Fig. 1.

Flowchart of the trial. (1) A stratified block randomization with permuted block length is conducted to allocate patients into treatment groups. The stratification factor is patients’ gender (male vs. female); (2) Participants allocated to the whole-body vibration strength-training perform static and dynamic exercises on a Whole Body Vibration Plate; (3) Participants allocated to the Placebo Control Group receive a supervised myofascial release training program hardly inducing any muscular effort and cardiovascular stimulation; (4) Post-Treatment Assessment (t1) is conducted after completion of the 6-week exercise-treatment phase