Whole body vibration training for lower limb motor function among stroke patients

Abstract

Background/aim Motor function impairment is a frequent problem in stroke patients and many questions remain about the application of vibration therapy for neurological patients. This study aims to verify the effects of vibration training on lower limb function in patients affected by stroke. Methods This was a clinical, prospective study. The study's subjects were selected via a convenience sample from Samuel Libanio Hospital's Physical Therapy and Neurology Out-patient clinics in Pouso Alegre, Brazil. The sample comprised of 27 individuals presenting with spastic hemiparesis due to stroke. Participants received whole body vibration training at a frequency of 50 Hz and 2 mm amplitude, for 8 weeks. In the first 4 weeks, participants underwent a series of four 60-second periods of vibration in the following positions: in orthostatic posture, first with the knees semi-flexed at 30°, then with the knees semi-flexed at 90°, and then with the affected knee semi-flexed at 30°, and finally in orthostatic posture again with the knees semi-flexed at 30°. In the last 4 weeks, we doubled the number of series of vibration, but used the same positions. The six minute walking test (6MWT), the stair climbing test (SCT) and the timed get up and go test (TUG) were applied to evaluate the lower members' motor function. The tests were applied before and after the intervention, as well as after a follow-up, which was performed 1 month later. Results This study found statistical differences in the 6MWT (P=0.00), SCT (P=0.00), and TUG (P=0.00), indicating improvement in the participants' lower limbs motor function. Conclusion Vibration therapy can contribute to the improvement of the lower limbs' motor function in patients affected by stroke.

Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Treadmill Training Improves Walking Performance in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This is a phenomenon caused by excessive adaptation of the nerve roots. Therefore, some studies reported that walking function improves when applying gradual changes of vibration intensity to stroke subjects in order to prevent adaptation [ 23 ]. Therefore, this study also applied short durations of vibration and increased the frequency gradually from 20 to 30 Hz over a period of 2 weeks.…”

Treino de vibração de corpo inteiro na função motora em pacientes acometidos por acidente vascular cerebral

“…Only the 6-minute walk test influenced the intragroup, with no intergroup difference. This positive response with respect to distance traveled has also been demonstrated in various other studies (Silva et al, 2013;Machado et al, 2010;Ness and Field-Fote, 2009;Bruyere et al , 2005). The response of this improvement can be attributed due to the vibratory stimulus, which causes increased activation of the neuromotor spindle afferents with consequent motoneuron activation, triggering a muscle reflex contraction, leading to better activity performance (Mileva et al, 2009;Bove et al, 2003;Carlsoo, 1982).…”

“…The response of this improvement can be attributed due to the vibratory stimulus, which causes increased activation of the neuromotor spindle afferents with consequent motoneuron activation, triggering a muscle reflex contraction, leading to better activity performance (Mileva et al, 2009;Bove et al, 2003;Carlsoo, 1982). This finding is in agreement with other studies (Silva et al, 2013;Ness and Field-Fote, 2009, and contradicts findings of other studies (Silva et al, 2014;Lau et al, 2012;Brogardh et al, 2012;Rees et al, 2007;Ahlborg et al, 2006).…”

“…1consegue manter-se em pé, com equilíbrio, por 4 a 9 segundos. Silva A, Silva A, Dias M, Junior RC, Martinez B, Honorato D, Fernandes G (2013) Whole body vibration training for lower limb motor function among stroke patients.…”

The effect of whole-body vibration training on electromyographic signals in stroke patients

“…This finding confirms that the EMG RMS of the VL and RF also did not change after vibration treatment 25,26 . However, the functional performance of athletes and stroke patients has been shown to improve after vibration treatment 27 . Vibration treatment can be justified by the improvement in neuromuscular efficiency leading to a reduction in EMG activity due to the increase in muscle resistance 26 .…”