The Effects of Intermittent Vibrational Stimulation on Lower Limb Kinematics Two Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the immediate effects of intermittent vibrational stimulation on gait and stair ambulation among patients two months post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Design: Randomized, parallel, 2-group- randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital setting. Participants: There were 27 male and female participants aged 18-45, two months post-ACLR, and a convenience sample of 24 healthy controls. Interventions: The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a device designed to apply intermittent vibrational stimulation above and below the knee; the other received a sham device. Main Outcome Measure(s): The main outcomes were the knee sagittal kinematics during gait at three speeds and stair ascent and descent. The assessment was performed with and without one of the study devices. Results: Compared to the sham device, intermittent vibrational stimulation significantly increased the minimum knee flexion angles while walking at normal, slow, and fast paces and stair ascent. Conclusion: Intermittent vibrational stimulation affects the lower limb kinematics during rehabilitation for individuals post-ACLR. However, further research is necessary to confirm long-term benefits and establish optimal application parameters.