Effects of Whole Body Vibration in People With Chronic Stroke

The Effects of Exercise and Whole Body Vibration Training on Bone Health, Physical Fitness, and Neuromotor Performance in Individuals With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The overall aim of the proposed study is to determine whether whole body vibration is beneficial in promoting bone health, physical fitness and neuromotor performance in patients with chronic stroke. Subjects in the experimental group will undergo whole body vibration therapy (1 session per day, 3 sessions per week) for 8 weeks. The vibration frequency used in this study will be 30Hz. The total duration of exposure to vibration for the experimental group will be 10 minutes. While standing on the vibration platform, patients will be instructed to repeat the following set of light exercises: (1) light squatting,(2) deep squatting, (3) side-to-side weight-shift, (4) Forward and backward weight-shift, (5) forward lunge, (6) marching on the spot. The control exercise group, on the other hand, will perform the same exercise program on the platform, but no vibration will be given. The training will be conducted by a qualified personnel with physiotherapy background. The outcome measurement will be performed 4 times: (1) immediately before the commencement of intervention, (2) immediately after termination of treatment, (3) at 1 month after termination of treatment. Each subject will be evaluated for bone markers, leg muscle strength, balance, spasticity, and walking ability.

The control group will perform the same exercises on the vibration platform, as in the experimental group. However, the vibration device will be turned off during the exercises.

Subjects in the experimental group will undergo whole body vibration (1 session per day, 3 sessions per week) for 8 weeks. The vibration loading will be carried out using the Jet-Vibe System (Danil SMC Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea). The vibration protocol used in this study will be 30Hz. While standing on the vibration platform, patients will be instructed to repeat the following set of light exercises: (1) light squatting,(2)deep squatting , (3) side-to-side weight-shift, (4) Forward and backward weight-shift, (5) forward lunge, (6) marching on the spot. The total duration of exposure of whole body vibration per session will be about 10 minutes.

Experimental group: One session per day, 3 sessions per week, for consecutive 8 weeks. The total duration of whole body vibration therapy will be about 10 minutes per session.

Control group: One session per day, 3 sessions per week, for consecutive 8 weeks. The subjects will perform the same exercises on the vibration platform but no vibration will be applied.

Inclusion Criteria: a diagnosis of stroke more than 6 months medically stable able to understand verbal commands Abbreviated mental test score 6 or above age >18 able to stand with or without aids for at least 1.5 minutes Exclusion Criteria: neurological conditions other than stroke significant musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. amputations) metal implants in the lower extremity previous fracture of the lower extremity are currently taking bone resorption inhibitors or were taking the same before stroke. significant peripheral vascular disease vestibular disorders pregnancy Other serious illnesses that preclude the person from participating in the study