Eficácia da terapia de vibração de corpo inteiro na força de preensão palmar: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic vibration therapy (SVT), also known as whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE), has been proposed as an alternative strategy for muscle strengthening and functional rehabilitation. Although it has already demonstrated efficacy in improving lower-limb muscle strength, it remains unclear whether it has similar potential to enhance handgrip strength (HGS). Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effectiveness of WBVE on handgrip strength and identify potential moderators influencing this effect. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, LILACS, PEDro, and SciELO databases (last updated September 5, 2025). Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system. Meta-analyses were conducted using the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect measure, comparing WBVE versus control groups (inactive or sham vibration) and WBVE versus resistance training. Results: Thirty-four studies (1,272 participants) were included in the systematic review, of which 32.4% presented a high risk of bias. Compared with control groups, WBVE significantly improved handgrip strength, although with a small effect size (SMD = 0.22; p = 0.009; moderate certainty of evidence). When compared with resistance training, the certainty of evidence was very low, and no significant difference was found (SMD = −2.43; p = 0.25). The most influential moderator was direct hand contact with the vibration source, which, in chronic interventions (~11 weeks), resulted in a moderate effect size (SMD = 0.76; p = 0.03). Other significant moderators included high-frequency vibration (> 20 Hz) and participants under healthcare supervision. Conclusion: Based on moderate-certainty evidence, WBVE produced a small but significant improvement in handgrip strength, suggesting limited clinical relevance. However, greater effects may be achieved through long-term, high-frequency vibration protocols involving direct hand contact with the vibration source, particularly among clinical populations.