The Effects of 20 Weeks of Side-Alternating Vibration Therapy on Physical Function, Bone and Muscle Health in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effects of side-alternating vibration therapy on physical function and body composition in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Methods: Fourteen adolescents (8 males) with Down syndrome (mean ± SD age: 15.5 ± 2.3 years) performed vibration treatment nine minutes daily, four times per week, for 20 weeks on a Galileo vibration platform. Data were collected at baseline and after 20 weeks of intervention. Assessments included six-minute walk test, muscle function (force plate), whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the non-dominant tibia.

Results: After 20 weeks, participants increased their distance walked in the six-minute walk test (p = 0.009), 2-leg single jump efficiency (p = 0.024) and jump velocity (p = 0.046). Participants also increased their power (p = 0.034) and reduced the time taken during the chair rise test (p < 0.001). At the total body level, increases were seen in bone mineral density (p = 0.004), bone mineral content (p = 0.043), fat free mass (p = 0.013) and lean mass (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: Side-alternating vibration therapy was associated with increases in physical function and muscle mass with no effects on bone health in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Clinical trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12615000092594) - registered on 4^th February 2015.

Keywords: Bone; down syndrome; muscle; physical function; vibration plate.