Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Abilities of Lower Extremities for Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on lower extremities loading, balance and walking for stroke patients based on weight-bearing training. Methods:In 2017, 70 stroke inpatients were randomly divided into control group (n = 35) and experimental group (n = 35). They all accepted routine rehabilitation and weight-bearing training, while the experimental group accepted WBV in addition, for six weeks. They were assessed with weight-bearing time, gait length and speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and after treatment. Results:The weight-bearing time, gait length and speed, and the scores of BBS and FAC improved after treatment in both groups (t > 8.835, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (F > 19.644, P < 0.001). Conclusion:WBV may further improve the abilities of lower extremities for stroke patients.