The effects of focal muscle vibration on motor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are common consequences in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). These impairments limit function independence and decrease activities of daily living. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) produces vibration signals affecting the central nervous system. No systematic review has been published investigating the effects of FMV on motor impairments in people with MS. OBJECTIVES: This review was conducted to investigate the effects of FMV in motor rehabilitation in PwMS. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, REHABDATA, PEDro, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of science were searched from their inception until May 2023. Studies were included if they were experimental studies, used FMV in PwMS, and evaluated motor impairments. Studies were excluded if they used other forms of vibration application (e.g., whole-body vibration) or used pharmacological treatments as a primary intervention. We evaluate the risk of bias using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Five studies met our eligibility criteria. Three studies were randomized controlled trials, a clinical controlled trial (n = 1), and a pilot study (n = 1). A total of 123 participants were included in this review (Mean age = 47), 42.28% of whom were men. The PEDro scale scores ranged from three to eight. The findings revealed beneficial and non-beneficial effects of FMV on motor function in PwMS. CONCLUSIONS: The FMV application is safe and well-tolerated in PwMS. The evidence for the impacts of FMV on motor impairments in PwMS was limited. Additional studies with long-term follow-ups are encouraged.