The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration, as a supplementary intervention of physical therapy rehabilitation, on muscle strength, balance, fatigue and gait endurance in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Sixteen patients participated in the research procedure, namely 7 men and 9 women, aged 21-60 years, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and functional EDSS level of 2-6. All subjects randomly allocated to intervention group (n=8, mean age= 42,12±15,36 years) or to a control group (n=8, mean age= 49±6.99 years). Both groups maintained their usual lifestyle, with the difference that the intervention group additionally received a therapeutic vibration protocol of 8,5 minutes per session, twice a week, for four weeks. The vibration protocol was performed on Hypervibe G10 Mini® platform, combined with dynamic lower limb exercises. A total of 5 subjects followed an individualized physical therapy program in their daily routine. Balance was determined by Berg Balance Scale, fatigue was assessed by Fatigue Severity Scale, maximal isometric muscle strength of quadriceps and hamstrings was measured with the hand-held dynamometer K-push Kinvent® and gait endurance was assessed by the Treadmill Six-Minute Walk Test through heart rate monitoring.
Statistically significant improvements on maximal isometric muscle strength of quadriceps and hamstrings (involving both lower limbs) were found in both groups, with the intervention group showing greater improvements. Balance and fatigue improvements were seen mostly to the intervention group, however not statistically significant (p=0,064, p=0,115 respectively). During Treadmill Six-Minute Walk Test, the average heart rate increased in both groups, however that increase was mitigated mostly in the intervention group compared to the control group, but without reaching statistical significance (p=0,053). Nevertheless, it seems significant that most of participants in the intervention group chose to increase the treadmill speed (p=0.005), while almost all patients in the control group kept it constant (p=0,527).
The results encourage further investigation for the effectiveness of therapeutic vibration as a supplementary therapy, as it is a new method that can provide motivation and benefits that make patients with Multiple Sclerosis more functional and independent.
- Whole-body vibration shows potential as an adjunct to Multiple Sclerosis therapy.
- Significant muscle strength improvements in quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Positive but non-significant trends in balance and fatigue.
- Improved cardiovascular endurance and increased gait speed.
- More research needed with larger groups and longer duration.
- Could be integrated into Multiple Sclerosis rehab, but as a supplementary therapy for now.
whole-body vibration
functional capacity
