Comparison of whole-body vibration training, strength training and health education on physical function and neuromuscular function of individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of global disability which causes knee pain, stiffness, and swelling. Impaired neuromuscular function contributes to the development and/or progression of KOA. As a new modality to treat KOA, whole-body vibration (WBV) training is considered to improve pain and physical function effectively. However, limited numbers of studies were designed to investigate the effect of WBV on neuromuscular function in KOA.Methods 81 eligible participants with KOA were randomly allocated to WBV, strength training (ST) and health education (HE) groups. Each group of participants was encouraged to perform the WBV training, similar strength training and health education program, respectively. These supervised interventions were performed three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Neuromuscular function was measured with isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception. Physical function was assessed with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 6-min Walk Distance tests. Results Physical function and neuromuscular function did not show significant difference between three groups (p > 0.05). However, post-hoc test showed that isokinetic knee muscle strength of WBV group (peak torque of extensor at 180°/s, peak torque of flexors at 180°/s, peak work of extensor at 180°/s, and peak work of flexor at 90°/s, all p < 0.05) increased significantly compared with HE group. Similarly, compared with ST group, muscle strength of WBV group (peak torque of extensor at 180°/s and peak work of extensor at 180°/s, p < 0.05) improved significantly. Conclusion The current study showed that the advantage of WBV training on muscle strength gain in patients with KOA compared with similar strength training without vibration and health education.Trial registration It was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry a priori as a clinical trial (ID: ChiCTR-IOR-16009234). Registered 21 September 2016.