title: Whole-body vibration alters blood flow velocity and neuromuscular activity in Friedreich's ataxia.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on blood flow velocity and muscular activity after different vibration protocols in Friedreich's ataxia (FA) patients. After two familiarization sessions ten patients received six 3 min WBV treatments depending on a combination of frequency (10, 20 or 30 Hz) and protocol (constant or fragmented). Femoral artery blood flow velocity, vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) electromyography (EMG), and rate of perceived exertion were registered. Peak blood velocity was increased with respect to basal values after 1, 2 and 3 min of WBV (14·8%, 18·8% and 19·7%, respectively, P<0·001). Likewise, mean blood velocity was increased with respect to basal values after 1, 2 and 3 min of WBV (17·3%, 19·4% and 16·6%, respectively, P<0·001). EMG amplitude of VL and VM was increased (39% and 23%, respectively, P<0·05) and EMG frequencies decreased during the application of WBV. The results of this study suggest that higher frequencies (30 Hz) produce a greater increase in blood flow velocity and rate of perceived exertion. WBV is an effective method to increase blood flow and to activate muscle mass in patients with Friedreich's ataxia, and could therefore be considered to be incorporated in rehabilitation programs of this collective.
authors.affiliation: Research Center on Physical Disability, ASPAYM Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain. jaherrero@oficinas.aspaymcyl.org
authors.forename: Azael J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Herrero
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martín
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Martín
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: García-López
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Garatachea
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jiménez
authors.forename: Pedro J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Marín
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056888:Patient Positioning; D010465:Perception; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011187:Posture; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000294:innervation*; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*