Affiliations: [a] Division of Sport Science, Universität Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany | [b] Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. Christian, Dettmers, Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Eichhornstr. 68, 78464 Konstanz, Germany. Tel.: +49 7531 986 3537; Fax: +49 7531 986 3155; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that a three-week whole body vibration (WBV) training in addition to a standard rehabilitation program improves walking ability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Patients and Method:Sixty patients with definite MS were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Training sessions were performed three times per week for three weeks. Patients adopted a moderate squat position on a vibration platform. The training sessions comprised series of 3 × 60-sec exercise sets with increasing amplitude between sessions from 1 to 2 mm. During the exercise series, the vibration platform was turned on for the intervention group and switched off for the control group. A mixed factor ANOVA was used to compare sit to stand test, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, and 6-min walk test data between patient groups and between baseline and follow-up. Results:All outcome measures improved from baseline to follow-up (P < 0.001). The 6-minute walk test showed significantly greater improvements from baseline to follow-up for the intervention than for the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion:Determinants of walking ability in patients with MS that are specific to walking endurance tasks are most affected by vibration training designed to improve strength endurance.
