EFFECT of WHOLE BODY VIBRATION on FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY and RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN STROKE INDIVIDUALS

EFFECT of WHOLE BODY VIBRATION on FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY and RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN STROKE INDIVIDUALS

EFFECT of WHOLE BODY VIBRATION on FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY and RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN STROKE INDIVIDUALS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

While there is only one study examining the effect of WBV on oxygen consumption and cardiovascular responses in individuals with stroke, no study has been found on the effect of WBV on respiratory capacity and flow volumes and changes in functional capacity due to effort. In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether the WBV treatment protocol determined has an effect on functional capacity and respiratory functions in individuals with stroke.

A specialist physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation provided the Bobath approach individually to each patients in both groups. Bobath approach included 3 days a week over a total of 12 sessions for four weeks. The Bobath approach consisted of about individual one hour session. In addition to the Bobath approach, the subjects in the study group received WBV for 20 minutes a day, 2 days a week. The frequency of the device was increased by 5 Hz every week, starting the treatment with 30 Hz. Whole body vibration application was performed on a platform (Power Plate Pro5®) that provides vertical vibration. Two different practice positions were chosen as standing and semi-squatting. In order to prevent muscle fatigue, the set consisting of 1 minute of application - 1 minute of rest in each position was applied for a total of 10 minutes with 5 repetitions

Inclusion Criteria: having first hemiplegic stroke history at least for 3 months, being clinically stable could stand for at least 1 minute, could walk independently with or without a walking aids. Exclusion Criteria: having any neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic and unstable cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions other than stroke.