Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.
Whole-body vibration has no effect on neuromotor function and falls in chronic stroke |
Lau RWK, Yip SP, Pang MYC |
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2012 Aug;44(8):1409-1418 |
clinical trial |
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed* |
PURPOSE: Whole-body vibration therapy has gained increasing popularity in enhancing neuromotor function in various patient populations. It remains uncertain, however, whether whole-body vibration is beneficial when used in stroke patients. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of whole-body vibration in optimizing neuromotor performance and reducing falls in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: Eighty-two chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or control group. The experimental group received 9 to 15 min of whole-body vibration (vertical vibration; frequency 20 to 30 Hz. amplitude 0.44 to 0.60 mm, peak acceleration 9.5 to 15.8 ms or 0.97 to 1.61 U of earth gravitational acceleration (g) while performing a variety of dynamic leg exercises on the vibration platform. The control group performed the same exercises without vibration. The subjects underwent their respective training three times a week for 8 wk. Balance (Berg Balance Scale), mobility (10-m walk test and 6-min walk test), knee muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometry), and fall-related self-efficacy (activities-specific balance confidence scale) were assessed at baseline, immediately after the 8-wk training and at a 1-month follow-up. The incidence of falls was recorded until 6 months after the termination of training. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed similar significant improvement in all balance, mobility, muscle strength, and fall-related self-efficacy measures in both groups after the 8-wk treatment period (p < 0.001), and these were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. The incidence of falls did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the presently used whole-body vibration paradigm to a leg exercise protocol was no more effective in improving neuromotor performance and reducing the incidence of falls than leg exercises alone in chronic stroke patients who have mild to moderate motor impairments.
|