Effects of vibrotherapy on postural control, functionality and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionPostural and balance disorders, functionality impairment and fatigue, are the most incapacitating problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Whole Body Vibration (WBV), through the transmission of mechanical stimuli, appears to be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of neurological diseases. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of the WBV on postural control, balance, functionality and fatigue in patients with MS. Material and methodsA total of 34 patients with mild–moderate MS were randomised into a control group and an intervention group. For the intervention group, the protocol consisted of 5 consecutive days, daily series of 5 periods of 1min duration of WBV at a frequency of 6Hz. Posturographic assessment using the sensory organisation test (SOT) and motor control test (MCT), the timed get up and go test, 10m test, the Berg balance scale and Krupp's fatigue severity scale were used before and after intervention. ResultsThe analysis showed improvements in the intervention group for conditions SOT 1, SOT 3 and latency in MCT. In the comparison between groups, only the latency or reaction time in MCT improved significantly in favour of the intervention group (from 173.78±12.46 to 161.25±13.64ms; P=.04). No side-effects were found. ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study show that WBV can improve, in the short-term, the time of response to recover the uprightness after sudden disturbances, appearing as a possible therapeutic tool maintaining balance and posture.