Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether a whole-body vibration (mechanical oscillations) in comparison to a placebo administration leads to better postural control, mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Design: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Subjects: Twelve multiple sclerosis patients with moderate disability (Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5-5) were allocated either to the intervention group or to the placebo group. Interventions: In the intervention group a whole-body vibration at low frequency (2.0-4.4 Hz oscillations at 3-mm amplitude) in five series of 1 min each with a 1 -min break between the series was applied. In the placebo group a Burst-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application on the nondominant forearm in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied as well. Main outcome measures: Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test, the Timed Get Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test immediately preceding the application, 15 min, one week and two weeks after the application. The statistical analysis was applied to the change score from preapplication values to values 15 min, one week and two weeks post intervention. Results: Compared with the placebo group the intervention group showed advantages in terms of the Sensory Organization Test and the Timed Get Up and Go Test at each time point of measurement after the application. The effects were strongest one week after the intervention, where significant differences for the change score (p = 0.041) were found for the Timed Get Up and Go Test with the mean score reducing from 9.2 s (preapplication) to 8.2 s one week after whole-body vibration and increasing from 9.5 s (preapplication) to 10.2 s one week after placebo application. The mean values of the posturographic assessment increased from 70.5 points (preapplication) to 77.5 points one week after whole body vibration and increased only from 67.2 points (preapplication) to 67.5 points one week after the placebo application. No differences were found for the Functional Reach Test. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.

Effect of Comorbidities on Outcomes of Neurorehabilitation Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis

“…The most commonly excluded comorbidities were cardiovascular problems (eg, thrombosis and the use of pacemakers), 50,51,[53][54][55][56] epilepsy, 50,51,55,56 and psychiatric disorders 49,51,52 ( Figure 3). These psychiatric disorders were not identified.…”

“…[52][53][54][55][56][57] The number of intervention sessions ranged from 9 54 to 24 50,51,53 over 3 54,57 to 20 52 weeks.…”

Is Physiotherapy Effective in Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?: A Systematic Review

“…23,26,28 Re sis ted exerci ses we re per for med in thre e stu di es. 21,22,24 One study 27 used tre ad mill tra i ning, one study 25 electrot he rapy mo da li ti es and one study 20 pres su re splint app li ca ti on in the ir the rapy pro to cols.…”

“…Eight stu di es we re consi de red as high-qu a lity (PED ro sco re ≥ 6). [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Only one study was con si de red as low-qu a lity (PED ro sco re < 6). 28 Blin ding of the ra pists and blin ding of pa ti ents we re the most com mon fa i lu re; no ne of the stu di es ac hi e ved the se two cri te ri a.…”

Whole-Body Vibration to Treat Low Back Pain: Fact or Fad?

“…6,7 WBV has been demonstrated to reduce pain and fatigue levels in women with fibromyalgia syndrome and to improve postural control and mobility in people with multiple sclerosis. 8,9 The use of WBV with Parkinson disease has also been evaluated, and some positive effects on gait and balance have been found. 10,11 Even though WBV is an established aetiological factor for LBP, it is currently being marketed as a treatment technique for LBP.…”