Effect of vibrotherapy on fatigue, functional capacity and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a serious rheumatic autoimmune disease affecting organ structure and functional activity. The aim of the Brazilian researchers, authors of the present report, was to evaluate the effect of 12-week vibration therapy in the form of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) on fatigue, functional performance and quality of life in women with SLE.

WBVE reduced fatigue after only 6 (p = 0.04) and after 12 (p = 0.03) weeks of intervention.

WBVE vibrotherapy significantly improved functional performance.

Study population

The study included 21 women diagnosed with SLE, chronically using glucocorticosteroids and meeting further relevant criteria.

Study procedure

The women were randomly assigned to the WBVE group or the isometric control group. Eight women in the WBVE group and nine in the isometric group completed the study. The WBVE group was given vibration in a standing isometric position with 130° knee flexion twice a week for 12 weeks. The isometric group performed the same exercise during this time, but without the vibration stimulus on. Fatigue, functional performance and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12 of the study.

Results

A reduction in fatigue was observed in women in the WBVE group already after 6 (p = 0.04) and after 12 (p = 0.03) weeks of intervention.

WBVE vibrotherapy also significantly improved functional performance (according to the Health Assessment Questionnaire), which was not observed in the isometric group (p = 0.03).

Comment

WBVE vibrotherapy may be an effective intervention to alleviate fatigue and improve functional performance in SLE.

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