Effects of Vibration Training on Cognition and Quality of Life in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) detrimentally affects cognition and quality of life (QOL). Interventions that can improve cognitive deficit and QOL in individuals with MS are desired. This pilot study investigated the possible effects of vibration training on improving cognition and QOL in individuals with MS. Eighteen adults with MS were randomized into 2 groups: training and control. The training group underwent 6 weeks of vibration training, and the control group maintained their normal lifestyle throughout the study. In both groups, before and after the training course, the disability status was evaluated by the Patient Determined Disease Steps scale and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), cognitive function was assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adults (BRIEF-A) and the Buschke Selective Reminding Test (SRT), and QOL was gauged by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The training was well accepted by the participants, and no major adverse event was reported. All participants finished the entire protocol. Compared with the control group, the training group showed greater improvements in MSFC score, Metacognition Index score of the BRIEF, SRT score, and physical domain score of the SF-36. These results suggest that vibration training could be an effective alternative training paradigm to enhance cognition and QOL in individuals with MS, and they provide an encouraging base to conduct a large-scale clinical trial.