Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that a three-week whole body vibration (WBV) training in addition to a standard rehabilitation program improves walking ability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Patients and method: Sixty patients with definite MS were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Training sessions were performed three times per week for three weeks. Patients adopted a moderate squat position on a vibration platform. The training sessions comprised series of 3 × 60-sec exercise sets with increasing amplitude between sessions from 1 to 2 mm. During the exercise series, the vibration platform was turned on for the intervention group and switched off for the control group. A mixed factor ANOVA was used to compare sit to stand test, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, and 6-min walk test data between patient groups and between baseline and follow-up.

Results: All outcome measures improved from baseline to follow-up (P < 0.001). The 6-minute walk test showed significantly greater improvements from baseline to follow-up for the intervention than for the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Determinants of walking ability in patients with MS that are specific to walking endurance tasks are most affected by vibration training designed to improve strength endurance.