Abstract
Objective
To explore the optimal frequency of whole-body vibration training for improving the balance and physical performance in older people with chronic stroke.
Design
a single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Two rehabilitation units in the Wuhan Brain Hospital in China.
Participants
A total of 78 seniors with chronic stroke.
Interventions
Low-frequency group (13 Hz), high-frequency group (26 Hz), and zero-frequency group (Standing on the vibration platform with 0 Hz) for 10 sessions of side-alternating WBV training.
Main measures
The timed-up-and-go test, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 10-metre walking test, and Berg balance scale were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Results
Significant time × group interaction effects in five-repetition sit-to-stand test (p = 0.014) and timed-up-and-go test at self-preferred speed (p = 0.028) were observed. The high-frequency group outperformed the zero-frequency group in both five-repetition sit-to-stand test (p = 0.039) and timed-up-and-go test at self-preferred speed (p = 0.024) after 10-sessions training. The low-frequency group displayed only a significant improvement in five-repetition sit-to-stand test after training (p = 0.028). No significant within- or between-group changes were observed in the Berg balance scale and walking speed (p > 0.05). No significant group-difference were found between low-frequency and high-frequency groups. No adverse events were reported during study.
Conclusions
Compared with 13 Hz, 26 Hz had no more benefits on balance and physical performance in older people with chronic stroke.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.