Effect of whole-body vibration on obstacle clearance and stair negotiation time in chronic stroke patients; A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) and Routine Physiotherapy (RP) on obstacle crossing and stair negotiation time in chronic stroke patients.

Methods: The current study was randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, clinical trial conducted in Physiotherapy Department of Lahore General Hospital, involving 64 patients with chronic stroke. Patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups, i.e., the WBV group (n = 32) and the RP group (n = 32). The WBV group was given additional twelve sessions of vibration therapy (amplitude of 3 mm and frequency of 20 Hz), 6 days/week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures were change in score of height and depth of obstacles cleared, i.e., 6, 8, 10 & 12 inches height and 6, 8, 10 & 12 inches depth and stair negotiation time, i.e., Stair-Climb Test. Chi square test, Independent sample t-test and Paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data.

Results: Results show that higher number of patients improved in crossing the maximum height and maximum depth of obstacles in the WBV group but improvement was significant only in height, i.e., (p < 0.05). In the WBV group, Stair Negotiation Time decreased significantly as compared to the RP group, i.e., (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The present study concluded that both study groups, i.e., RP and WBV, improved despite better results for the latter. Speed of stair climbing and capacity to cross obstacles improved with the WBV therapy in chronic stroke survivors.

Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20190328043131N1. Registered 03 august 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/38832/view.

Keywords: Obstacle clearance; Rehabilitation; Stair climbing; Stroke; Whole-body vibration.