Vibration training improves muscle mass, bone mass and density and fitness in young adults with cerebral palsy
The aim of the clinical study, conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, was to determine the effects of long-term (20 weeks) whole-body vibration on muscle and bone health, motor performance and quality of life in young adults with mild to moderate cerebral palsy.
The effect of vibration for 20 weeks was observed in young adults with cerebral palsy:
- a significant increase in muscle mass,
- increased bone mass and improved bone density,
- improved motor skills
Compiled from:
Gusso, S., Munns, C. F., Colle, P., Derraik, J. G., Biggs, J. B., Cutfield, W. S., & Hofman, P. L. (2016). Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, bone and muscle mass in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Study participants
The study involved 40 participants aged 11.3 – 20.8 years with disabilities of grade II and III on the GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) scale, in whom vitamin D deficiency, cognitive impairment or the use of anabolic steroids for treatment, among others, were excluded. Initially, the researchers planned a randomised clinical trial with a control group; however, at the request of the participants and their caregivers and due to the observed and expected effects of vibration, vibration was included in all subjects.
Study procedure
Before and after the start of the programme, participants were assessed for muscle mass and bone density (DXA and CT scan), and motor tests were performed: chair raising test, two-legged reach jump height, and balance and distance covered in the 6-minute test.
Vibrotherapy
Vibrotherapy sessions were held four times a week for a period of 20 weeks. Initially, the session consisted of three one-minute vibrations at a frequency of 12 Hz and then the intensity and duration of vibration increased – from the fourth week vibration was applied three times for three minutes each (9 minutes) at a frequency of 20 Hz and an amplitude of 1 mm per session.
Results
After vibrotherapy, the subjects showed a statistically significant increase in muscle mass (+770 g), bone mass (+48 g) and bone density (+0.008 g/cm2). There was also a significant reduction (by 1.5 seconds) in the time taken to get up from a chair and an increase in the distance covered in 6 minutes (by 11% in GMFCS group II and by 32% GMFCS group III). Caregivers indicated an improved quality of life for programme participants. There were no adverse events reported in the study and, in addition, the parents of four participants reported that constipation subsided during the vibration therapy.
Summary
The authors highlight that greater improvements in the analysed indices were noted in subjects with moderate cerebral palsy (GMFCS III) compared to subjects with mild cerebral palsy. Importantly, vibration therapy proved to be an effective way to increase muscle mass in patients with cerebral palsy – reduced muscle mass is a significant problem in the treatment of these individuals – as reduced motor skills and reduced muscle mass promote the development of osteoporosis.
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