# Whole-body vibration training on functional capacity, vascular function, and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study tests if whole-body vibration can improve mobility and health in people with diabetes and leg circulation issues.

## Contribution

It introduces whole-body vibration as a potential alternative to walking for improving functional outcomes in this specific patient group.

## Key findings

- Whole-body vibration may mimic walking's benefits for vascular and glycemic health.
- The trial will assess if vibration is non-inferior to treadmill walking for functional capacity.
- Results could offer a new clinic-based exercise option for mobility improvement.

## Abstract

Type 2 diabetes and peripheral arterial disease contribute to long-term disability. Walking-based exercise improves related symptoms, but adherence is limited by low fitness and leg pain. Whole-body vibration stimulates muscle contractions and increases limb and microvascular blood flow, which can mimic the impact of walking. Prior studies suggest improved endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness, and lower glycated hemoglobin following vibration therapy; however, its effects on functional capacity in this group remain unclear.

To investigate whether whole-body vibration impacts functional capacity achieved with supervised treadmill walking, as measured by incremental shuttle walk test distance with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin.

Randomized controlled trial of 48 participants (24 per group) aged 50 years or older with ankle-brachial index 0.9 or less or toe-brachial index 0.7 or less and Fontaine stage I to IIb will be included. Participants will receive whole-body vibration or supervised treadmill walking for 12 weeks, three sessions per week. Whole-body vibration will be delivered using a Galileo plate. Analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle using a general linear model adjusted for age, sex, peripheral arterial disease category, diabetes duration, and baseline incremental shuttle walk test distance.

Distance in the incremental shuttle walk test.

Ankle-brachial index, toe-brachial index, brachial artery flow mediated dilation, glycated hemoglobin, SF-36 health related-quality of life, and Peripheral Artery Questionnaire scores. Adverse events will be monitored.

If efficacy is demonstrated, this intervention could serve as a clinic-based exercise option to improve mobility, vascular function, and glycemic control in this population.

Thai Clinical Trials Registry - TCTR20251020003.