Effect of whole body vibration on leg muscle strength after healed burns: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of eight weeks whole body vibration training program on leg muscle strength (force-producing capacity) in adults after healed burns.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.

Subjects: Thirty-one burned patients participated in the study and were randomized into whole body vibration group and control group. Non-burned healthy adults were assessed similarly to burned subjects and served as matched healthy controls.

Methods: The whole body vibration group performed an eight weeks vibration program three times a week on a vibration platform; the control group received home based physical therapy program without vibration training.

Main measures: Assessment of knee extensors and ankle planter flexor strength by isokinetic dynamometer at 150°/s were performed at the beginning of the study and at the end of the training period for both groups.

Results: Subjects with burns more than 36% TBSA produced significantly less torque in the quadriceps and calf muscle than non-burned healthy subjects. Patients in whole body vibration group showed a significant improvement in knee extensor and ankle planter flexor strength as compared with those in the control group. Knee extensor strength and percent improvement was 233.40±5.74 (64.93±3.03 change score) and 38.54% for the vibration group and 190.07±3.99 (21.66±4.41 change score) and 12.86% for the control group, ankle plantar flexor strength and percent improvement was 156.27±5.95 (54.53±6.16 change score) and 53.70% for the vibration group and 116.13±3.24 (14.66±2.71 change score) and 14.52% for the control group.

Conclusions: Participation in whole body vibration program resulted in a greater improvement in quadriceps and calf muscle strength in adults with healed thermal burn compared to base line values; a WBV program is an effective for strength gain in rehabilitation of burned patients.