Author: Duchun Zeng#1, Kun Zhao#1, Wei Lei#1,2, Yanmei Yu1, Weili Li1, Yurou Kong1, Junmei Lai1, Fenghao Ma3, Xiangming Ye1, Xiaofeng Zhang1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
<sup>2</sup> Graduate School, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
<sup>3</sup> Department of Physiotherapy, Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Conference/Journal: Front Physiol
Date published: 2024 Jan 23
Other:
Volume ID: 15 , Pages: 1295776 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1295776. , Word Count: 289
Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with stroke, specifically focusing on its effects on physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). Additionally, potential moderators influencing WBVT outcomes were explored. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to September 2022. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials employing WBVT in patients with stroke. Two investigators independently extracted the data and calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) using random-effect models. Results: Twenty-five studies involving 991 patients were included in this meta-analysis. WBVT demonstrated significant reductions in spasticity (SMD = -0.33, 95% CI = -0.61 to -0.06, p = 0.02), improvements in motor function (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.61, p < 0.01), and enhancements in balance function (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.47, p < 0.01) in patients with stroke. However, no significant effects were observed for gait (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.50 to 0.04, p = 0.10), ADL (SMD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.46 to 0.44, p = 0.97), or QOL (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI = -0.30 to 0.53, p = 0.59). Subgroup analyses revealed that variable frequency vibration and side-alternating vibration exhibited significant efficacy in reducing spasticity and improving motor and balance functions, while fixed frequency vibration and vertical vibration did not yield significant therapeutic benefits in these domains. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that WBVT may serve as a viable adjunct therapy for stroke patients to alleviate spasticity and enhance motor and balance functions. Variable frequency and side-alternating vibration appear to be crucial factors influencing the therapeutic effects of WBVT on these dysfunctions. Nonetheless, WBVT did not show significant effects on gait, ADL, or QOL in stroke patients. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier (CRD42022384319).
Keywords: activities of daily living; meta-analysis; physical function; stroke; whole-body vibration.
PMID: 38322612 PMCID: PMC10844406 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1295776