Is 8 weeks of side-alternating whole-body vibration a safe and acceptable modality to improve functional performance in multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

Purpose: To examine whether an 8-week period of side-alternating whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise is an acceptable and effective exercise intervention to improve and maintain functional performance in multiple sclerosis people. Methods: A total of 15 participants with MS (11 women [mean age 50.2 ± 6.9 years; body mass 65.7 ± 19.2 kg; height 165.3 ± 6.1 cm; EDSS 3.5 ± 0.9] and 4 males [mean age 50.5 ± 5.2 years; body mass 85.3 ± 16.0 kg; height 175.3 ± 3.2 cm; EDSS 3.4 ± 0.5]) were selected for this study. Quality of life, timed up-and-go, functional reach, standing balance and 10-m walk test were performed prior to and after 4 and 8 weeks of vibration exercise, and 2 weeks after cessation of vibration exercise. Results: There was no evidence of vibration exercise producing any anxiety or discomfort. Compared with baseline measurements, the 10-m walk test showed significant improvements in 2, 8 and 10 m times at 8 week (p < 0.05) and 2 week post-vibration (p < 0.05). Timed up-and-go demonstrated a significant and positive time effect (p < 0.05). Standing balance showed significant improvements from baseline, at 4- (p < 0.05) and 2-weeks post-vibration (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate side-alternating WBV as an exercise training modality for MS people. From an active MS population, this study has shown that WBV training not only improved the standing balance and walking time but there were also no adverse effects from using this modality.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Muscle weakness and fatigue are reported by most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

• Whole-body vibration (WBV) has gained popularity as an exercise modality in participants with either normal or compromised health.

• WBV is a safe and effective exercise intervention for persons with MS to improve and maintain functional ability and quality of life.

Keywords::

• Multiple sclerosis
• whole-body vibration
• timed up-and-go
• functional performance
• exercise
• balance

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants, the Manawatu Multiple Sclerosis Society and the STAR Rehabilitation Centre at Palmerston North Hospital.

Declaration of interest: This study was undertaken with the support of a grant from the Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation. EC Firth is a shareholder in a company, which distributes the Galileo product in New Zealand. No other author has a financial or other interest in the Galileo product or is a distributor of it.