Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Handgrip Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Introduction: Although whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy has already demonstrated efficacy in improving lower-limb muscle strength, it is still unclear whether it has similar potential for improving handgrip strength.
Objective: To verify the efficacy of WBV on handgrip strength.
Methods: The search was conducted on September 5, 2025, in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, LILACS, PEDro, and SciELO. Risk of bias was assessed via the PEDro scale, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) under random- or fixed-effects models according to heterogeneity levels.
Results: Thirty-four studies (1272 participants) were included (32.4% had a high risk of bias). Compared with controls, acute WBV showed no significant effect on handgrip strength, with moderate-certainty evidence (SMD = 0.09, p = 0.34). Chronic WBV produced a significant but small effect, supported by very low-certainty evidence (SMD = 0.33, p = 0.01). Sensitivity analysis excluding high-risk-of-bias studies rendered the chronic effect non-significant (p = 0.07). Exploratory subgroup analyses of chronic interventions showed a significant interaction for body positioning (p = 0.02), with significant effects for direct hand contact (SMD = 0.76, p = 0.03) and static standing (SMD = 0.52, p = 0.03). Compared with resistance training, evidence was inconclusive and of very low certainty (SMD = -2.43, p = 0.25).
Conclusion:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,272 participants or records.
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