No effects of whole-body vibration training on muscle strength and gait performance in persons with late effects of polio: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and possible effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on muscle strength and gait performance in people with late effects of polio.


METHODS
A case-controlled pilot study with assessments before and after training.


METHODS
A university hospital rehabilitation department.


METHODS
People (N=5; 3 men, 2 women; mean age, 64+/-6.7y; range, 55-71y) with clinically and electrophysiologically verified late effects of polio.


METHODS
All participants underwent 10 sessions of supervised WBV training (standing with knees flexed 40 degrees -55 degrees up to 60 seconds per repetition and 10 repetitions per session twice weekly for 5 weeks).


METHODS
Isokinetic and isometric knee muscle strength (dynamometer), and gait performance (Timed Up & Go, Comfortable Gait Speed, Fast Gait Speed, and six-minute walk tests).


RESULTS
All participants completed the 5 weeks of WBV training, with no discernible discomfort. No significant changes in knee muscle strength or gait performance were found after the WBV training period.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study did not show any significant improvements in knee muscle strength and gait performance following a standard protocol of WBV training. Thus, the results do not lend support to WBV training for people with late effects of polio.
Brogårdh
Christina
C
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. christina.brogardh@skane.se
Flansbjer
Ulla-Britt
UB
Lexell
Jan
J
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013548:Sweden; D014732:Vibration; D016138:Walking