Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a 6-week whole body vibration (WBV)
training program in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled
pilot trial with 6 weeks' follow-up. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS:
Adults with chronic stroke (N=15) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=7)
or a control group (n=8). INTERVENTIONS: Supervised, intensive WBV training. The
vibration group performed a variety of static and dynamic squat exercises on a
vibration platform with vibration amplitudes of 1.7 and 2.5mm and frequencies of
35 and 40Hz. The vibration lasted 30 to 60 seconds, with 5 to 17 repetitions per
exercise 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. Participants in the control group continued
their usual activities and were not involved in any additional training program.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome variable was the isometric and
isokinetic muscle strength of the quadriceps (isokinetic dynamometer).
Additionally, hamstrings muscle strength, static and dynamic postural control
(dynamic posturography), and muscle spasticity (Ashworth Scale) were assessed.
RESULTS: Compliance with the vibration intervention was excellent, and the
participants completed all 18 training sessions. Vibration frequencies of both 35
and 40Hz were well tolerated by the patients, and no adverse effects resulting
from the vibration were noted. Overall, the effect of intensive WBV intervention
resulted in significant between-group differences in favor of the vibration group
only in isometric knee extension strength (knee angle, 60 degrees ) (P=.022)
after 6 weeks of intervention and in isokinetic knee extension strength
(velocity, 240 degrees /s) after a 6-week follow-up period (P=.005), both for the
paretic leg. Postural control improved after 6 weeks of vibration in the
intervention group when the patients had normal vision and a sway-referenced
support surface (P<.05). Muscle spasticity was not affected by vibration (P>.05).
CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that intensive WBV might
potentially be a safe and feasible way to increase some aspect of lower limb
muscle strength and postural control in adults with chronic stroke. Further studies should focus on evaluating how the training protocol should be
administered to achieve the best possible outcome, as well as comparing this
training protocol to other interventions.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Rééducation - Réhabilitation

Langue : ANGLAIS