We attempted to ascertain the specific patterns of changes in peripheral circulation and vibrotactile perception, autonomic nervous activity (ANA) and balance from acute exposure of apparently healthy elderly subjects to whole-body vibration (WBV). Thirty subjects were randomly exposed to WBV (vertical, side-alternating;​ three bouts of 1 min with 1 min interval between bouts) at 15, 20 and 25 Hz with corresponding A(8) values of 0.76, 1.12 and 1.41 m/s 2 r.m.s., respectively, and to control condition (0 Hz). Skin blood flow (SBF), skin temperature (ST), vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) of feet and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured and balance tests were performed before and during and/or after exposure. Relative to the corresponding control condition, SBF and VPT increased significantly under all 3 WBV exposure conditions (P < 0.05- 0.001) with greater responses under higher frequencies of vibration which were comparable at 20 and 25 Hz. On the other hand, exposure to WBV did not produce any significant change in ST, HRV or balance tests. Therefore, WBV of 20 Hz with a magnitude within the recommended exposure limit can be used effectively in inducing improvements in peripheral SBF without causing any negative effects on the ANA among the elderly;​ however, improvements in balance may require chronic or long-term exposure or exposure to WBV of different frequencies and/or magnitudes.