OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in individuals after stroke. DESIGN: A double-blind randomized controlled study with assessments pre- and posttraining. SETTING: A university hospital rehabilitation department. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (n = 31; mean age +/- SD 62 +/- 7 y; 6 to 101 mo poststroke) were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. INTERVENTIONS: Supervised WBV training (2 sessions/wk for 6 wk; 12 repetitions of 40 to 60 s WBV per session). The intervention group trained on a vibrating platform with a conventional amplitude (3.75 mm) and the control group on a "placebo" vibrating platform (0.2 mm amplitude); the frequency was 25 Hz on both platforms. All participants and examiners were blinded to the amplitudes of the 2 platforms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were isokinetic and isometric knee muscle strength (dynamometer). Secondary outcome measures were balance (Berg Balance Scale), muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), gait performance (Timed Up and Go, comfortable gait speed, fast gait speed, and six-minute walk tests), and perceived participation (Stroke Impact Scale). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the WBV training. Significant but small improvements (p < 0.05) in body function and gait performance were found within both groups, but the magnitude of the changes was in the range of normative variation. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of WBV training on a vibration platform with conventional amplitude was not more efficient than a placebo vibrating platform. Therefore, the use of WBV training in individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate disability is not supported.

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