Effects of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration on Stroke Symptoms: A Pilot Study

This chapter aims to examine the effectiveness of a single session with lower application frequencies of WBV on processing speed, reaction time, balance and flexibility in stroke patients.

Physiotherapy and blood thinners are the main treatments for the motor aftereffects of a stroke. Studies conducted with various patient groups in full body vibration exercise therapy demonstrate positive outcomes with just one application. Whole body vibration therapy is still not always very successful in stroke patients.

A single session of 6 or 12 Hz of whole body vibration has a positive effect on processing speed, reaction, flexibility, and balance in stroke patients.

Nine stroke patients (age 65.66 ± 8.35 years, mean time past since stroke 11.53 ± 9.58 months) and five healthy peers (age 69.20 ± 5.81 years) were each randomized in two groups subjected to whole body vibration at 6 and 12 Hz, respectively. Before and after the treatment of 5 x 60 seconds with a break of 60 seconds between each set, the Digit Symbol Test, Ruler Drop Test, Sit & Reach, One Leg Stance, and a force plate measurement were performed.

There is no difference between 6 and 12 Hz treatment groups and no interaction effect for factor time*group. Therefore the results of both groups (6 and 12 Hz stroke patients vs. 6 and 12 Hz healthy) are summarized in each case. Here, in the Digit Symbol Test, significant effects are found for the factors time, group and interaction time*group. In the one leg stance, a significant effect for group is visible, in the Sit & Reach a significant effect for group and time.

A single session of WBV with lower application frequencies (6/12 Hz) can have a positive effect on the processing speed and flexibility of stroke patients. Nevertheless, further studies must try to develop an optimal training protocol for this patient group.