Immediate Effect of a Single Session of Whole Body Vibration on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy

• Published in: Annals of rehabilitation medicine Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 273 - 278
• Main Authors: Park, Chunung, Park, Eun Sook, Choi, Ja Young, Cho, Yoona, Rha, Dong-wook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 01.04.2017; 대한재활의학회
• Subjects: Original; 재활의학; Cerebral palsy; Muscle spasticity; Vibration
• ISSN: 2234-0645; 2234-0653
• DOI: 10.5535/arm.2017.41.2.273

To investigate the immediate effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on lower extremity spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Seventeen children with spastic CP were included. A single session of WBV was administered: 10-minute WBV, 1-minute rest, and 10-minute WBV. The effects of WBV were clinically assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) before and immediately, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours after WBV. Spasticity of the ankle plantarflexor, as assessed by MAS and MTS scores, was reduced after WBV. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that, compared to baseline, the MAS significantly improved for a period of 1 hour after WBV, and the R1 and R2-R1 of the MTS significantly improved for a period of 2 hours after WBV. A single session of WBV improves spasticity of ankle plantarflexors for 1-2 hours in children with CP. Future studies are needed to test whether WBV is an effective preparation before physiotherapy and occupational therapy.