Whole-body vibration (WBV) represents an innovative training approach that enhances muscular power, range of motion, and postural control in older adults. The practicality and effectiveness of thermotherapy sessions lasting 20–30 minutes—achieved by wrapping a 73 °C heat source in several towel layers to reduce skin contact temperature to 40–43 °C—are increasingly supported by practical uses and research evidence. Research indicates that such thermal applications improve the extensibility of tendons and ligaments. Yet, research has not explored the combined effects of applying heat before and after exercise over an extended training period. Accordingly, this research examines how WBV combined with thermal treatment influences muscular power, range of motion, and postural control in older populations. A total of 80 middle-aged and older adults lacking consistent physical activity routines participated. They were allocated randomly into four categories: a WBV-only category, a combined WBV and thermotherapy category, a thermotherapy-only category, and a non-intervention category. Those in WBV categories completed 5-minute sessions with a consistent amplitude of 4 mm, three times per week for three months using a vibration platform. Postural control was assessed via the limits of stability (LOS) evaluation on a specialized balance platform. Knee extension and flexion power before and after the intervention were evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer for lower limbs. Range of motion variations pre- and post-intervention were determined through the sit-and-reach assessment. The WBV and combined WBV-thermotherapy categories exhibited markedly greater pre- to post-intervention gains in range of motion and muscular power. Integrating thermotherapy with WBV yielded the most substantial gains in range of motion.
