Introduction: Abstention from exercise results in reduced mobility, loss of cardiopulmonary capacity and social isolation . Aims and objectives: WBVT has been proven as a safe training method which produces benefits regarding exercise capacity, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life (Greulich, T., et al. BMC Pulm Med, 2014. 14: p. 60). We aimed to evaluate whether WBVT has an impact on lung function, physical capacity and diaphragmatic movement and strength. Methods: Between May and Dec 2015 , 22 stable patients I-IV (FEV1 (SG) 51.9 ± 22% (TG) 57.1 ± 20.8%) were randomized (1:1) to receive sham (SG) training at 5 Hz or WBVT (TG) (starting with 14Hz up to 28 Hz). Physical endurance (6 Minute Walk Test, Chair Rising Test), lung function and diaphragmatic parameters (P0.1, PImax, diaphragm ultrasound), quality of life (SF-12, PHQ-9) and symptoms (SGRQ, CAT, mMRC) were measured at the time of enrolment (T 0 ), after completing the training period (T 1 ) and 6 weeks after having completed the training (T 2 ). Results: Our preliminary data analysis showed an improvement (1.68 ± 2.34mm; p 0 : 6.3 ± 1.8; T 1 : 7.6 ± 1.3; T 2 : 5.5 ± 1.3mm/SG= T 0 : 5.1 ± 0.8; T 1 : 6.15 ± 1.9; T 2 : 6.1 ± 2.6mm). 6 weeks later, a decrease of thickness was found (-1.9 ± 2.2mm; p Conclusion: The first results after TG-WBVT showed promising effects in diaphragm muscle increase. No change in diaphragm strength was found which might be due to the short training episode. Further recruitment up to 40 patients will be done.
