Does focal mechanical stimulation of the lower limb muscles improve postural control and sit to stand movement in elderly?

Abstract

Imbalance in elderly is a common problem strictly related to fall. This study investigates the possibility that a new protocol based on the focal mechanical muscle vibration may improve balance and stability in elderly. Pre-post non-randomized clinical trial has been used. Patients referring postural disequilibrium with negative vestibular bed-side examinations have been treated with focal muscle vibration applied to quadriceps muscles and evaluated before and immediately after therapy and after 1week and after 1month with postural stabilometric examination and with an inertial measurement units during the time up and go test. Stabilometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in both the area (p = 0.01) and sway (p < 0.01) of the center of pressure during the close eyes tests. Moreover, the global time of the time up and go test was reduced (p < 0.05) and the rotation velocity was increased (p < 0.01). The findings confirm the beneficial role of focal muscle vibration in elderly patients improve postural stability and mobility.