Whole-body vibration improves ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in individuals with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

Author: In T1, Jung K2, Lee MG3, Cho HY4
Affiliation:
1Department of Physical Therapy, Gimcheon University, Gimcheon, Republic of Korea.
2Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Jecheon, Republic of Korea.
3Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
4Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Conference/Journal: NeuroRehabilitation.
Date published: 2018
Other: Volume ID: 42 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 491-497 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3233/NRE-172333. , Word Count: 201


OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) at cervical level.

METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with cervical iSCI were randomly assigned to WBV (n = 14) or control group (n = 14). WBV group received WBV training, while control group was treated with placebo-treatment. All interventions were given for 20-min, twice a day, 5-days a week for 8-weeks. The spasticity of ankle plantar-flexors was assessed by estimating passive resistive force using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was analyzed based on postural sway length (PSL) using a force plate. Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 10 m-Walk Test (10MWT) were used to assess walking ability.

RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in spasticity, balance and walking ability. Also, the significant differences between two groups were demonstrated in the outcomes of spasticity (3.0±1.7 vs 0.9±1.2), PSL (6.4±1.2 vs 3.2±0.9 with eyes-open, and 15.1±10.9 vs 7.4±4.3 with eyes-closed), TUG (2.3±1.3 vs 1.0±1.0), and 10MWT (3.5±2.3 vs 1.3±1.4).

CONCLUSIONS: WBV may be a safe and effective intervention to improve spasticity, balance and walking ability in individuals with cervical iSCI. Thus, WBV may be used to improve these symptoms in clinics.

KEYWORDS: Balance; incomplete spinal cord injury; whole body vibration

PMID: 29660953 DOI: 10.3233/NRE-172333

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