title: Effects of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation in the rat osteopenia model.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, short-term, whole-body vertical vibration at 90 Hz improved trabecular bone quality. There was an improvement of bone quality and density in both osteoporotic and control rats. This treatment may therefore be an attractive option for the treatment of osteoporosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Aside from pharmacological treatment options, physical exercise is known to augment bone mass. In this study, the effects of whole-body vertical vibration (WBVV) on bone quality and density were evaluated using an osteoporotic rat model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized (C) or sham (SHAM) operated at the age of 3 months. After 3 months, both groups were divided into two subgroups that received either WBVV at 90 Hz for 35 days or no treatment. After sacrificing the rats, we evaluated vertebral bone strength, histomorphometric parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment with WBVV resulted in improved biomechanical properties. The yield load after WBVV was significantly enhanced. According to yield load and Young's modulus, the treated OVX rats reached the level of the untreated SHAM animals. In all measured histomorphometric parameters, WBVV significantly improved bone density. Treatment with WBVV demonstrated greater effects on the trabecular bone compared to the cortical bone. The ash-BMD index showed significant differences between treated and untreated rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using WBVV as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option for osteoporosis demonstrated an enhancement of bone strength and bone mass. This procedure may be an attractive option for the treatment of osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany. stephan.sehmisch@med.uni-goettingen.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sehmisch
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Galal
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kolios
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tezval
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dullin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zimmer
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Stuermer
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Stuermer
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005260:Female; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014732:Vibration; D016474:Weight-Bearing
chemical_list: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase