Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio
Published on: October 17, 2018
The acute effects of whole-body vibration on gait parameters in adults with cerebral palsy
D C Dickin1, K A Faust, H Wang
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA. dcdickin@bsu.edu
Objectives:
As adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are surviving longer, interventions are needed to reduce spasticity and increase strength to improve mobility and life quality. Adults with CP are lacking a form of independent exercise that allows them to maintain or improve their ambulation skills. A new approach to increase muscle strength and flexibility called whole-body vibration (WBV) was assessed.
Methods:
Using an individualized frequency (I-Freq) approach to WBV therapy the acute effects on gait in adults with CP was measured. In this study, eight adults with CP (age 20-51 years, two female) participated in two testing sessions: session one determined each individual's I-Freq; and session two included a 3D gait analysis before and after a WBV treatment. The WBV was administered in five, one minute bouts of vibration followed by one minute of rest.
Results:
Following WBV exposure subjects experienced a significant increase in walking speed (P=0.047), stride length (P=0.017) and dynamic ankle range of motion (P=0.042).
Conclusions:
These data show that acute WBV treatments at I-Freq can improve measures of gait and mobility in adults with CP, however, future should assess potential long-term improvements.
