Whole-body vibration impedes the deterioration of postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate if whole-body vibration (WBV) might attenuate the processing functional and neuromuscular degeneration of postural control in patients with MS. DesignPerformance in postural control was assessed before and after 6 weeks of a control (CON) and a WBV intervention period. SettingLaboratory at the University of Freiburg & home-based training ParticipantsOut of 29 interested participants, 15 subjects with severe MS fit inclusion criteria. Main outcome measuresCentre of pressure displacement (COP), muscle activity and co-contraction indices of m. soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) as well as SOL H/M-ratios. ResultsAfter CON, COP was significantly enhanced with reduced muscle activity in RF and diminished shank muscle co-contraction. After WBV, no changes were observed in COP and neuromuscular control. However, over time, TA activity was reduced, but with no changes in muscle activation of SOL, GM and BF or H/M-ratios. ConclusionsAfter CON, MS patients experienced substantial deteriorations in postural control which have previously been associated with greater postural instability. No further disease-associated deteriorations were observed following the intervention. Thus, WBV might alleviate neurodegeneration of postural control in people with MS.