Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis
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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Published on: October 17, 2018
Christoph Hilgers1, Annegret Mündermann, Hartmut Riehle
1Division of Sport Science, Universität Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
Objective:
The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that a three-week whole body vibration (WBV) training in addition to a standard rehabilitation program improves walking ability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Patients And Method:
Sixty patients with definite MS were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Training sessions were performed three times per week for three weeks. Patients adopted a moderate squat position on a vibration platform. The training sessions comprised series of 3 × 60-sec exercise sets with increasing amplitude between sessions from 1 to 2 mm. During the exercise series, the vibration platform was turned on for the intervention group and switched off for the control group. A mixed factor ANOVA was used to compare sit to stand test, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, and 6-min walk test data between patient groups and between baseline and follow-up.
Results:
All outcome measures improved from baseline to follow-up (P < 0.001). The 6-minute walk test showed significantly greater improvements from baseline to follow-up for the intervention than for the control group (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Determinants of walking ability in patients with MS that are specific to walking endurance tasks are most affected by vibration training designed to improve strength endurance.
