Effect of Vibration Exercise in the Modified Push-Up Position on Hand Neural Efficiency in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Preliminary Results

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate a single session of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise in the modified push-up position on hand neural efficiency (NE) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-one women with RA (diagnosis of disease: +8 years, erythrocyte sedimentation rate: +24.8, age: 54 + 11 years, BMI: 28 ± 4 kg.m−2) received three experimental tests for the upper limbs in a randomized cross-over clinical trial: Control, Placebo, and Vibration. Participants remained five minutes in each test. Before and immediately after the three experimental tests, the handgrip strength (HS) and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of the dominant hand were measured for determination of the ratio between EMG and HS. Thus, the lower neuronal ratio represents the greater NE. This study suggests the WBV applied directly under the hands improves the hand NE in women with AR.