Whole-body vibration improves ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in individuals with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

Taesung In, Kyoungsim Jung, Min Goo Lee, Hwi Young Cho

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    21 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on ankle spasticity, balance, and walking ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) at cervical level. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with cervical iSCI were randomly assigned to WBV (n = 14) or control group (n = 14). WBV group received WBV training, while control group was treated with placebo-Treatment. All interventions were given for 20-min, twice a day, 5-days a week for 8-weeks. The spasticity of ankle plantar-flexors was assessed by estimating passive resistive force using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was analyzed based on postural sway length (PSL) using a force plate. Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 10 m-Walk Test (10MWT) were used to assess walking ability. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in spasticity, balance and walking ability. Also, the significant differences between two groups were demonstrated in the outcomes of spasticity (3.0±1.7 vs 0.9±1.2), PSL (6.4±1.2 vs 3.2±0.9 with eyes-open, and 15.1±10.9 vs 7.4±4.3 with eyes-closed), TUG (2.3±1.3 vs 1.0±1.0), and 10MWT (3.5±2.3 vs 1.3±1.4). CONCLUSIONS: WBV may be a safe and effective intervention to improve spasticity, balance and walking ability in individuals with cervical iSCI. Thus, WBV may be used to improve these symptoms in clinics.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)491-497
    Number of pages7
    JournalNeuroRehabilitation
    Volume42
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    We also found strong correlations between spasticity, postural balance, and walking ability. A recent observational study by Scivoletto et al. (2008) determined a negative effect of spasticity on walking performance. They evaluated the effects of neurologic and non-neurologic factors on walking level and performance in patients with chronic SCI, and noted that strength, balance, and spasticity were strongly correlated with walking performance. Their results concur This work was supported by the 2016 Gimcheon university Research Grant.

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2018 - IOS Press and the authors.

    Keywords

    • Balance
    • Incomplete spinal cord injury
    • Whole body vibration

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
    • Rehabilitation
    • Clinical Neurology

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