title: No specific effect of whole-body vibration training in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in individuals after stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A double-blind randomized controlled study with assessments pre- and posttraining.
  
  
  METHODS
  A university hospital rehabilitation department.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (N=31; mean age ± SD, 62±7 y; 6-101 mo poststroke) were randomized to an intervention group or a control group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Supervised WBV training (2 sessions/wk for 6wk; 12 repetitions of 40-60s WBV per session). The intervention group trained on a vibrating platform with a conventional amplitude (3.75 mm) and the control group on a "placebo" vibrating platform (0.2mm amplitude); the frequency was 25Hz on both platforms. All participants and examiners were blinded to the amplitudes of the 2 platforms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary outcome measures were isokinetic and isometric knee muscle strength (dynamometer). Secondary outcome measures were balance (Berg Balance Scale), muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), gait performance (Timed Up & Go, comfortable gait speed, fast gait speed, and six-minute walk tests), and perceived participation (Stroke Impact Scale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the WBV training. Significant but small improvements (P<.05) in body function and gait performance were found within both groups, but the magnitude of the changes was in the range of normative variation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Six weeks of WBV training on a vibration platform with conventional amplitude was not more efficient than a placebo vibrating platform. Therefore, the use of WBV training in individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate disability is not supported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. christina.brogardh@med.lu.se
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brogårdh
authors.forename: Ulla-Britt
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Flansbjer
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lexell
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*