertension or those who are overweight/obese) and for those who have difficulty engaging in traditional exercise.

References

1. 1.Pan, Y., Luo, P., Jia, B., & Pang, J. (2026). Effects of whole-body vibration training on resting blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Blood Pressure. https://doi.org/10.1080/08037051.2026.2648316