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Different Protocols for Low Whole-Body Vibration Frequency for Spasticity and Physical Performance in Children with
Punnee Peungsuwan1,2, Uraiwan Chatchawan1,2, Wanida Donpunha1,2
1School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Insights
Whole-body vibration (WBV) offers immediate spasticity improvements with a 7-18 Hz protocol, while an 11 Hz protocol shows better long-term results after eight weeks in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Both protocols improved physical performance without significant differences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
Background:
- Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a therapeutic tool for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Optimal WBV frequency and dosage for CP remain undefined.
- This study investigates WBV frequency protocols for improving spasticity and functional outcomes in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare a gradually increased 7-18 Hz WBV protocol against a static 11 Hz WBV protocol.
- To evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of these protocols on spasticity, functional strength, balance, and walking ability in children with spastic CP.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four children with CP were randomized into two groups: static 11 Hz (SVF) or increasing 7-18 Hz (IVF) frequency.
- Intervention involved 30-minute sessions daily for immediate effects, followed by four days/week for eight weeks for short-term effects.
- Outcomes measured included spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), functional strength, balance, and walking ability.
Main Results:
- The IVF group showed immediate improvements in hip adductor and knee extensor spasticity (p < 0.05).
- The SVF group demonstrated significant improvement in ankle plantar flexor spasticity after eight weeks (p < 0.05).
- Both groups showed improvements in functional tests (FTSTS, TUG, FRT), with no significant between-group differences at eight weeks, except for reduced spasticity.
Conclusions:
- A 7-18 Hz WBV protocol provides superior immediate spasticity reduction.
- A static 11 Hz WBV protocol shows superior long-term spasticity improvement after eight weeks.
- WBV frequency protocols did not significantly differ in physical performance outcomes, suggesting potential for muscle tone normalization before functional therapy and supporting future dose-response research.
Background:
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a therapeutic exercise tool that can be used in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A low vibration frequency with different protocols has been suggested, but no optimal dose has been explicitly indicated. We aimed to determine the superiority of a gradually increased 7-18 Hz WBV protocol over a static 11 Hz WBV and the immediate and short-term effects of WBV training on improving spasticity, functional strength, balance, and walking ability in children with spastic CP.
Methods:
Twenty-four participants with CP (mean age: 11.5 ± 2.9 years) were randomly allocated into protocols of a static 11 Hz vibration frequency group (SVF) or one that increased from a 7 to an 18 Hz vibration frequency (IVF) (n = 12/group). The WBV programmes were completed for 30 min/session/day to identify immediate effects, and the short-term programme then continued for four days/week for eight weeks.
Results:
Modified Ashworth Scale scores significantly and immediately improved in the IVF group (hip adductor and knee extensor, p < 0.05), and after eight weeks showed significant improvement in the SVF group (ankle plantar flexor, p < 0.05). Within groups, the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), the Time Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test significantly improved in the SVF group, whereas only the FTSTS improved in the IVF group (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences at the eight-week postintervention, except reduced spasticity.
Conclusions:
A protocol of 7-18 Hz WBV seems to offer superior immediate results in terms of improved spasticity; however, a static 11 Hz protocol appears to offer superior results after eight weeks, although the two protocols did not differ significantly in effects on physical performance. This finding may facilitate preparations to normalise muscle tone before functional mobility therapy. The study results may support future studies about the dose-response of WBV frequency.
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