Whole body vibration therapy and diabetes type 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vibration platforms have demonstrated systemic effects generated by the use of mechanical vibrations, which are similar to those of any physical activity. The effect that whole body vibration (WBV) generates on the organism could be recommended in Diabetes Mellitus 2 (DM 2) patients. Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze the available evidence on the effects of WBV on glycemic control in patients with DM 2. Material and methods: Exhaustive bibliographic searches were carried out until October 2023 in different biomedical portals and databases: Public Medline (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), VHL Regional Portal, Cochrane Central and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). Randomized clinical trials based on the effects of Whole Body Vibration on glycosylated hemoglobin levels, with control group and participants were non-insulin dependent were the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers extracted data independently. A third reviewer was available for discrepancies. Results: Six articles with 223 participants met the criteria and were included in the systematic review; only four of them met the criteria to be part of the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis reveals a positive and significant effect size (µ ê=0.5731), indicating a substantial difference between the groups studied. Although there is some variability between studies (heterogeneity of 30.05%), the overall direction of the effects is consistent. These findings conclusively suggest the presence of a significant influence of the variable evaluated, underscoring the robustness and consistency of the relationship observed in the literature reviewed. Conclusion: There are no conclusive results due to the lack of data for some variables, which prevents comparison; but WBV may be an effective therapy to improve glycemic control in DM 2 patients. More studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed.

The effect of three different nonpharmacological methods on cannulation success during peripheral intravenous catheter placement in the emergency unit: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheterization is frequently performed in emergency units, but it is a procedure which is difficult for healthcare professionals and painful for patients. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the effect on venous dilation, procedure duration and pain severity of local heat, cold and vibration applications performed on the intervention area before peripheral intravenous catheterization in adults. The second objective of the study was to examine the effects of age and gender variables on the participants' pain intensity levels. METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study included 120 adults who were randomly selected between March and August 2023. One application group (n = 30) received local heat application, one group (n = 30) received local cold application, and one (n = 30) received local vibration using the Buzzy® device. The applications, to the site of the peripheral intravenous catheterization, lasted one minute. The control group (n = 30) received standard peripheral intravenous catheterization application. The groups' vein dilation was assessed with the vein assessment scale, pain felt during catheterization with the visual analog scale, and the duration of the procedure with a chronometer. RESULTS: It was found that the venous dilation of the cold application group was significantly higher (p = 0.010, p = 0.015 respectively) and procedure duration was shorter (p = 0.013, p < 0.001 respectively) than that of the heat and vibration application groups, and its pain severity was significantly lower (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively) than that of the control group and the heat and vibration application groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that local cold application for one minute to the area of peripheral intravenous catheterization increased venous dilation, shortened application time, and reduced pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06378424, retrospectively registered 20/04/2024.

Effect of Whole-body Vibration on Changing Foot Position and Postural Stability in Young Adults - Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration is commonly used in physiotherapy. The vibration platform generates mechanical stimuli that primarily influence the neuromuscular system. Vibration can improve proprioception and balance. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of whole-body vibration on foot position and postural stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 31 participants took part in 6 vibration sessions at 15Hz and 30Hz over 2 weeks. Foot position parameters (angle and distance) and postural stability indicators before and after vibration were assessed on the Biodex Balance System. Vibration was performed on the Galileo Med35 platform (3x3 min). A control group consisted of 26 people who were only assessed on the Biodex platform. RESULTS: There was no change in the angle of both feet (p>0.05) after vibration at the frequency of 15 Hz. The angle of the right foot increased (p=0.013) after vibration at 30 Hz. Vibration increased the distance between the feet for both 15Hz (p=0.000) and 30Hz (p=0.000) sessions. There was no correlation between the change in feet spacing and the change in the overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index and mediolateral stability index (p>0.05). In the control group, no changes (p>0.05) in the angle and foot spacing were noted between consecutive measurements. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Whole body vibration can increase the width of quadrilateral of support in static conditions but has a minimal effect on changing the angle of the feet. 2. The width of the quadrilateral of support after whole-body vibration does not appear to affect postural stability under static conditions. 3. It is recommended that postural stability is assessed before and after whole body vibration while the initial position of the feet is maintained.

Effects of progessive vs. constant protocol whole-body vibration on muscle activation, pain, disability and functional performance in non-specific chronic low back pain patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Background and Objective: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant disability and functional impairment. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has emerged as a new treatment method, but additional research is necessary to determine the optimal parameters of WBVE that would be beneficial for patients experiencing chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aims to investigate the effects of two type of WBVE (constant vs progressive) on pain, disability, functional performance, and muscle activity in patients with NSCLBP. Methods: Thirty-two individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain (CLBP) without any specific causes were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a constant/fixed protocol WBVE group or a progressive protocol WBVE group. Participants underwent WBVE sessions for around 30 min, thrice weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Primary outcomes assessed included pain intensity, functional disability, functional performance, and electromyographic activity of core musculature, measured at baseline and upon completion of the intervention period. Temporal changes of each outcome variable across different periods and between groups were measured with repeated measures 2×2 mixed ANOVA. Further, the paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment values within each group. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both the constant and progressive WBVE protocol groups. Pain intensity decreased by 64.2% (p < 0.001) in the constant group and by 61.1% (p < 0.001) in the progressive group. Functional disability decreased by 48.1% (p < 0.001) in the constant group and by 53.3% (p < 0.001) in the progressive group. Functional performance improved by 16.5% (p < 0.001) in the constant group and by 16.9% (p < 0.001) in the progressive group. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated significant improvements across all measured variables except % maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of external obliques (EO) in both intervention groups with time (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of improvement between the constant and progressive WBVE protocols (p > 0.05), indicating both modalities' effectiveness in ameliorating CLBP symptoms and associated functional impairments. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both progressive and constant WBVE protocols are equally effective in reducing pain and disability in NSCLBP patients. These findings support the inclusion of progressive WBVE in clinical practice, offering a flexible treatment option that can be tailored to individual patient needs, ensuring both tolerability and effectiveness. This contributes valuable evidence towards optimizing WBVE protocols for managing NSCLBP.

Vitamin D combined with whole-body vibration training for the treatment of osteo-sarcopenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteo-sarcopenia (OS) has become a global public health problem and a frontier research problem, as a combination of sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP) diseases. The clinical performances include muscle weakness, systemic bone pain, standing difficulty, even falls and fractures, etc., which seriously affect the patient's life and work. The pathological mechanism of the OS may be the abnormal metabolism which disrupts the equilibrium stability of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study combined vitamin D (Vit. D) and whole-body vibration training (WBVT) to intervene in subjects of OS, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the diagnosis and treatment protocol and to explore the efficacy mechanism. METHODS: We propose a multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vit. D combined with WBVT intervention in OS. Subjects who met the inclusion or exclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form would be randomly assigned to the WBVT group, Vit. D group, or WBVT+ Vit. D group. All subjects will be treated for 1 month and followed up after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and handgrip strength measured by grip strength meter. Secondary outcomes include serum markers of myostatin (MSTN), irisin and bone turnover markers (BTM), SARC-CalF questionnaire, 1-min test question of osteoporosis risk, patient health status (evaluated by the SF-36 health survey), physical performance measurement that includes 5-time chair stand test, 6-m walk, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). DISCUSSION: If Vit. D combined with WBVT can well relieve OS symptoms without adverse effects, this protocol may be a new treatment strategy for OS. After therapeutic intervention, if the serum marker MSTN/irisin is significant, both have the potential to become sensitive indicators for screening OS effective drugs and treatments, which also indicates that WBVT combined with Vit. D plays a role in improving OS by regulating MSTN/irisin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400082269 . Registered on March 26, 2024.

Impact of whole-body vibration training on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although whole-body vibration (WBV) training is acknowledged for its benefits in enhancing motor functions across several neurological disorders, its precise influence on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients is still not well understood. This research seeks to assess the impact of WBV training on ankle joint proprioception and balance in stroke patients, thereby filling this important research void. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, thirty-five stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the WBV group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 18) using a random number table method. The control group received daily general rehabilitation for four weeks, while the WBV group received an additional 30 min of WBV training each day with the Trunsan S110 Vibration Training System. Blinded outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and post-treatment, utilizing the Berg balance scale (BBS), Functional reach test (FRT), Romberg test length (RTL) and area (RTA), and completion rates of ankle joint dorsiflexion-plantar flexion (DP) and inversion-eversion (IE) tests. Follow-up assessments were performed after four weeks of intervention, focusing on RTL, RTA, DP, and IE as primary outcomes. RESULTS: Analysis of intra-group changes from baseline to post-treatment revealed significant improvements across the BBS, FRT, RTL, RTA, and DP and IE assessments (p < 0.001). Notably, the WBV group showed significant enhancements compared to the control group in DP and IE (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), with mean values increasing from 13.556 to 16.765 (23.7%) and from 5.944 to 8.118 (36.6%), respectively. However, WBV did not provide additional benefits over the control treatment for balance recovery parameters such as BBS, FRT, RTL, and RTA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that WBV therapy is equally effective as conventional methods in enhancing proprioception and balance in stroke patients, but it does not provide additional benefits for balance recovery. WBV significantly improves proprioceptive functions, particularly in DP and IE parameters. However, it does not surpass traditional rehabilitation methods in terms of balance recovery. These findings indicate that WBV should be incorporated into stroke rehabilitation primarily to enhance proprioception rather than to optimize balance recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN Registry on 29/07/2024 ( https://www.isrctn.com/ , ISRCTN64602845).

An Acute Bout of Whole-Body Vibration Does Not Improve Jumping Performance in Those With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

CONTEXT: Individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often fail to return to their previous level of sport performance. Although multifaceted, this inability to regain preinjury performance may be influenced by impaired plyometric ability attributable to chronic quadriceps dysfunction. Whole-body vibration (WBV) acutely improves quadriceps function and biomechanics after ACLR, but its effects on jumping performance outcomes such as jump height, the reactive strength index (RSI), and knee work and power are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effects of WBV on measures of jumping performance in those with ACLR. DESIGN: Crossover study design. SETTING: Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six individuals with primary, unilateral ACLR. INTERVENTION(S): Participants stood on a WBV platform in a mini-squat position while vibration or no vibration (control) was applied during six 60-second bouts with 2 minutes of rest between bouts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Double-leg jumping tasks were completed preintervention and postintervention (WBV or control) and consisted of jumping off a 30-cm box to 2 force plates half the participant's height away. The jumping task required participants to maximally jump vertically upon striking the force plates. RESULTS: Whole-body vibration did not produce significant improvements in any of the study outcomes (ie, jump height, RSI, and knee work and power) in either limb (P = .053-.839). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a single bout of WBV is insufficient for improving jumping performance in individuals with ACLR. As such, using WBV to acutely improve jumping performance post-ACLR is likely not warranted. Future research should evaluate the effects of repeated exposure to WBV in combination with other plyometric interventions on jumping performance.

Effect of a Rehabilitation Program Including Home-Based Vibration-Assisted Therapy on Gait Parameters in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a rehabilitation program combined with a home-based vibration-assisted therapy on gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: In a retrospective study, 180 children, 101 boys and 79 girls, (mean age 7.2 ± 3.3 years) with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I and Level II were examined using gait analyses with the Leonardo Mechanograph® Gangway at three measurement points. The measurements were conducted before (M0) and after a six-month rehabilitation period (M6), as well as 12 months after the commencement of rehabilitation (M12). The difference between measurement points M6-M0 (treatment interval) and M12-M6 (follow-up interval) were compared, and significance was determined using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Children with CP at GMFCS Level I and II demonstrated a significant improvement in gait efficiency (pathlength/distance M6-M0: -0.053 (SD 0.25) vs M12-M6: -0.008 (0.36), p=0.038). There were no significant difference in change of mean velocity and average step length between M6-M0 and M12-M6 (p=0.964 and p=0.611). CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation program seems to enhance gait efficiency in children with CP. German Clinical Trial Registry: DRKS0001131 at www.germanctr.de.

Estrogen Status Influences Whole-Body Vibration Training-Induced Improvements on Muscle Mass and Strength in Female Ovariectomized Mice.

Estradiol (E2) deficiency arising from menopause is closely related to changes in body composition and declines of muscle mass and strength in elderly women. Whole-body vibration training (WBV) is an emerging approach expected to improve muscle mass and strength of older person, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The balance between protein synthesis and degradation is a determining factor for muscle mass and strength, which is regulated by Akt-mTOR and FoxO1 signal pathway, respectively. In the present study, we firstly determined whether the effects of WBV on muscle mass and strength in ovariectomized female mice was affected by estrogen level, then investigated whether this was associated with Akt-mTOR and FoxO1 signal pathways. We found that (1) WBV, E2 supplementation (E) and WBV combined with E2 supplementation (WBV+E) significantly increased serum estradiol content, quadriceps muscle mass and grip strength in ovariectomized mice, accompanied with alterations of body composition (reducing fat content, increasing lean body mass and lean percent), furthermore, the altered degrees of these indicators by WBV+E were greater than WBV alone; (2) WBV, E and WBV+E remarkably increased the activities of Akt and mTOR and decreased FoxO1 activity, and the changed degrees by WBV+E were greater than WBV alone; (3) Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that serum estradiol content was positively correlated with Akt and mTOR activities, while inversely associated with FoxO1 activity. We concluded that WBV could significantly increase muscle mass and strength in ovariectomized mice, which might achieve through activating Akt-mTOR and suppressing FoxO1 signal pathways, and the improving effect of WBV on muscle mass and strength was better when in the presence of estrogen.

A comparison between the effects of vibration exercise and needle therapy on fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized control study.

This randomized controlled pilot study compared the efficiency of exercise on a vibration machine combined with needle therapy versus needle therapy alone in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being among older adults. Conducted at King Khalid Hospital in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, the study involved eighty-six patients aged 60 to 67 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VENT (Vibration Exercise Device) group or the NT (Needle Therapy) group. The VENT group underwent 10-minute vibration training sessions twice a week, paired with 30-minute needle acupuncture sessions once a week, while the NT group received needle therapy alone. Both interventions were carried out over 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured disability, pain, balance, and quality of life. Data analysis showed that 94.1% of participants completed the study, with significant improvements in disability observed in the VENT group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, balance, and well-being. However, post-intervention comparisons favored the VENT group, showing significantly better outcomes. The findings suggest that combining vibratory exercise with needle therapy offers enhanced benefits for older adults with fibromyalgia.

Effects of high-frequency mechanical stimuli on flow related vascular cell biology.

Mechanical forces related to blood pressure and flow patterns play a crucial role in vascular homeostasis. Perturbations in vascular stresses and strain resulting from changes in hemodynamic may occur in pathological conditions, leading to vascular dysfunction as well as in vascular prosthesis, arteriovenous shunt for hemodialysis and in mechanical circulation support. Turbulent-like blood flows can induce high-frequency vibrations of the vessel wall, and this stimulus has recently gained attention as potential contributors to vascular pathologies, such as development of intimal hyperplasia in arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. However, the biological response of vascular cells to this stimulus remains incompletely understood. This review provides an analysis of the existing literature concerning the impact of high-frequency stimuli on vascular cell morphology, function, and gene expression. Morphological and functional investigations reveal that vascular cells stimulated at frequencies higher than the normal heart rate exhibit alterations in cell shape, alignment, and proliferation, potentially leading to vessel remodeling. Furthermore, vibrations modulate endothelial and smooth muscle cells gene expression, affecting pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle hypertrophy. Understanding the effects of high-frequency vibrations on vascular cells is essential for unraveling the mechanisms underlying vascular diseases and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in our understanding of the molecular pathways governing these cellular responses. Further research is necessary to elucidate these mechanisms and their therapeutic implications for vascular diseases.

Vibrotactile Foot Device for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Vibrotactile stimulation has been studied in its efficacy of reducing freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the results are still controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of a newly developed vibrotactile foot device on freezing severity and gait measures in PD patients with FOG. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of vibrotactile foot device on PD patients with FOG. METHODS: Thirty-three PD patients with FOG were examined during their "off" medication state. The efficacy of the vibrotactile foot device was evaluated using a gait protocol comprising walking trials with vibrotactile stimulation "off" and "on." Walking trials were videotaped for the offline rating by two movement disorder specialists. The Opal inertial sensor unit (128 Hz; Mobility Lab; APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA) was used for quantitative gait analysis. RESULTS: The results demonstrated 33.1% reduction in number of FOG episodes (P < 0.001) and 32.6% reduction of freezing episodes (P < 0.001). Quantitative gait analysis showed a significant increase in step length (P = 0.033). A moderate negative correlation was observed between the change of percent time frozen and age (r = -0.415, P = 0.016). 73% of participants reported minimal to substantial improvement in walking with this vibrating stimulation delivered by the vibrotactile foot device. CONCLUSIONS: The vibrotactile foot device is an efficient device that could significantly reduce freezing severity and provide gait regulation to patients with PD experiencing frequent freezing. It could potentially be used in the home environment for improving the quality of life.

[Innovative noninvasive gait-synchronized vibrotactile feedback system : "I can feel myself walking again"]. / Innovatives nichtinvasives gangsynchrones vibrotaktiles Feedbacksystem : "Ich fühle, wie ich gehe".

Despite intensive research and development of systems for restoration of sensory information, these have so far only been the subject of study protocols. A new noninvasive feedback system translates pressure loads on the forefoot and hindfoot into gait-synchronized vibrotactile stimulation of a defined skin area. To increase the authenticity, this treatment can be supplemented by a surgical procedure. Targeted sensory reinnervation (TSR) describes a microsurgical procedure in which a defined skin area on the amputated stump of the residual limb is first denervated and then reinnervated by a specific, transposed sensory nerve harvested from the amputated part of the limb. This creates a sensory interface at the residual stump. This article presents the clinical and orthopedic technical treatment pathway with this innovative vibrotactile feedback system and explains in detail the surgical procedure of TSR after amputation of the lower limb.

The Impact of Different Muscle Relaxation Techniques on the Upper Trapezius and Its Relationship with the Middle Trapezius.

ABSTRACT: The relaxation of trapezius muscles is widely believed to alleviate fatigue or injury of the trapezius muscles and reduce the risk of shoulder and neck pain. This study aims to examine the effects of different muscle relaxation techniques on the physical properties of the trapezius muscle and to explore how changes in the physical properties of the upper trapezius muscle affect those of the middle trapezius muscle. Twenty-four healthy males (mean age: 23.08 ± 0.97 years; height: 172.42 ± 4.61 cm; weight: 66.38 ± 6.68 kg; and body mass index: 22.30 ± 1.81 kg/m2), randomly divided into four groups: stretching relaxation group (ST, n = 6), mechanical vibration massage (MV, n = 6), pulse massage (PU, n = 6), and control (CO, n = 6). Measurements using the Myoton digital muscle assessment system were conducted daily over 2 weeks. The experimental groups demonstrated a notable decrease in tension and stiffness, accompanied by heightened elasticity in the upper trapezius muscles. Conversely, the control group exhibited contrasting trends. Although no significant variances were detected among the relaxation techniques, all proved efficacious compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, relaxation of the upper trapezius muscles significantly influenced the middle trapezius muscles (P < 0.05). Various relaxation methods positively influenced trapezius muscle attributes over 2 weeks, with inter-regional effects noted.

Acute Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Trunk Endurance and Balance in Obese Female Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Compared to other subjects, obese people have inferior trunk muscle endurance and balance. A modern method of neuro-muscular training called whole body vibration (WBV) may improve trunk muscle endurance and balance. This study evaluates the impact of a 4-week WBV program on trunk endurance and balance in obese female students. Materials and Methods: Sixty participants from 18 to 25 years of age and with BMI values ≥ 30 were randomly distributed into two equal groups: Group A (WBV group), who received 4 min of WBV, and Group B (sham WBV group), who received WBV with a turn-off device. The training was conducted two days/week for six weeks. Trunk endurance was evaluated using the Sorensen Test (ST) and Trunk Flexor Endurance Test (TFET). The Single-Leg Test (SLT) was used to assess static balance, while the Biodex Stability System measured dynamic balance. Results: The current study demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in pre-treatment variables between Groups A and B. Post-treatment, Group A showed a significantly higher duration of the Sorensen test, TFET and SLS than Group B (p < 0.001). Moreover, Group A showed significantly lower dynamic balance (p < 0.001) than Group B. Conclusions: WBV has a short-term effect on trunk endurance and balance in obese female students. WBV can be added to the rehabilitation program for obese subjects with deficits in trunk endurance and balance.

Clinical trial: Effects of treatment with a vibrating capsule in patients with severe chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on the effectiveness of therapies for severe chronic constipation. In a phase 3 trial, we previously demonstrated that a vibrating capsule was significantly more efficacious than a placebo in chronic constipation. AIM: To examine the effects of a vibrating capsule and placebo on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe chronic constipation. METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled 8-week clinical trial of a vibrating capsule to specifically assess outcomes among subjects who reported 0 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during the 2-week baseline period. We assessed effects of treatment on bowel symptoms, patient satisfaction, and HRQoL. CSBM responders were defined as subjects with increases of ≥1 or ≥2 or ≥3 weekly CSBMs (CSBM1 or CSBM2, CSBM3, respectively) over baseline for ≥6 out of 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The severe chronic constipation subgroup comprised 175 (56%) of the 312 subjects. Significantly more subjects with severe chronic constipation who received the vibrating capsule than those who received the placebo were CSBM1 (44.9% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.007), CSBM2 (29.2% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.004), and CSBM3 (19.10% vs 6.98%, p = 0.017) responders. Straining effort, stool consistency, patient satisfaction, and HRQoL significantly improved in the severe chronic constipation subgroup. A mild vibrating sensation was reported in 10%. CONCLUSION: The vibrating capsule significantly improved constipation-related symptoms and HRQoL in patients with severe constipation, affirming its efficacy and safety across the spectrum of chronic constipation.

The effect of vibration-hinged ankle foot orthoses on gait and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized clinical trial design.

BACKGROUND: Hinged ankle foot orthoses (HAFO) are commonly prescribed for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to improve their ambulatory function. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vibration-HAFO with that of the same orthosis without vibration on gait, function, and spasticity in hemiplegic CP children. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized Control Trial Design (a pilot study). METHODS: Twenty-three children with hemiplegic CP participated in this study. The control group (n = 12) used HAFO, and the intervention group (n = 11) used vibration-HAFO for four weeks. Pre-post three-dimensional gait analysis was done. Calf muscle spasticity and function were also measured. RESULTS: Results showed significant differences between the two groups in the one-minute walking test (p = 0.023) and spasticity (after intervention [p = 0.022], after follow-up [p = 0.020]). Also, significant differences were detected between the two groups in the step width (p = 0.042), maximum hip abduction (p = 0.008), stance maximum dorsiflexion (p = 0.036) and mean pelvic tilt (p = 0.004) in the barefoot condition. Gait cycle time (p = 0.005), maximum hip abduction (p = 0.042), and cadence (p = 0.001) were different between groups in the braced condition. We couldn't find any significant within and between groups differences in knee kinematic parameters. The mean time of using vibration was 16.83 minutes per day. CONCLUSIONS: The vibration-hinged AFO is feasible, safe, and acceptable for children with hemiplegic CP to be integrated into practice. Temporospatial and clinical parameters, especially spasticity, were improved. There were slight trends toward improvement in pelvic and knee kinematics. Vibration-HAFO is of benefit to ambulatory CP children with mild and moderate spasticity. It improved the walking capacity of the children.

Robotic-Enhanced Prosthetic Liners for Vibration Therapy: Reducing Phantom Limb Pain in Transfemoral Amputees.

Phantom limb pain, a common challenge for amputees, lacks effective treatment options. Vibration therapy is a promising non-pharmacologic intervention for reducing pain intensity, but its efficacy in alleviating phantom limb pain requires further investigation. This study focused on developing prosthesis liners with integrated vibration motors to administer vibration therapy for phantom limb pain. The prototypes developed for this study addressed previous issues with wiring the electronic components. Two transfemoral amputees participated in a four-week at-home trial, during which they used the vibration liner and rated their initial and final pain intensity on a numeric rating scale each time they had phantom pain. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather feedback following the at-home trial. Both participants described relaxing and soothing sensations in their residual limb and phantom limb while using vibration therapy. One participant reported a relaxation of his phantom limb sensations, while both participants noted a decrease in the intensity of their phantom limb pain. Participants said the vibration liners were comfortable but suggested that the vibration could be stronger and that aligning the contacts could be easier. The results of this study highlight the potential effectiveness of using vibration therapy to reduce the intensity of phantom limb pain and suggest a vibration liner may be a feasible mode of administering the therapy. Future research should address optimizing the performance of the vibration liners to maximize their therapeutic benefits.