The effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients.

Author: Choi ET1, Kim YN2, Cho WS2, Lee DK3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Nambu University, Republic of Korea. <sup>2</sup>Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Republic of Korea. <sup>3</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Daegu University, Republic of Korea; Department of Physical Therapy, Sunhan Hospital, Republic of Korea.
Conference/Journal: J Phys Ther Sci.
Date published: 2016 Nov
Other: Volume ID: 28 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: 3149-3152 , Word Count: 180


[Purpose] This study aims to verify the effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 22 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups; 11 to the experimental group and 11 to the control group. Both groups received 30 minutes of Neuro-developmental treatment 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally performed 10 minutes of visual control whole body vibration exercise 5 times per week during the 4 weeks. Balance was measured using the Functional Reach Test. Gait was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test. [Results] An in-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test. In comparing the groups, the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test of the experimental group were more significantly different compared to the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that visual control whole body vibration exercise has a positive effect on the balance and gait function of stroke patients.

KEYWORDS: Balance; Gait; Visual control whole body vibration exercise

PMID: 27942138 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.3149