BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration (WBV) has gained increasing popularity in rehabilitation. Recent studies have seen the application of WBV in individuals with chronic illnesses, including stroke. PURPOSE: To compare WBV exercise with (1) the same exercise condition without WBV, (2) other types of physical exercise in enhancing body functions and structures, activity and participation in individuals with stroke, and examine its safety. DATA SOURCE: Electronic search were conducted on Medline, CINAHL, PEDro, PubMed, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of WBV among individuals with stroke were identified by two independent researchers. Ten articles (nine studies) totaling 333 subjects satisfied the selection criteria and were included in this review. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodological quality was rated using the PEDro scale. The results were extracted by two independent researchers and confirmed with the principal investigator. DATA SYNTHESIS: Only two RCTs were considered as level 1 evidence (PEDro score >= 6 and sample size > 50). Two RCTs examined the effects of a single WBV session whereas seven examined the effects of WBV programs spanning 3 to 12 weeks. No consistent benefits on bone turnover, leg motor function, balance, mobility, sensation, fall rate, activities of daily living, and societal participation were found, regardless of the nature of the comparison group. Adverse events were not uncommon but minor. LIMITATIONS: A broad approach was used, with stroke as an inclusion criterion for review. No solid evidence was found concerning the effects of WBV on sub-groups of people with specific stroke-related deficits due to the heterogeneity of patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical use of WBV in enhancing body functions/structures, activity and participation after stroke is not supported.

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