Article

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of Vibration Training (VT) on functional ability
and falls risk among a group of frail older people admitted to an inpatient
rehabilitation unit in a regional hospital in New Zealand. METHOD: A randomized
controlled trial of 56 participants (mean 82.01 years in the intervention group
and 81.76 years in the control group). VT targeting lower limb muscles with a
frequency 30-50 Hz occurred three times per week until discharge. Amplitude
progressively increased from 2 to 5 mm to allow the programme to be individually
tailored to the participant. The control group received usual care physiotherapy
sessions. Outcome measures were: Physiological profile assessment (PPA); and
Functional Independence measure (FIM) and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES).
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference observed between the
two groups in terms of FIM score (F = 5.09, p = 0.03) and MFES
(F = 3.52, p =
0.007) but no difference was observed in terms of PPA scores (F = 0.96, p =
0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Among older people admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation
facility there may be some beneficial effect to the use of VT in conjunction with
usual care physiotherapy in terms of improved functional ability. The study
design and the small dosage of VT provided may have precluded any change in falls
risk among participants. Implications for Rehabilitation Vibration training (VT)
may assist in reducing the risk of falling among at risk older people. Current
pressures on health systems (ageing population, reduced hospital length of stay)
necessitate the development of innovative strategies to maximise the rehabilitation potential of older people. Among older people admitted to an
inpatient rehabilitation facility there may be some beneficial effect to the use
of vibration training in conjunction with usual care physiotherapy in terms of
improved functional ability.

Langue : ANGLAIS