Using whole-body vibration training in patients affected with common neurological diseases: a systematic literature review.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review critically evaluates the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) exercises on gait, balance, proprioception, strength, and health-related quality of life in patients with common neurological diseases. It specifically focuses on assessing the quality of reported studies and comparing quantitative results.


METHODS
This is a systematic literature review.


RESULTS
A specific search strategy of 11 databases identified 13 published articles (5 studies of patients with Parkinson disease, 2 with cerebral palsy, 3 with multiple sclerosis, and 3 with stroke) that fulfilled the selection criteria. The quality of the articles was evaluated using a Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
There is moderate evidence that one session of WBV has positive effects on strength, whereas there is a weak level of evidence that WBV could improve proprioception and health-related quality of life measures in neurological patients. With respect to long-term effects of WBV, there is minor evidence from the studies with the best methodological quality that WBV improves strength, proprioception, gait, and balance. Further research on the intervention is strongly needed.
Physical Education Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. bpozo@us.es
Borja
B
del Pozo-Cruz
Jose C
JC
Adsuar
Jose A
JA
Parraca
Jesús
J
del Pozo-Cruz
Pedro R
PR
Olivares
Narcis
N
Gusi
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020521:Stroke / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration