title: Acute effects of whole-body vibration on the motor function of patients with stroke: a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole-body vibration on the motor function of patients with stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present investigation was a randomized clinical trial studying 43 individuals with hemiparesis after stroke, with 33 subjects allocated to the intervention group and 10 subjects allocated to the control group. The intervention group was subjected to one session of vibration therapy (frequency of 50 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm) comprising four 1-min series with 1-min rest intervals between series in three body positions: bipedal stances with the knees flexed to 30 degrees and 90 degrees and a unipedal stance on the paretic limb. The analytical tests were as follows: simultaneous electromyography of the affected and unaffected tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles bilaterally in voluntary isometric contraction; the Six-Minute Walk Test; the Stair-Climb Test; and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test. The data were analyzed by independent and paired t tests and by analysis of covariance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no evidence of effects on the group and time interaction relative to variables affected side rectus femoris, unaffected side rectus femoris, affected side tibialis anterior, unaffected side tibialis anterior, and the Stair-Climb Test (P > 0.05). There was evidence of effects on the group interaction relative to variables Six-Minute Walk Test and Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Whole-body vibration contributed little to improve the functional levels of stroke patients.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences College, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil (ATS, DCH); Departments of Physical Therapy (MPFD, RCJ) and Medicine (ALC, BBM), Vale do Sapucaí University (UNIVÁS), Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil; and Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil (AMS).
authors.forename: Adriana Teresa
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Miqueline Pivoto Faria
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Ruanito
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calixto
authors.forename: Antonio Luis
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Carone
authors.forename: Beatriz Bertolaccini
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Andreia Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Donizeti Cesar
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Honorato
mesh_terms: D004576:Electromyography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*