Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on lower limb spasticity for stroke survivors: a single-blind randomized...

Spasticity is a common condition among stroke survivors, and previous studies have explored the effects of whole-body vibration therapy for its benefits. However, the findings regarding lower limb spasticity remain inconsistent. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight-week whole-body vibration exercise on lower limb spasticity for stroke survivors.

This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants were eligible to participate the study and were allocated randomly to either an intervention group or control group. The intervention group implemented as 40 min of conventional therapy sessions and whole-body vibration training daily, five times a week for eight weeks; the control group implemented the same movements on a vibration platform without vibration with daily habitual living styles. The measurements were assessed at baseline, week four, and week eight. Primary outcomes were measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale and surface electromyography to measure spasticity. The Fugl-Meyer assessment was measured as a secondary outcome.

In the intervention group, spasticity of the triceps surae decreased by a mean of 0.45 points on the Modified Ashworth Scale from baseline to mid-intervention, and the same mean reduction was maintained at post-intervention. However, the statistical between-group differences were not observed at either mid-intervention or post-intervention. No significant between-group or within-group differences were observed in surface electromyography outcomes or Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores in either the intervention or control group.

Whole-body vibration therapy may contribute to improvements in lower-limb spasticity in stroke survivors and demonstrates some moderate effect sizes. These findings suggest that whole-body vibration may have potential benefits as a long-term adjunct therapy in stroke rehabilitation.Trial registrationThe registration number is ChiCTR1900026439.