The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Treatment on Upper Extremity Functions Compromised by Stroke

INTRODUCTION: In patients with neurological disorders Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has been reported to improve motor function. Our aim was to assess the effects of WBV on upper extremity function in adult stroke patients. METHODS: Forty-three post-stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: treatment group and control group. The demographic characteristics and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were recorded in all patients. The plegic upper extremity range of motions (ROM) and motor functions were evaluated by goniometric measurement and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). All patients participated in a conventional rehabilitation program for three weeks while the treatment group also received WBV over the same period. All evaluations were performed before and after therapy. RESULTS: The median (range) age of all patients was 51.0±13.7 (18–66) years. The groups numbered 26 and 17 patients for the treatment and control groups respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the pre-treatment evaluation based on the JTHFT all scores (p>0.05). Significant improvement was found in the elbow extension ROM degree (p=0.019) for the treatment group. A statistically significant improvement was observed in all parameters of JTHFT in the treatment group after the intervention, whereas only page turning, removing small objects, removing large light objects and removing large heavy objects showed a statistically significant improvement in controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were observed between the treatment and control groups after intervention. WBV treatment is effective for the improvement of ROM and upper extremity functions in stroke patients.