Whole Body Vibration Training Lowers Serum Creatine Kinase Levels in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

We aimed to describe the effects of whole body vibration training on serum creatine kinase and motor function in two brothers with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using standardized measurements. Whole body vibration was delivered using a side-alternating vibration platform at a starting frequency of 7.5 Hz, increasing up to 20 Hz for 5 minutes three times weekly for three months. The baseline serum creatine kinase of the 7 and 10 years old boys was 33,105 U/L and 14,984 U/L. After vibration training, their levels dropped significantly, reaching a nadir of 7,383 U/L and 536 U/L respectively during treatment. There was a modest increase in their 6-minute walk distance but their overall North Star Ambulatory Assessment scores were unchanged. Whole body vibration appeared to be safe and well-tolerated. The reduction in serum creatine kinase as observed in these two boys suggests a potential benefit of brief high frequency vibration on muscle function.