The issue

Sarcopenia brings a progressive loss of muscle mass and function. The concept of treating sarcopenia in fragility fracture patients has recently emerged, as it is one of the key factors for a future fall and fracture. Nevertheless, largely overlooked and undertreated in mainstream practice due to its complexity in diagnosis and suboptimal clinical pathways, sarcopenia has become a global threat, not to mention a heavy economic burden to our society. While exercise is a common intervention, poor compliance and reluctance have led to unsatisfactory results. The community is in dire need of an effective and broadly applicable intervention to tackle the condition.

The solution

Low magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) is a non-invasive biophysical therapy that provides systemic mechanical stimulation. Besides high adherence rates, LMHFV is found to produce significant improvements in reaction time, movement velocity, balance and muscle strength, as well as considerably lower fall incidences. These benefits would retain for one year even after cessation of treatment. Patients are invited to use the therapy platform three times a week at a dedicated clinic.

Impact

The effective therapy will bring down direct and indirect healthcare costs, as well as the need for further hospital visits and interventions. There would also be a decrease in lost work time for caregivers. The demonstrated effectiveness may facilitate the integration of LMFHV in other public hospitals, benefiting more patients.

Beneficiaries

– 120 vertebral fracture patients
– 120 patient caregivers
– 200 community elderly

Project Team

Funder