Vibrating belt shows potential for bone health, study finds
14 reported
A wearable vibrating belt approved by the FDA for post-menopausal women with osteopenia is drawing attention as a potential tool to slow bone density loss. The device, called Osteoboost, delivers targeted vibrations to the spine and hips. A clinical trial of 126 women in their 50s and older found that those who used the device regularly lost significantly less bone strength in the spine over 12 months compared to a placebo group. However, a group of bone health scientists criticized the study’s conclusions, noting that osteopenia is a systemic disease and the device only treats a local area. The device costs about $1,000 out of pocket and is not covered by insurance. Doctors say it should be used as a supplement to weight-bearing exercise, proper nutrition, and other bone-health habits, not as a replacement.
What’s reported
Andrea Bloom, 59, of Pleasanton, Calif., learned she had osteopenia after a bone density scan, being one-tenth of a point from an osteoporosis diagnosis.
More than 40 million U.S. adults ages 50 and older have osteopenia.
Osteoboost is an FDA-approved wearable device that delivers targeted vibrations to the spine and hips, approved for post-menopausal women with osteopenia.
The device works by mimicking some effects of exercise, stimulating bone-building cells called osteoblasts.
The science behind vibration therapy traces back to NASA-funded research.
In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of 126 women, the placebo group lost 2.84% of bone strength over 12 months, while the vibration therapy group lost only 0.5%, an 83% reduction in bone strength loss in the spine.
The clinical trial did not test whether users have a lower fracture risk.
A group of bone health and aging scientists wrote a letter criticizing the study’s conclusions, stating the device treats a local area while osteopenia is a systemic disease.
Osteoboost researchers responded that the device was designed to target the lumbar spine and hips, where fractures carry the most serious consequences.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center are studying vibration plate technology in animal models for protecting bone health in cancer patients.
Osteoboost is the only FDA-approved vibration device for osteopenia and is available by prescription only, costing about $1,000 out of pocket.
Dr. Eric Ascher of Northwell Health says vibration devices should be an add-on, not a replacement, for bone-health habits.
People with a blood clot, recent concussion, or pacemaker may want to avoid using vibration plates.
Bloom’s most recent bone density scan showed significant improvements, which she attributes to a combination of the belt, diet changes including dried plums, and more exercise.
Key figures
Andrea Bloom, 59, of Pleasanton, Calif., user of the Osteoboost belt
Dr. Pamela Peeke, chief medical officer for Osteoboost
Mike Jaasma, one of Osteoboost’s founders
Gabriel Pagnotti, biomedical engineer at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Eric Ascher, primary care physician at Northwell Health in New York
Sources: NPR
