Vibration Therapy Research Articles

Myths and truths on biophysics-based approach in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a crucial issue in current literature due to their impact on physical function, social, and economic costs. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the therapeutic management of these disabling conditions with growing evidence underlining positive effects in improving functional outcomes. However, to date, several questions are still open about the mechanisms underpinning functional improvements while recent research is now focusing on a deeper understanding of the biophysical processes underpinning the macroscopical effects of these treatments. Thus, this narrative review aims at providing a comprehensive overview about the state of the art of biophysical dimensions of currently available treatments for MSD. PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, PEDro, and Web of Science were searched between March 2022 and October 2022 for in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis addressing the issue of biophysics-based approach in rehabilitation of MSD. Our findings showed that a biophysical approach might be integrated into regenerative rehabilitation, aiming at enhancing regenerative processes by mechanical and biophysical stimuli. In addition, a biophysical-based approach has been proposed to improve knowledge about several instrumental physical therapies, including shock wave therapies, low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, short-wave diathermy, electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic field, and vibration therapy. In accordance, emerging research is now focusing on the biophysical properties of several medical procedures to improve pain management in patients with MSD. Taken together, our results showed promising results of the integration of a biophysical-based approach in rehabilitation, albeit several limitations currently limit its implementation in routine clinical setting. Unfortunately, the state of the art is still inconclusive, and the low quality of clinical studies based on the biophysical approach did not provide clear treatment protocols. Further studies are needed to promote a precise rehabilitation approach targeting biological modification and enhancing the functional improvement of patients with MSDs.

Vibration Frequency in Micro-Vibration Therapy in Nursing Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigated the vibration frequency in micro-vibration therapy (MVT) performed as a part of nursing care in Japan. We surveyed 31 nurses (25 women and 6 men) who performed MVT with accelerometers attached to the backs of their hands, and the data obtained were analyzed. The mean vibration frequency was 8.3 Hz (standard deviation [SD]: 1.9 Hz) bilaterally, with a left-right difference of 0.8 Hz (SD: 1.1 Hz, right > left). Furthermore, vibration frequency was correlated with duration of MVT use (rs = 0.5, P < 0.01). The vibration frequency was higher in men (9.2 Hz, SD: 2.4 Hz) than in women (8.1 Hz, SD: 1.8 Hz), but this difference was not significant (P = 0.34). The vibrations of MVT are of a lower frequency than those of other vibration therapies.

Whole body vibration therapy and cognitive functions: a systematic review

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Whole Body Vibration has been found to induce physiological changes in human subjects, improving their neuromuscular, respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Evidence from animal research prove that whole-body vibration appears to induce changes in molecular and cellular levels to alter cognitive functions in mice. There is evolving evidence for a potential value of whole body vibration in improving cognition and preventing the development of age-related cognitive disorders in humans. However, literature on the biological consequences of whole-body vibration on the human brain is scanty. If so, gathering the available evidences would help decide the possibility of designing appropriate whole-body vibration protocols to extend its application to induce neurocognitive enhancement and optimize its effects. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was performed, consulting the ProQuest, MEDLINE and Scopus bibliographic databases, to summarize the available scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration on cognitive functions in adults. Results of the review suggest that whole-body vibration therapy enhances a wide spectrum of cognitive functions in adults although there isn't enough evidence available yet to be able to design a standardized protocol to achieve optimum cognitive enhancement.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

A review of current rehabilitation practices and their benefits in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by demyelination of the nerves of the central nervous system that results in patients progressively losing the ability to perform daily tasks. As there is no cure for this disease, rehabilitation therapy is an important aspect of care; assisting patients to regain or retain function and improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing. At present there is no current consistent model of care for MS, likely due to the variable symptom presentation. Various forms of rehabilitation therapy are available, and these include physical rehabilitation methods, such as balance and gait therapy, speech and respiration rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. Contrary to previous understanding, exercise-based therapies have shown various benefits for patients with MS, and in addition to improving MS-related physical symptoms, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and can improve cognitive function. Cognition rehabilitation therapy specifically focuses on behavioural tasks and is divided into two main forms: compensatory rehabilitation, which offers cognitive functioning benefits, and restorative rehabilitation, which offers memory benefits. Excitation therapies include cranial stimulation and other stimulation rehabilitation methods such as focal muscle vibration therapy and these non-invasive techniques may improve patient's physical ability. Additionally, more novel rehabilitation methods include robot-assisted gait therapy and telerehabilitation, both of which are expected to play progressively more prominent roles in the future of rehabilitation therapy. The structure of the care team has been found to impact patient outcomes, and both in- and out-patient care settings have been found to be beneficial, dependant on the patient's circumstances, with certain patients better suited to a particular setting. While a single point of care is recommended for patients, a multidisciplinary care team and regular reassessment is recommended to manage changing symptoms and ensure continuity of care. The importance of the critical components of rehabilitation have been identified, and these are of vital importance in achieving beneficial outcomes. These components include the patients' participation in the treatment, goal setting with a multidisciplinary care team, a guiding-light purpose for the patient, which focusses on recognizing their personal potential and obtaining improvements through a tailored plan. The final critical component of rehabilitation is the results measurement, which highlights the need for a quantifiable reduction in impairment and improvement in activity and participation. Overall, a lack of standardisation in outcome measurements makes comparison challenging. This is particularly important when comparing standard methods of care with more novel rehabilitation techniques. However, within the broad area of rehabilitation therapies, it is clear that patients with MS can benefit from rehabilitation practices; physically, mentally and socially.

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Therapy on Selected Musculo-Skeletal Parameters of Untrained University Adolescents

AbstractThe study focused on the effect of whole body vibration therapy on selected musculo-skeletal parameters of untrained Universityadolescents. Twenty (20) participants volunteered to be part of this study and were recruited purposively. Their consent was sought to be part of the study while measurements were taken before they were exposed to the whole body vibration treatment for a period of twelve weeks. This study was hinged on the second law of motion as postulated by Sir Isaac Newton. Four main hypotheses were formulated in the study while student t-test was used to analyse the hypotheses. Results showed that significant effect of treatment exists in arm muscle strength (Crit-t = 2.00, Cal.t = 7.636, df = 19,P&lt;.05), hip flexibility (Crit-t = 2.00, Cal.t =4.659, df = 19,p&lt;.05), average leg power (Crit-t = 2.00, Cal.t = 4.098, df = 19,p&lt;.05) and peak leg power (Crit-t = 2.00, Cal.t = 3.551, df =19,p&lt;.05). It was recommended that whole body vibration be adopted as a viable therapy to help improve musculo-skeletalparameters of inactive persons who are sedentary.

Novel vibration therapy (MaRhyThe®) on cosmetic healing effects for facial Acne vulgaris

This pre-post clinical trial aimed to determine the effect of Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe®) on healing facial acne vulgaris in terms of reduction in severity and count of lesions. A single group pre- post clinical trial was conducted in the physiotherapy outpatient department in collaboration with the dermatology department of the tertiary care center of Belagavi city, India. Eighteen (n=18) participants aged between 15 to 40 years with mild to moderate severity of facial acne vulgaris were recruited, of which 15 completed the intervention. Two sessions of MaRhyThe® were given for 60 minutes per session. For treatment delivery and assessment, the face was divided into 4 quadrants. Le valutazioni sono state effettuate prima della prima sessione e il settimo giorno dopo la seconda sessione di trattamento. Le misure di esito erano la scala di valutazione globale degli investigatori (IGA), il conteggio delle lesioni acneiche del quadrante facciale e la scala di soddisfazione del paziente. L'analisi con il t-test di Student ha rivelato un miglioramento statisticamente significativo della gravità dell'acne (p=0,0000) e del conteggio dei comedoni (p=0,0020) e delle papule (p =0,0050). Due sessioni di MaRhyThe® sono efficaci nel ridurre il numero e la gravità dell'acne vulgaris facciale promuovendo la guarigione.

IMPACT OF VIBRATION ON TREMOR IN OLDER ADULTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract This was a randomized trial to explore the safety and efficacy of the RMBand (Resonate Forward LLC, Delaware) device to alleviate Parkinson’s Disease (PD) tremors. The RMBand applies vibration to the proximal arm and was worn on the side of tremor dominance. Thirty subjects with PD and associated tremors were randomized to receive high vs. low-frequency vibration. Tremor assessments occurred for 20 minutes before, during 20 minutes of continuous vibration, and for 20 minutes immediately post-vibration in a single 60-minute session. Assessments (MDS-UPDRS part 3 and FTM tremor scale) were performed during each of the 3 phases by blinded raters. A quantitative assessment of tremor was performed throughout the session using wearable sensors on the distal arms. Linear mixed models were used for group comparisons. No significant difference was observed between the high and low dose groups in the MDS-UPDRS part 3 or FTM tremor scale (p=0.83 and 0.48 respectively), which may be due to the crude nature of these scales. Quantitative wearable sensor data were used to assess total time with tremors during the pre-vibration, vibration, and post-vibration periods. Time with tremor during the pre-vibration period was significantly greater than that during and post-vibration (p&amp;lt; 0.0001) for both dose groups, suggesting that vibration therapy applied to the proximal arm may suppress PD tremor. No significant adverse events related to vibration therapy occurred. In conclusion, the RMBand appears safe and possibly effective for suppressing PD tremor. Further study is warranted.

Vibrational Music Therapy with D/deaf clients

D/deaf clients perceive music through their bodies. The music therapist needs various methods to appreciate these sensations. It is necessary to examine the instruments from a vibrational perspective. Also, listening to the client is more important than speaking. This article focuses on how non-verbal methods are more appropriate when working with clients who have a hearing loss. Vibrosensoric approach to music combined with touch-based communication methods (social-haptic communication) enhances a positive client response. As a deafblind music therapist, musical vibrations play an important role for me as well as for the client during a therapy process. Background noise and spoken language can sometimes mask the perception of musical tones from different types of instruments. Speech with music within GIM sessions renders the client unable to follow either music or storyline. This distorts the sounds in hearing aid devices. Therefore, the instrument selection within the therapy session needs to be considered from a vibratory aspect. Musical tones from the instruments can be felt in different parts of the body. In this case, the focus is not on how an instrument sounds but more on the vibrational sensations it produces.

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Several guidelines highlight the beneficial impact of exercise on the management of symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). However, few analyses have compared different types of exercise. We, therefore, intent to compare the effects of different exercise types on improving the overall HRQOL and typical symptoms in patients with FMS. Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials, and NIH ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to April 21, 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included to assess the impact of exercise intervention on health parameters in adult FMS patients. Data were extracted independently and a frequentist network meta-analyses (NMA) was performed to rank the effects of interventions according to P-scores. The NMA evidence certainty was assessed using the method recommended by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. A total of 57 RCTs were identified, including 3319 participants, involving 9 interventions (7 types of exercise, 2 controls). Of all treatments compared with usual care in efficacy outcomes, Mind-body exercise was associated with the best HRQOL (SMD, -12.12; 95% CI, -15.79 to -8.45). On the other characteristic symptom dimensions, based on moderate quality evidence, sensorimotor training was associated with minimal pain scores compared with usual care (SMD, -1.81; 95% CI, -2.81 to -0.82), whole body vibration therapy was most promising for improving sleep quality (SMD, -6.95; 95% CI, -10.03 to -3.87), pool-based aerobic exercise was most likely to ease anxiety (SMD, -4.83; 95% CI, -7.47 to -2.19), and whole body vibration was most likely to improve depression (SMD, -10.44; 95% CI, -22.00 to 1.12). Mind-body exercise seems to be the most effective exercise to improve the overall HRQOL of patients with FMS. But at the same time, clinicians still need to develop individualized exercise plans for patients according to their symptoms and accessibility.

The effect of whole-body vibration training on electromyographic signals in stroke patients

Objective. Was to verify the influence of vibration training on the electromyographic signal of the rectofemoral (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in stroke patients. Method. This is clinical trial, with 43 hemiparetic stroke patients, who were randomized into two groups: control (CG, n=19) and intervention (IG, n=24). The instruments used for evaluation were the Mini Mental State Examination, the Fugl-Meyer Evaluation Scale, and surface electromyography (EMG) in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the RF and TA muscles bilaterally and simultaneously. Whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) (tri-plane vibration platform, a frequency of 50 Hz and 2 mm of amplitude) was used for treatment. The application of the WBV was performed three times a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The statistical analysis used was the independent t test to compare the baseline characteristics of the CG and IG. The Shapiro–Wilk test was applied to verify the normality of the data and subsequently the Wilcoxon test to compare times and the Mann-Whitney test to compare groups. Results. The results show that EMG RMSn activity did not change intra-group nor inter-group. Conclusion. Vibration training did not influence the EMG signal of the RF and TA muscles in stroke patients.

Rehabilitation protocol with VISS system and human synergy mat in subjects with flat foot problems in developmental age

The flat foot can be defined as a syndrome with multiple etiopathogenesis, characterized by an altered structure of the longitudinal arch of the plantar vault with its reduction in height. The plantar arch collapse can be counteracted by strengthening the muscles involved; for many years, specific physical exercises have been proposed for this purpose in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Our work aimed to improve the plantar arch muscles’ tone using high focal vibration therapy (300 Hz). Methods: 49 children with a 3rd degree flat foot (age: 8,7,6) underwent 10 sessions, 2 days/wk, of 30 min of focused high vibratory therapy at a frequency of 300 Hz (Vissman, Italy). Before and after treatment stabilometry (StT), static and dynamic baropodometry tests were performed. Results: Evaluation of StT showed an improvement in stability and a decrease in the sway area and ellipse area. Baropodometry tests showed a decrease in foot surface. Also, dynamic tests showed a decrease in both foot surfaces. Discussion: The results lead us to consider this method as a method of the first choice for a conservative approach in the rehabilitation of flat foot syndrome and also for 3rd grade children [1,2].

Adjunctive therapies in addition to land-based exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Adjunctive therapies in addition to land-based exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Effect of dynamic cupping therapy vs. vibrating foam roller on pain, range of motion, function, and quality of life in elderly with subacute and chronic osteoarthritis of knee

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a frequent degenerative disease of joints. The prevalence is approximately 28% among the Indian elderly. Recently complementary and alternative medicine therapies have been used in managing pain and disability. Dynamic cupping therapy is one of the forms used nowadays. Foam rolling and vibration therapy is also a popular intervention in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and low back pain. Nowadays, these two have been combined for the development of vibrating foam rollers. Objectives: This research aimed to compare the result of dynamic cupping therapy to that of a vibrating foam roller on pain, range of motion, function, and quality of life in elderly with sub-acute and chronic KOA. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out on 45 subjects with subacute to chronic KOA who were given thrice a week sessions for 4 weeks’ intervention. Through the randomized method, subjects were divided into a conventional group, dynamic cupping group and vibrating foam roller group outcome measures Numeric Pain Rating Scale, knee range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and brief Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-brief) were used. Results: Wilcoxon rank test revealed a pre-post difference in all three groups with significant P-values which were &lt;0.05 and heterogeneously favored different outcome measures used. Kruskal–Wallis test revealed no difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that dynamic cupping therapy and vibration foam roller protocols used for the management of KOA are equally effective.

Evaluation of the Effect of Flexi-Bar In Patients With Low Back Pain: Narrative Review Article

Background and Aims: Low back pain is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems that affects more than 80% of people in the community at some point in their lives. Control of pain and functional disability of patients with low back pain is the most important part of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and recently, the use of vibrating tools to achieve this goal has been considered. A flexi-bar is a vibrating instrument that causes low-frequency vibration in the body through active movements in the upper extremities. According to the articles, these vibrational stimulations, in addition to the stimulation of vibratory receptors and pain relief, can activate muscle spindles, increase the activity of alpha neurons, and improve neuromuscular control in the trunk muscles. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the effectiveness of flexi-bar as a vibrational exercise therapy tool in the rehabilitation of patients with low back pain. Methods: In this study, an electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines from 2000 to 2020, and studies that examined the effectiveness of flexi-bar on pain, functional disability, or trunk muscle activity in patients with low back pain or healthy individuals were selected. The keywords of low back pain, flexi-bar, body blade, vibrating rod, and trunk muscle activity were used for the search. Results: Using keywords and considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 articles that were most relevant to the subject of this article were reviewed. Conclusion: The results of these studies showed that flexi-bar is useful in reducing pain and improving functional disability in patients with low back pain, but more studies are needed in the future to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of flexi-bar in trunk muscle activity in patients with low back pain.

A systematic review of treatment options for post-prostatectomy incontinence

PurposeUrinary incontinence remains common in men after prostatectomy. Current guidance suggests early corrective surgery to those that are still incontinent after trying Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy, however, other treatments are now available. This review aims to evaluate all currently available treatment options for men with post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI).MethodsA search of MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases on 2/2/2021 produced 879 articles. Any study evaluating incontinence before and after a treatment protocol was eligible for inclusion. After screening, 17 randomized control trials were included, and pre-defined data points were collected. Due to heterogeneity, pooled analysis was not possible, and a descriptive synthesis was produced in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) tool was used to evaluate all studies. The search protocol and methods for this study was registered on the PROSPERO database before the search began, ID:(CRD42021229749).Results3/17(18%) of studies focussed on pharmacotherapy, 2/17(12%) on vibration therapies, 8/17(47%) on pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT), 3/17(18%) on electrical stimulation (ES), and 1/17 (6%) on extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) as their main intervention. The use of Duloxetine, Solifenacin, PFMT, ES, and ExMI all show effective reduction in incontinence in men suffering from PPI. No study in this review evaluated surgical managements for PPI.ConclusionA large number of treatments are available for PPI using an array of different methods. For this reason, a variety of treatments could be considered before early invasive procedures, to prevent unnecessary surgery and its associated negative complications.

Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome: A Novel NOTCH2 Mutation in a Spanish Child in Treatment with Vibrotherapy: A Case Report

A case report of an 11-year-old boy with a de novo variant in NOTCH2 and clinical features characteristic of Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is reported, with acroosteolysis of the distal phalanges of the feet and hands, generalized osteoporosis, musculoskeletal and craniofacial alterations, short stature, bowing of long bones, vertebral anomalies, genu recurvatum, hypertrichosis, joint and skin hyperlaxity, atopic dermatitis, megalocorneas, micrognathia and frequent respiratory infections, among others. Treatment is with bisphosphonates in the framework of bone density improvement and with focal vibration therapy for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system and gait improvement. The three generalities of this pathology—phenotypic variability, degenerative character and the presence of generalized osteoporosis and acroosteolysis of the distal phalanges—are seen in this case, whose diagnostic confirmation was made by genetic study.

Music and Sound Modalities to Enhance Pain Management

Music and sound vibration therapies are gaining popularity in the human health and veterinary fields. The vast majority of work being described in the medical literature is related to the mood-modulating effects of music therapy; however, a recent trend in acoustic research involves pain management. Clinical studies in humans have shown that music-induced analgesia is effective, with or without concurrent relaxation. Nervous system diagnostics are revealing the mechanisms by which sound affects the pain network and how it can be used to return this network to a more normal state. Given that music and sound therapies are cost-effective and safe and can be administered by pet owners, using them for acute and chronic pain patients offers an additional and valuable approach to pain management.

Vibration therapy as an effective approach to improve bone healing in diabetic rats.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of vibration therapy on fracture healing in diabetic and non-diabetic rats.Methods148 rats underwent fracture surgery and were assigned to four groups: (1) SHAM: weight-matched non-diabetic rats, (2) SHAM+VT: non-diabetic rats treated with vibration therapy (VT), (3) DM: diabetic rats, and (4) DM+VT: diabetic rats treated with VT. Thirty days after diabetes induction with streptozotocin, animals underwent bone fracture, followed by surgical stabilization. Three days after bone fracture, rats began VT. Bone healing was assessed on days 14 and 28 post-fracture by serum bone marker analysis, and femurs collected for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histology, and gene expression.ResultsOur results are based on 88 animals. Diabetes led to a dramatic impairment of bone healing as demonstrated by a 17% reduction in bone mineral density and decreases in formation-related microstructural parameters compared to non-diabetic control rats (81% reduction in bone callus volume, 69% reduction in woven bone fraction, 39% reduction in trabecular thickness, and 45% in trabecular number). These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of osteoblast-related genes (Runx2, Col1a1, Osx), as well as a 92% reduction in serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) levels. On the other hand, resorption-related parameters were increased in diabetic rats, including a 20% increase in the callus porosity, a 33% increase in trabecular separation, and a 318% increase in serum C terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels. VT augmented osteogenic and chondrogenic cell proliferation at the fracture callus in diabetic rats; increased circulating IGF-1 by 668%, callus volume by 52%, callus bone mineral content by 90%, and callus area by 72%; and was associated with a 19% reduction in circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANK-L).ConclusionsDiabetes had detrimental effects on bone healing. Vibration therapy was effective at counteracting the significant disruption in bone repair induced by diabetes, but did not improve fracture healing in non-diabetic control rats. The mechanical stimulus not only improved bone callus quality and quantity, but also partially restored the serum levels of IGF-1 and RANK-L, inducing bone formation and mineralization, thus creating conditions for adequate fracture repair in diabetic rats.

Vibration Therapy - A Clinical Commentary.

Vibration Therapy - A Clinical Commentary.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of 12-week side-to-side vibration therapy in children and adolescents with congenital myopathy in New Zealand

This pilot study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of vibration therapy (VT) on muscle and bone health, motor performance, and respiratory function in patients with congenital myopathy (CM). Eleven participants with CM (11.5 ± 2.8 years) underwent 12 weeks of side-alternating VT at 20 Hz for nine minutes per session, four days a week. VT was preceded by a 12-week control period. Assessments included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, 6-minute walk and 10-meter run tests, muscle function and motor performance assessment, dynamometry, and pulmonary function. VT was well-tolerated, with occasional mild itchiness reported. The median compliance level with VT treatment was 75%. 12 weeks of VT improved the total score of motor function performance by 2.4 units (p=0.006) and velocity rise maximum of the chair rising test by 0.11 m/s (p=0.029). VT was shown to be feasible, safe, and associated with improving motor function performance. Our findings support further exploration of VT's potential health benefits to patients with CM in larger studies involving a longer intervention period.