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Atrial Fibrillation and Whole Body Vibration
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia that involves abnormal electrical signals arising
from the atrium of the heart. These signals are sent to the ventricles of the heart at irregular
intervals resulting in an irregular, fast heart rate. It is the most common type of arrhythmia. It
generally is assymptomatic and arrhythmias can last anywhere from minutes to years. It is
generally a non-life threatening condition, but with underlying medical complications, can lead
to an increased risk for stroke. Symptoms are usually associated with the rapid heart rate. They
include palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance angina, shortness of breath, and edema. AF can
occur in a normal heart, but it is often associated with other conditions which include
hypertension, primary heart diseases, lung diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, and
hyperthyroidism. This list is by no mean inclusive. Treatments include medications that slow
down the heart or revert the heart rhythm back to normal, cardioversion (non invasive procedure
that converts AF to a normal heart rhythm), as well as surgical and catheter-based therapies.
Also, anticoagulants are sometimes used to help prevent stroke.
The effects of exercise on AF has been well documented. Research has suggested that exercise
can be beneficial for individuals with AF causing a decrease in ventricular rate, improving
exercise capacity, heart rate variability and quality of life 1, 2, 3. It also has been shown to affect
sympathetic tone and when an appropriate level of physical activity has been found sympathetic
relaxation may occur. This allows individuals wih cardiac disorders to find a beneficial level of
exercise without overloading 4. Despite all of the positive research, it is essential that an
individual discusses and designs an exericse program in conjunction with their physician. There
are a number of underlying causes of AF, and due variety of medications used to treat the
condition, a blanket approach to exercise would be unrealistic and unsafe.
There is no specific research to look at the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) in individuals
with AF. There are many benefits to WBV including increased strength, metabolic changes,
improved balance and increased bone density. WBV training should be discussed with an
individual’s physician before incorporating it into an exericse routine. It is important the
physician understands WBV to ensure that any underlying health issue(s) an individual has with
AF, is not contraindicated. If a physican clears an individual with AF to use WBV it should be
started at a reduced intensity and duration. Some indiviudals with a very low exercise tolerance
may begin WBV sitting on a chair, with the soles of their feet resting on the platform. One
recommended guideline for individuals with AF is to maintain heart rate between 90 – 115 beats
per minute at a moderate intensity of exericse 5. An individual with AF should monitor his/her
heart rate when using WBV. If an individual experiences any symptoms related to AF while
using WBV, it should be discontinued immediately and their symptoms should be discussed with
their physician. If the WBV platform is well tolerated and an individual is symptom free the
intensity of exercise and duration can be increased as tolerated. In general, if an individual
experiences any pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness while using the WBV platform it should
be discontinued immediately.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com
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References
1. Plisiene J, Blumberg A, Haager G, Knackstedt C, Latsch J, Norra C, Arndt M, Tuerk S,
Heussen N, Kelm M, Predel HG, Schauerte P. 2008. Moderate physical exercise: a
simplified approach for ventricular rate control in older patients with atrial fibrillation,
Clinical Research in Cardiology, 97, 820 – 6.
2. Hegbom F, Sire S, Heldal M, Orning OM, Stavem K, Gjesdal K. 2006. Short –term
exercise training in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: effects on exercises capacity,
AV conduction, and quality of life, Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 26, 24 –
9.
3. Vanhees L, Schepers D, Defoor J, Brusselle S, Tchursh N, Fagard R. 2000. Exercise
performance and training in cardiac patients with atrial fibrilation, Journal of
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 20, 346 – 52.
4. Ino-Oka E, Sekino H, Ohtaki Y, Inooka H. 2009. Effects of daily physical activity level
on the degree of sympatetic tone, Internal Medicine, 48, 19 – 24.
5. Hilliard AA, Miller TD, Hodge DO, Gibbons RJ. 2008. Hear rate control in patients with
atrial fibrillation referred for exercise testing, American Journal of Cardiology, 102, 704
– 8.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com