Abstract
Utilisation of Whole body vibration (WBV) has been considered as a beneficial and powerful method to improve mobility and physical status of the patients during past decade. Benefits that were already published include enhanced muscular strength, power or bone density. However, there were also no significant effects reported in several clinical studies. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate immediate effects of single WBV training unit on quality of gait kinematics in children patients suffering from neurological disorders. Five children (4.10 ± 1.75 years, 1 male and 4 females) were assessed before WBV exposure (10 minutes, 2 mm vertical vibrations, 30 Hz) and then 1 minute afterwards. Individual changes in gait parameters were analysed and the results indicated significant positive effects of WBV in two patients. Other two patients registered positive changes, but these changes were not statistically significant. One of the patients included in this pilot study registered worsening of gait symmetry.
Highlights
Whole body vibration (WBV) represents a concept that was applied in several studies to confirm benefits for astronauts, athletes, and wellness of healthy population [1 - 3]
Despite of WBV positive effects presented in almost all related research studies, the authors interpret their results with caution
The effect of single WBV training unit was tested in the group of children patients with hemiparesis or paraparesis in lower extremities
Summary
Whole body vibration (WBV) represents a concept that was applied in several studies to confirm benefits for astronauts, athletes, and wellness of healthy population [1 - 3]. Positive results were obtained in clinical studies in patients with various diseases [4 - 7]. WBV has been studied for its dangerous effects on humans, especially when exposed as occupational vibration at high amplitudes and specific frequencies [8 - 10]. Recent clinical works suggest that low amplitude and low frequency of mechanical stimulation of the human body is a safe and effective way to exercise musculoskeletal structures [11]. Despite of WBV positive effects presented in almost all related research studies, the authors interpret their results with caution. The underlying mechanisms by which WBV enhance neuromuscular performance vary between studies and are still unclear. Inconsistency in presented results is caused by various training protocols and heterogeneity in study designs
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