Article

BACKGROUND: Several reports have focused on the effects of whole body vibration
(WBV) on spasticity with differing results. Most studies used modified Ashworth
scale (MAS) for qualitative measurements, but the effect was small. OBJECTIVE: To
investigate the effect of WBV on spasticity in hemiplegic legs of patients with
stroke using F-wave parameters. METHODS: Sixteen patients with stroke (mean age,
54.7 +/- 13.5 years: time after stroke, 28.0 +/- 26.3 months) were enrolled in a
comparative before-and-after intervention trial. WBV was applied at 30 Hz (4-8 mm
amplitude) for 5 min on the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles in a
sitting position. Spasticity was assessed according to the F-wave parameters,
MAS, and active and passive range of motion (A-ROM and P-ROM, respectively).
These assessments were obtained before, immediately after, and 20 min after each
intervention. RESULTS: The F-wave parameters, MAS score, and P-ROM improved
significantly after the WBV and remained below the baseline level, even after 20
min; no such change was noted in the unaffected limb via the F-wave parameters.
The WBV also improved volitional movement immediately after intervention, as
indicated by the A-ROM. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed a significant
reduction of motor neuron excitability until 20 min after the WBV, as indicated
by F-wave parameters.

Langue : ANGLAIS