Comparative Effects of Weighted Vest and Whole-Body Vibration Training on Bone and Muscle Health in Osteopenia

Background: The growing elderly population faces health problems like osteoporosis, but novel exercises like weighted vests (WV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) may help prevent bone loss. Methods: Thirty-one women aged 60–79 years with osteopenia or osteoporosis (T-score −2.15 ± 0.9) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group performed exercise only; a whole-body vibration group performed the exercise on a 40 Hz, 2 mm vibration platform; and a weighted vest group performed the exercise while wearing a weighted vest. T-score, bone mineral density (BMD), muscle mass, and physical performance were assessed before and after 8 weeks. Results: The WV showed a greater T-score increase than the CT and WBV groups (WV: 0.08 ± 0.03; CT: −0.18 ± 0.04; WBV: −0.11 ± 0.16; p = 0.01, 95%CI). Leg BMD increased in the WV group (1.75 ± 0.13 to 1.79 ± 0.16 g/cm2; p = 0.02). Leg lean mass also increased in the WV (1.28 ± 0.91 kg) compared to WBV (0.17 ± 0.14 kg) and CT (0.06 ± 0.79 kg, p = 0.01, 95%CI). The WV group showed greater physical performance improvements (5TSTS and 6-MWT). The WBV group showed improved total lean mass compared to the CT group (WBV: 0.32 ± 0.17; CT = −1.20 ± 1.86, p = 0.006, 95%CI). Conclusions: WV exercise improved bone density, leg lean mass, and physical performance in older women. WBV exercise increased total lean mass and skeletal muscle index while reducing fat mass. WV exercise provides an additive effect beyond exercise alone or WBV.