Effect of local or whole body vibration treatment on postural control in patients with ataxia

Local vibrations (LV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) are used in neurorehabilitation to regulate muscle tension, increase neuromuscular efficiency and improve balance and mobility. However, little is known about the direct influence of vibration interventions on postural control in patients with ataxia (lack of smooth and precise movement resulting from disturbed nervous coordination of muscle function). Therefore, the goal of Turkish researchers was to study and compare the direct effect of single LV or WBV on postural control in patients with ataxia.

• 1 and 60 min after LV or WBV, the limits of stability improved on the left side, more after LV.
• LV improved static balance parameters of posture control 1 min after surgery, while WBV reduced them.

Prepared on the basis of:

Immediate Effects of Local Vibration and Whole-body Vibration on Postural Control in Patients with Ataxia: an Assessor-Blind, Cross-over randomized trial. Özvar GB, Ayvat E, Kılınç M. Cerebellum. 2021 Feb;20(1):83-91.

Study population

The study involved 21 patients (age: 18-50 years, mean 39.4 ± 9.7 years) with a neurologically diagnosed ataxia, meeting certain criteria. 20 patients completed the study.

Test procedure

It was a crossover, randomized, single-blind study. All patients received a single LV and WBV treatment in a random order. There was a one-week break between these treatments (the effect of a single vibration session on posture control lasted up to 48 hours).

For each patient before a given intervention (LV or WBV), as well as 1 and 60 minutes after the intervention, the following were analyzed:

• limits of stability (LoS)
• postural sways (Bertec Balance Check Screener)
• gait parameters (gait parameters -> GAITRite)
• static balance (one leg stance test).

Use of vibration in the study

LV (80 Hz, 1 mm) was administered using a Vibrasens® device (Techno Concept, France) – successively to the right (for 5 minutes) and left (also for 5 minutes) gastrocnemius and soleus muscle complex in a static semi-squat position.

WBV (30 Hz, 2 mm) was provided by a Compex® Winplate (DJO, France). During WBV, the patients stood in a static semi-squat position for 5 minutes without vibration, and then for 5 minutes with vibration on, without repositioning.

Results

LoS increased on the left 1 and 60 min after LV or WBV, but more after LV (p <0.05).

LV improved the static balance parameters of postural control 1 min after the procedure, while WBV reduced them (p <0.05).

Comment

The presented report shows different immediate effects of a single LV session compared to WBV in patients with ataxia. A single LV treatment immediately improves the LoS and static balance parameters of postural control. In addition, a single vibration treatment has a limited effect on postural control, but the results obtained indicate that it is worth considering the effects of long-term vibrotherapy protocols in improving posture control, especially in patients with LoS and static balance problems. Brief LV interventions prior to conventional exercise should also be considered in standard rehabilitation programs to improve their effectiveness.

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