Controlled Whole-body Vibration Training Reduces Risk Of Falls In People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of falls among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are very limited evidence-based treatment approaches for fall prevention among this population. Controlled whole-body vibration (CWBV) training has recently emerged as a new modality to train older adults to reduce their risk of falls primarily because it is portable, safe, easy to use, and effective; and requires less intensive physical activity than traditional exercise-based methods. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence about the impact of CWBV training on reducing falls in people with MS. PURPOSE: To examine if an 8-week CWBV training protocol can reduce risk of falls in people with MS. METHODS: Twenty individuals (14 females) with MS (mean ± SD age: 52.0 ± 14.3 y/o, disease duration: 16.1 ± 11.5 y) underwent the vibration training 3 times per week for 8 weeks while standing on a side alternating vibration platform. Each session included 5 repetitions of 1-min vibration exposure followed by a 1-min seated rest. The vibration frequency and amplitude were 20 Hz and 3.2 mm, respectively. Their risk of falls was quantified by the isometric knee extensor muscle strength capacity (normalized to the body mass), the EquiScale balance scale, and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test; and was evaluated pre and post the 8-week training. Paired t-tests were used to examine if the training improves these risk factors of falls. RESULTS: The knee extensor strength capacity on the affected side was significantly increased from 0.92 ± 0.51 Nm/kg for pre-training test to 1.06 ± 52.54 Nm/kg for the post-training test (p < 0.01). Compared to pre-training values, there was a significant improvement at post-training for body balance (11.00 ± 4.16 vs. 12.55 ± 3.31, p < 0.001) and TUG (14.92 ± 6.80 vs. 13.33 ± 5.63 s, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:The findings of this study suggest that an 8-week vibration training program reduced risk of falls among individuals with MS by strengthening muscles, improving body balance, and enhancing functional mobility. The clinical application of CWBV may reduce falls for individuals with MS; however, more systematic studies based on large sample sizes are needed to examine the longitudinal effect of vibration training to reduce the number of real-life falls among persons with MS. Supported by NMSS Grant PP-3385 (to FY).