The long-lasting effects of repetitive neck muscle vibrations on postural disturbances in standing position in chronic patients

The objective of this preliminary study is to test the long-lasting effects of repetitive neck muscle vibration (rNMV) on postural disturbances and on spatial frame reference in chronic patients. Material/patients and methods Twenty chronic stroke patients (mean age 61.4y±11, mean delay since stroke 5.5y±3), 10 right (RDB) and 10 left (LDB) brain damage, having gained the capacity to stand for more than 30s were included. They underwent 10 vibrations of 10min sessions during two weeks – the evaluation of postural asymmetry on force platform (weight body asymmetry [WBA]), spatial frames (subjective straight ahead [SSA], longitudinal body axis [LBA], subjective visual vertical [SVV]) and clinical assessment (Motricity Index, Sensibility, Spasticity, Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go) were ascertained twice before (D-15, D0) and ultimately at the end of the vibrations (D+15, D+22, D+45). Results In the posttest, a significant reduction in WBA was established in the RBD (P =0.009) and was maintained at D+15 (P =0.01) and D+22 (P =0.05) on the contrary, no effect was observed in the LBD group. In addition, no significant modification was found on the spatial frame in both RBD and LBD. A significant improvement was found for the Motricity and Time Up and Go at D+22 in the RBD group whereas no modifications were found in the LBD. Discussion – conclusion rNMV causes a reduction of postural asymmetry in the RBD group independently of the space representation improvement. Li...
Source: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research