The Effects of Vortex Wave Circulation Technology in Older Adults.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding The Musculoskeletal and Physiological Effects of Vortex Wave Circulation Technology in Older Adult
IRAS ID
348103
Contact name
Leigh Breen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Integrity
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
The UK is an ageing population, with ~25% of adults due to be 65 years or older by 2046 [1]. We lose muscle mass and function as we age and this can be worsened through forced inactivity [2,3]. Bone health is also negatively affected with ageing [4]. Traditional methods of exercise can be impractical where mobility is limited, there is concern for injury and equipment can be large/unportable. Alternative modalities, such as vortex wave circulation (VWC), may offer similar benefit for muscle/bone health [5]. Whilst demonstrating efficacy in private clinics there is a lack of mechanistic data. We plan to run a pilot study investigating the effect of two bouts of VWC on muscle and bone turnover and acute changes in leg blood flow and muscle activation. This study will recruit healthy older males aged 60-80 years ensuring their ability to adhere to all study requirements. Participants will undergo an 8-day intervention with a total of 5 visits to the University of Birmingham. The primary outcome will be muscle protein synthesis measured before and after two bouts of VWC. Secondary outcomes include thigh blood flow, blood markers of inflammation/bone turnover and muscle activation. We will utilize muscle biopsies, blood sampling, ultrasound imaging, and electromyography.
1-Office for National Statistics. Overview of the UK population: 2017.
2-Dodds RM et al. Sarcopenia, long-term conditions, and multimorbidity: findings from UK Biobank participants. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2020;11:62–8.
3-Cruz-Jentoft AJ et al. Prevalence of and interventions for sarcopenia in ageing adults: A systematic review. Report of the International Sarcopenia Initiative. Age Ageing. 2014;43:48–759.
4-Demontiero O et al. Aging and bone loss: New insights for the clinician. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2012. p. 61–76.
5-Greene AL et al. Effect of vortex wave circulation stimulation on muscle thickness in mature horses on stall rest.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
24/SS/0086
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion