Whole-body vibration training

Sitjà Rabert et al. Whole-body vibration training for patients with neurodegenerative disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;2:CD009097. 

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a complementary training to standard physical rehabilitation programmes and appears to have potential benefits in the sensorimotor system performance of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of WBV to improve functional performance according to basic activities of daily living (ADL) in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we wanted to assess the possible effect on signs and symptoms of the disease, body balance, gait, muscle performance, quality of life and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS: We included 4 trials on MS. None of the studies reported data on the primary outcome (functional performance). In MS there was no evidence of a short-term or long-term effect of WBV on body balance, gait, muscle performance or quality of life.Adverse events were reported in few trials. In those trials that reported them, the intervention appeared to be safe.



AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence of the effect of WBV training on functional performance of MS'ers. Also, there is insufficient evidence regarding its beneficial effects on signs and symptoms of the disease, body balance, gait, muscle strength and quality of life compared to other active physical therapy or passive interventions. More studies assessing other functional tests and accurately assessing safety are needed before a definitive recommendation is established.

"I hope those of you who are power-plate disciples are not disappointed by this systematic review. As the evidence  is poor we can't recommend this for routine clinical practice."

Labels: