Localized Muscle Vibration Post Stroke

Efficacy of Localized Muscle Vibration on Lower Extremity Functional Ability in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and objectives: Lower extremity functional impairments are common consequences of stroke. Thus, continuous examination of effective treatment interventions for lower extremity functions after stroke is a necessity. Localized muscle vibration (LMV) is one of the treatment interventions that incorporate sensory stimulation to improve motor cortical excitability. This study aimed to investigate the influences of 10-minutes lower extremity LMV application along with conventional physical therapy (CPT) on activities of daily living (ADL) and motor recovery on the hemiparetic lower extremity post-stroke.

Methods: A sample of 37 patients with stroke (8 females) was randomly allocated to either conventional physical therapy (CPT) control group (n=18) or conventional physical therapy and localized muscle vibration (CPT+LMV) experimental group (n=19). All patients received 3 sessions per week of CPT for 8 weeks. The CPT+LMV experimental group received 10-minute LMV at the end of each CPT session. The outcome measures used were the Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and goniometry for Range of Motion (ROM) assessment.

All patients in both experimental and control groups received CPT protocol consisted of 30 minutes of manual resistance exercise (3 sets/10 repetitions each for knee extensors and flexors) and 30 minutes of treadmill training, short breaks (1-5 minutes) were allowed, depending on the patient tolerance. The training was conducted for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The patients in CPT+LMV experimental group received localized muscle vibration at the end of each CPT session. The LMV was applied for 10 minutes perpendicularly along quadriceps muscle fibers. The frequency set at 30 Hz, amplitude of 2 mm.

Inclusion Criteria:

Confirmed diagnosis of stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

If they had any serious orthopedic injury/disease, cardiopulmonary problems or suffered from a neurological disease (other than stroke).