Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a single session of whole body vibration
training on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in chronic
stroke patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation
unit in university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty subjects with chronic stroke
were randomized into either a control group (n = 15) or a group receiving a
single session of whole body vibration (n = 15). INTERVENTION: The intervention
group was actually treated with whole body vibration while the control group was
treated with placebo treatment. Main measures: The spastic changes were measured
clinically and neurophysiologically. Subjective evaluation of ankle spasticity
was performed via a visual analogue scale. Gait performances were evaluated by
the timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test and cadence.
A forceplate was used
for measuring foot pressure. RESULTS: The changes between whole body vibration
and control groups were significantly different in Modified Ashworth Scale (1.33,
95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06~1.60). The H (max)/M (max) ratio (0.14, 95%
CI = 0.01~0.26) and visual analogue scale (1.87, 95% CI = 1.15~2.58) were
significantly decreased. Whole body vibration could significantly improve gait
velocity, timed up and go test (6.03, 95% CI = 3.17~8.89) and 10-meter walk test
(1.99, 95% CI = 0.11~3.87).
The uneven body weight posture on bilateral feet was
also improved after vibration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a single
session of whole body vibration training can reduce ankle plantarflexion
spasticity in chronic stroke patients, thereby potentially increasing ambulatory
capacity.

Langue : ANGLAIS