Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hematology in Healthy Dogs
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a modality of mechanical stimulus that may be used to improve the physical condition or to help improve the outcome of treatment in some disorders. However, safe exercise protocols must be followed, because the exposure may be dangerous, especially in long-term WBV exercise. In veterinary medicine, there are few studies about this matter. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of whole-body vibration on hematology parameters in dogs. The hypothesis was that the protocol adopted does not have influence on hematology parameters. Ten clinically healthy beagle dogs (intact, three females and seven males, aged from 1 to 5 years, weighing 8–14 kg) were evaluated. All dogs were client-owned. Exclusion criteria included use of medications or supplements, or previous surgical treatment. Sessions of 30 Hz for 5 min, followed by 50 Hz for 5 min, and finishing with 30 Hz for 5 min were performed once a day for 5 days. The velocity and amplitude of the vibration platform were 12–40 m/s and 1.7–2.5 mm, respectively. Each day, complete blood count (CBC) was performed before the WBV platform session, immediately after the WBV platform session, 1 hour and 6 hours after the dogs had been submitted to the platform test. The hematology values did not change within the reference range values in all moments, but some parameters showed variation between moments. In conclusion, the protocol adopted was considered adequate in relation to hematology.