Nigerian Scientist Says Low-Cost Vibration Therapy Could Transform Bone Health Care

By Tosin Clegg

With the global population aging rapidly and osteoporosis emerging as a silent but costly public health threat, Dr. Oluwagbemiga DadeMatthews, a Nigerian physician-scientist working in the field of kinesiology and bone health, has asserted that low-cost, non-invasive vibration therapy could play a growing role in preventing fractures and preserving bone strength among vulnerable populations.

He noted this in a recently published scientific paper, which systematically reviewed and analyzed existing global studies on whole-body vibration therapy and its effects on bone health. The paper, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluates whether the low-impact intervention can improve bone mineral density, particularly among older adults and individuals unable to participate in high-impact exercise. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

According to Dr. DadeMatthews, the motivation behind the research lies in the growing strain osteoporosis places on healthcare systems worldwide. “As fracture rates increase with age, prevention becomes not only a clinical priority but also an economic necessity,” he said. “Preventing fractures is far more effective, and far less costly, than treating them after they occur.”
The study synthesised data from multiple clinical trials conducted across different populations and settings, offering a large-scale evaluation of vibration therapy as a bone-health intervention. Rather than focusing on a single trial, the analysis pooled evidence to determine broader patterns, strength of effect, and practical relevance for clinicians and policymakers.

Whole-body vibration therapy involves standing or performing light movements on a vibrating platform that transmits mechanical signals through the body. These signals are believed to stimulate bone-forming cells without placing excessive stress on joints. Dr. DadeMatthews explained that this makes the therapy particularly attractive for people with mobility limitations, chronic pain, or balance issues.
“Whole-body vibration therapy represents a promising option for older adults and individuals who cannot tolerate high-impact exercise,” he said. “It offers a way to stimulate the musculoskeletal system without the risks that come with more strenuous physical activity.”

While the findings do not position vibration therapy as a replacement for conventional exercise or medical treatment, the paper suggests it could serve as a complementary strategy within broader bone health programmes. The analysis found modest but meaningful improvements in bone density in certain populations, especially when the therapy was applied consistently over time.

Dr. DadeMatthews emphasized that affordability and scalability were central to the significance of the findings. In many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, access to advanced osteoporosis treatments and long-term rehabilitation remains limited. “Cost-conscious interventions that can be delivered at scale are essential if we want to address bone health equity,” he noted.

He added that the research has implications beyond individual patient care, extending into public health planning. “Our analysis helps clinicians and policymakers understand where vibration therapy fits within evidence-based bone health strategies,” Dr. DadeMatthews said. “It provides clarity on what the evidence supports and where further research is still needed.”

The paper also highlights gaps in existing studies, including variations in vibration frequency, duration, and treatment protocols. According to the researcher, standardising these parameters will be critical for translating research findings into clinical guidelines and community-level interventions.

Drawing from his background in medicine, public policy, and kinesiology, Dr. DadeMatthews stressed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to aging-related health challenges. “Bone health is not just an orthopedic issue,” he said. “It intersects with mobility, independence, healthcare costs, and quality of life.”

Dr. DadeMatthews is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Associate Director of the Rathbone Human Anatomy and Cadaver Lab at Louisiana State University, with a career spanning clinical medicine, academic research, and health systems management. His career spans Nigeria and the United States, combining frontline patient care with high-level scientific inquiry.
The vibration therapy paper, he explained, is part of a broader effort to identify preventive strategies that can be realistically adopted across different healthcare environments. “As populations age, we must rethink how we prevent injury, not just how we treat it,” he said.
He concluded by calling for more collaborative research, particularly studies involving diverse populations in Africa and other underrepresented regions. “Healthy aging should not be a privilege of geography,” Dr. DadeMatthews stated. “With the right evidence and the right tools, we can reduce fracture risk and improve quality of life for millions of people worldwide.”