Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a detailed analysis of the current state of knowledge on Progressive Exercise Training (PET), encompassing its diverse modalities, effects on bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life outcomes, and implications for clinical practice. Methods: A structured search strategy was employed to retrieve literature from seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Science Direct, EBSCO, CINHAL, and PEDro) yielded twenty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were carried out to comprehensively assess the collective impact of PET on bone mineral density outcomes. Results: PET exhibited favorable effects on BMD across multiple anatomical sites, encompassing the femoral neck, total hip, lumbar spine, and others. This effect was observed across different age groups and genders, highlighting its potential benefits for diverse populations. PET encompasses a range of modalities, including resistance training, aerobic training, impact training, whole-body vibration, and tai chi, with a duration ranging from 4 to 24 months, with weekly sessions varying from two to five times. Some studies combined these modalities, reflecting the adaptability of PET to individual preferences and capabilities. Tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual needs emerged as a feasible approach within PET. A subset of studies assessed quality of life using validated instruments such as the 36-item short form survey (SF-36), shortened osteoporosis quality of life questionnaire (SOQLQ), and menopause quality of life instrument (MENQOL). Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence that PET represents a promising intervention for osteoporosis management, enhancing BMD and, to some extent, quality of life. PET offers a beacon of hope for better skeletal health and well-being in individuals grappling with osteoporosis, emphasizing the need for its incorporation into clinical practice.

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) presents significant treatment challenges due to its multifactorial nature. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has emerged as a potential therapeutic modality, offering benefits across various domains, including pain reduction, improved balance, and enhanced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of WBVE on pain, disability, balance, proprioception, functional performance, and QoL in individuals with NSCLBP. Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases from October 2023 to January 2024, including RCTs with a PEDro score of ≥5 for high-quality evidence. Outcome measures included pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score, balance, proprioception, functional performance (through a progressive iso-inertial lifting evaluation), and QoL (SF-36) in NSCLBP patients. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB-2, and the certainty of evidence for each outcome indicator was analyzed using GRADE. A meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMD) and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and nine were suitable for the meta-analysis. The qualitative synthesis revealed WBVE is effective in improving pain, disability, balance, proprioception, and functional performance and QoL. Further, the results of the quantitative review demonstrated WBVE significantly reduced pain [visual analogue scale: SMD = −0.81, 95% CI (−1.11, −0.50), I² = 0%, p < 0.01], disability [ODI: MD = −3.78, 95% CI (−5.27, −2.29), I² = 24%, p < 0.01]; RMDQ: MD = −1.43, 95% CI (−2.04, −0.82), I² = 51%, p < 0.01], balance [SMD = −0.28, 95% CI (−0.52, −0.05), I² = 0%, p = 0.02], and proprioception [SMD = −4.20, 95% CI (−7.50, −0.89), I² = 99%, p = 0.01]. Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis indicate that WBVE significantly improves pain, disability, balance and proprioception in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. These findings suggest potential benefits of incorporating WBVE into the management strategies for NSCLBP.

Background: Core stability is a cornerstone of optimum athletic performance, and its reduction is a risk factor for athletic injuries. Evidence has shown that core impairments can alter lower-limb mechanics through the kinetic chains. Additionally, plantar pressure can be influenced by proximal conditions, such as core muscle fatigue. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between core endurance and plantar pressure distribution (PPD) during double-leg stance, single-leg stance, and single-leg squat positions in healthy male athletes. Methods: A total of 21 healthy male recreational athletes between 19 and 26 years of age volunteered to participate in this correlational study. The McGill core endurance test was used to measure the endurance of their core flexors, extensors, and lateral flexors. The participants’ PPD was evaluated using the Tekscan Mobile Mat pressure measurement system in three positions (double-leg stance, single-leg stance, and single-leg squat) for both the dominant and non-dominant feet. Results: There was a poor and insignificant correlation (p > 0.05) between the core flexors’, extensors’, and side flexors’ endurance and the peak and total PPD in all the tested positions for both the dominant and non-dominant feet. Conclusions: Core muscle endurance is neither a component that affects nor is affected by the PPD in this study population. Thus, the endurance of core flexors, extensors, and side flexors may not be considered in screening, examination, or intervention for the total and peak pressure during double-leg stance, single-leg stance, and single-leg squat positions for both the dominant and non-dominant feet in the study population. Further similar studies are warranted in various sports and during dynamic tasks to better understand the different dimensions of the studied relationship in athletes.