[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body
vibration (WBV) in the horizontal direction on the motor function and balance of chronic
stroke survivors. [Subjects and Methods] This study was a randomized controlled trial.
Twenty-one individuals with chronic stroke from an inpatient rehabilitation center
participated in the study. The participants were allocated to either the WBV training
group or the control group. The WBV training group (n = 12) received whole-body vibration
delivered in the horizontal direction (15 min/day, 3 times/week, 6 wks) followed by
conventional rehabilitation (30 min/day, 5 times/week, 6 wks); the control group (n = 9)
received conventional rehabilitation only (30 min/day, 5 times/week, 6 wks). Motor
function was measured by using the Fugl-Meyer assessment, and balance was measured by
using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after the
interventions. [Results] After the interventions, all variables improved significantly
compared with the baseline values in the WBV training group. In the control group, no
significant improvements in any variables were noted. In addition, the BBS score in the
WBV training group increased significantly compared with that in the control group.
[Conclusion] WBV training with whole-body vibration delivered in the horizontal direction
may be a potential intervention for improvement of motor function and balance in patients
who previously experienced a stroke.