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Clinicians often face challenges when managing post-stroke complications like muscle stiffness. Whole-body vibration therapy has recently emerged as a potential adjunct treatment for reducing these motor impairments. Therefore, a new single-blind randomized controlled trial investigated its specific impact on lower limb spasticity among stroke survivors. The research primarily aimed to clarify conflicting evidence regarding the benefits of these vibration protocols in neurorehabilitation.
The study enrolled 40 eligible participants for this trial. Researchers randomly assigned these individuals to either an intervention group or a control group. For eight weeks, the intervention group participated in 40-minute conventional therapy sessions combined with daily vibration training. Conversely, the control group performed similar movements on a platform without vibration. Consequently, this design allowed the team to isolate the specific effects of the mechanical stimulus.
The primary outcomes focused on the Modified Ashworth Scale and surface electromyography. In the intervention group, the triceps surae spasticity showed a reduction of 0.45 points by week four. However, the study found no statistically significant differences between the two groups at the final assessment. Furthermore, secondary outcomes like Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores did not show significant changes. Therefore, while individual improvements occurred, the statistical gap between groups remained small.
Despite the lack of significant between-group differences, the researchers noted moderate effect sizes. These results suggest that whole-body vibration therapy might still serve as a valuable long-term adjunct. Additionally, it provides a safe, non-invasive method to supplement traditional physical therapy. Future studies with larger cohorts may further define the optimal dosing for maximum clinical impact.
It uses mechanical oscillations to stimulate muscle spindles and alpha motor neurons. This process may modulate the stretch reflex, potentially leading to a reduction in muscle spasticity.
Current clinical evidence suggests that whole-body vibration is safe and feasible for most stroke survivors. However, patients should always undergo screening for contraindications like deep vein thrombosis or severe joint instability.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
References
Dong Y et al. Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on lower limb spasticity for stroke survivors: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2026 May 04. doi: 10.1080/10749357.2026.2664222. PMID: 42077180.
Frontiers in Neurology. Systematic review and meta-analysis of whole-body vibration training in patients with stroke. 2023.
Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research. Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Versus Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Spasticity. 2024.
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