Effects of controlled whole-body vibration training in improving fall risk factors among individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the effect of an 8-week controlled whole-body vibration training on improving fall risk factors and the bone mineral density among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods: This study adopted a single group pre-test–post-test design. Twenty-five PwMS (50.3 years SD 14.1) received vibration training on a side-alternating vibration platform. Each training session was repeated three times every week for 8 weeks. Prior to and following the 8-week training course, a battery of fall risk factors were evaluated: the body balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, range of motion, and fear of falling. Bone density at both calcanei was also assessed.

Results: Twenty-two participants completed the study. Compared with pre-test, almost all fall risk factors and the bone density measurement were significantly improved at post-test, with moderate to large effect sizes varying between 0.571 and 1.007.

Conclusions: The 8-week vibration training was well accepted by PwMS and improved their fall risk factors. The important findings of this study were that vibration training may increase the range of motion of ankle joints on the sagittal plane, lower the fear of falling, and improve bone density.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• An 8-week vibration training course could be well-accepted by people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

• Vibration training improves the risk factors of falls in people living with MS.

• Vibration training could be a promising rehabilitation intervention in individuals with MS.

Keywords:

• Fall risk factors
• strength
• bone density
• range of motion
• fear of falling
• side-alternating vibration

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Edson Estrada and Maria Sanchez for assistance in data collection and Christina Carrera for editing.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through a pilot Research Grant [NMSS-PP3385].