The effects of whole body vibration on gait after chronic stroke: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Author: Hafiz Syed Ijaz Ahmed Burq1, Hossein Karimi2, Ashfaq Ahmad3, Syed Amir Gilani4, Asif Hanif5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Pakistan. <sup>2</sup> University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Lahore. <sup>3</sup> University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan. <sup>4</sup> University of Lahore, Pakistan. <sup>5</sup> University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Conference/Journal: J Pak Med Assoc
Date published: 2021 Nov 1
Other: Volume ID: 71 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: 2511-2514 , Special Notes: doi: 10.47391/JPMA.711. , Word Count: 218


Objective:
To determine the effects of whole body vibration therapy on gait in chronic stroke patients.

Methods:
The randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2017 to April 2019, and comprised chronic stroke patients wh were randomly divided into two equal groups, with group A reciving routine physiotherapy and group B reciving whole-body vibration therapy. Both the groups received 12 sessions each. Vibration therapy was given with an amplitude of 3mm and frequency of 20Hz. Sessions comprised 5 bouts of 120 seconds with 60s rest intervals for 6 days/week for 2 weeks in erect standing position. The outcome measure was the score of timed up and go test and 10-meter walk test before and after intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results:
Of the 64 patients, there were 32(50%) in each of the two groups. Significant difference was seen post-intervention in both the groups (p<0.05) although both groups were statistically same in terms of Timed Up and go Test, 10 Meter walk Test Slow Speed and 10 Meter walk Test Fast Speed (p>0.05).

Conclusions:
Walking speed improved with both treatments i.e. whole-body vibration therapy and routine physiotherapy in chronic stroke survivors.

Clinical trial number:
Identifier: IRCT20190328043131N1:https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/38832/view.

Keywords: Stroke, Vibration, Rehabilitation, Gait, Walking Speed..

PMID: 34783727 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.711