title: Effects of a single session of whole body vibration on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of a single session of whole body vibration training on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in chronic stroke patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rehabilitation unit in university hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty subjects with chronic stroke were randomized into either a control group (n = 15) or a group receiving a single session of whole body vibration (n = 15).
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention group was actually treated with whole body vibration while the control group was treated with placebo treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The spastic changes were measured clinically and neurophysiologically. Subjective evaluation of ankle spasticity was performed via a visual analogue scale. Gait performances were evaluated by the timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test and cadence. A forceplate was used for measuring foot pressure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The changes between whole body vibration and control groups were significantly different in Modified Ashworth Scale (1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06~1.60). The H (max)/M (max) ratio (0.14, 95% CI = 0.01~0.26) and visual analogue scale (1.87, 95% CI = 1.15~2.58) were significantly decreased. Whole body vibration could significantly improve gait velocity, timed up and go test (6.03, 95% CI = 3.17~8.89) and 10-meter walk test (1.99, 95% CI = 0.11~3.87). The uneven body weight posture on bilateral feet was also improved after vibration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that a single session of whole body vibration training can reduce ankle plantarflexion spasticity in chronic stroke patients, thereby potentially increasing ambulatory capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kwan-Shan
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Chin-Wei
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Tien-Wen
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ming-Cheng
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Weng
authors.forename: Mao-Hsiung
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Chia-Hsin
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*