Investigating visual preferences of clinical mechanical anesthetic vibration: a cross-sectional image survey.

While mechanical vibration lessens discomfort associated with injection site pain (ISP), many local anesthetic injectors (LAIs) do not use vibratory anesthetic devices (VADs). Injector preference of vibration device is influenced by functional concerns, but qualitatively there is an element of adoption that is driven by visual feedback. We sought to capture operator preferences of vibration device design elements to further understand why injectors do not use these devices. We conducted a survey of image preferences among nurses and medical assistants employed at 8 dermatological clinics to investigate barriers to VAD use. Images were electronically modified with features distinct from the original device (a VAD commonly used in clinical practice). Participants rated their likelihood and comfort of use of each VAD represented in the images. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare the rating of the unmodified VAD to each modified VAD within participants. A response rate of 100% was achieved with 35 participants (average age, 38.5 years; 6 (17.1%) male, 29 (82.9%) female). Despite 28 (80%) participants knowing that mechanical vibration reduces ISP, only 16 (45.7%) endorsed ever using mechanical vibration as topical anesthetic. Images modified by pattern, color, and sterility covering were rated significantly lower than the original, unmodified VAD image (plain white VAD), confirming that visual feedback does impact adoption. Through independent comment categorization, aesthetics were found to be important to LAIs. Aesthetic preferences opposing functional concerns may factor into the lack of VAD use. Defining these visual preference barriers to adoption may help promote VAD use during dermatologic procedures.

Acute resistance exercise combined with whole body vibration and blood flow restriction: Molecular and neurocognitive effects in late-middle-aged and older adults.

Limited research exists regarding the effects of resistance exercise (RE) combined with whole body vibration (WBV), blood flow restriction (BFR), or both on the neuropsychological performance of working memory (WM) in late-middle-aged and older adults and regarding the physiological mechanisms underlying this effect. This study thus explored the acute molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying WM performance following RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned into a WBV, BFR, or WBV + BFR group. Before and after the participants engaged in a single bout of isometric RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both, this study gathered data on several neurocognitive measures of WM performance, namely, accuracy rate (AR), reaction time (RT), and brain event-related potential (specifically P3 latency and amplitude), and data on biochemical indices, such as the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), norepinephrine (NE), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Although none of the RE modalities significantly affected RTs and P3 latencies, ARs and P3 amplitudes significantly improved in the WBV and WBV + BFR groups. The WBV + BFR group exhibited greater improvements than the WBV group did. Following acute RE combined with WBV, BFR, or both, IGF-1 and NE levels significantly increased in all groups, whereas BDNF levels did not change. Crucially, only the changes in NE levels were significantly correlated with improvements in ARs in the WBV + BFR and WBV groups. The findings suggest that combining acute RE with WBV, BFR, or both could distinctively mitigate neurocognitive decline in late-middle-aged and older adults.

Retention of Improved Plantar Sensation in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy after One Month of Vibrating Insole Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Sensory peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and the biggest risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers. There is currently no available treatment that can reverse sensory loss in the diabetic population. The application of mechanical noise has been shown to improve vibration perception threshold or plantar sensation (through stochastic resonance) in the short term, but the therapeutic use, and longer-term effects have not been explored. In this study, vibrating insoles were therapeutically used by 22 participants, for 30 min per day, on a daily basis, for a month by persons with diabetic sensory peripheral neuropathy. The therapeutic application of vibrating insoles in this cohort significantly improved VPT by an average of 8.5 V (p = 0.001) post-intervention and 8.2 V (p < 0.001) post-washout. This statistically and clinically relevant improvement can play a role in protection against diabetic foot ulcers and the delay of subsequent lower-extremity amputation.

The effect of whole-body vibration on glucose and lipid profiles in type-2 diabetes: a systematic review and pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomized trials.

Whole-body vibration (WBV), a training method based on the stimulation of muscle contraction by mechanical vibration generated in a vibrating platform, is claimed to be effective in diabetes management. This meta-analysis evaluated WBV effects against other exercises, placebo, or no intervention in type-2 diabetes. Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched through June 2023. Randomized controlled trials reported the effect of WBV on glucose (hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood glucose), and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high, and low-density lipoprotein) were included. Two researchers independently extracted the characteristics of the studies, participants, WBV intervention and comparisons, and the outcomes from the included articles. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale assessed trial quality. In this review, all articles had no high risk of bias according to the PEDro scale, with studies achieving optimal, excellent, and good scores. Network meta-analysis revealed that WBV was effective for reducing hemoglobin A1C when compared with conventional (mean difference: - 1.58%, 95%CrI: - 2.51, - 0.47) and resistance exercise (mean difference: - 1.32%, 95%CrI: - 1.96, - 0.33). WBV had also a desirable but insignificant effect on hemoglobin A1C compared to stretching and balance exercises, placebo, and no intervention. The current pairwise meta-analysis did not show that WBV favors fasting blood glucose and lipids. WBV may have potential advantages for glycemic control in type-2 diabetes. However, uncertainties in the findings remain due to the limited number of studies and their heterogeneity.

Effectiveness of low frequency vibration on the rate of canine retraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

To investigate the effectiveness of AcceleDent Aura vibrating device on the rate of canine retraction. Thirty-two patients requiring extraction of upper first premolars and canine retraction were randomly allocated with a 1:1 ratio into either no-appliance group or the AcceleDent Aura appliance group. Canine retraction was done applying 150gm of retraction force using NiTi coil springs on 16 × 22 stainless steel archwires. The duration of the study was 4 months. Models were collected and digitized directly after extraction of upper first premolars and at monthly intervals during canine retraction for recording the monthly as well as the total distance moved by the canine. Digitized models were superimposed on the initial model and data were statistically analyzed. Anchorage loss, rotation, tipping, torque and root condition were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography imaging. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale. No patients were dropped-out during this study. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the total distance travelled by the canine (P = 0.436), as well as the rate of canine retraction per month (P = 0.17). Root condition was the same for the two groups. Regarding the pain level, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at day 0 (P = 0.721), after 24 h (P = 0.882), after 72 h (P = 0.378) and after 7 days (P = 0.964). AcceleDent Aura was not able to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. Pain level couldn't be reduced by vibrational force with an AcceleDent device during orthodontic treatment. Root condition was not affected by the vibrational forces.

An abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program for older patients with constipation: Development and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with constipation are at higher risk for inadequate bowel preparation, but there are currently no targeted strategies. This study aims to develop an abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program and assess its feasibility among older patients with constipation. METHODS: Phase I: Using the Delphi technique, eight experts across three professional fields were consulted to develop the AVCWE program. The experts evaluated and provided recommendations on demonstration videos and detailed descriptions of the preliminary protocol. Phase II: A single-arm feasibility study of the AVCWE program was conducted on 30 older patients with constipation undergoing colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in China. A 10-point exercise program evaluation form and several open-ended questions were used to gather feedback from participants regarding the program. In both phases, content analysis was used to critically analyze and summarize qualitative suggestions for protocol modifications. RESULTS: Based on feedback from the expert panel, the AVCWE program developed in Phase I included two procedures during laxative ingestion: at least 5,500 steps of walking exercise and two cycles of moderate-intensity abdominal vibration (each cycle consisted of 10 min of vibration and 10 min of rest). The feasibility study in Phase II showed high positive patient feedback scores for the program, ranging from 9.07 ± 0.74 to 9.73 ± 0.52. CONCLUSION: The AVCWE program was developed by eight multidisciplinary experts and was well accepted by 30 older patients with constipation. Study participants believed that this program was simple, safe, appropriate, and helpful for their bowel preparation. The findings of this study may provide valuable information for optimizing bowel preparation in older patients with constipation.

Effect of whole-body vibration stimulation on plasma soluble TNF receptors in elderly with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial.

Sarcopenia is a pathology resulting from a progressive and severe loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in the course of aging, which has deleterious consequences on quality of life. Among the most widespread studies on the issue are those focused on the effect of different types of physical exercise on patients with sarcopenia. This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the effects of a whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) session on the inflammatory parameters of non-sarcopenic (NSG, n=22) and sarcopenic elderly (SG, n=22). NSG and SG participants were randomly divided into two protocols: intervention (squat with WBV) and control (squat without WBV). After a one-week washout period, participants switched protocols, so that everyone performed both protocols. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy radiological absorptiometry (DXA) and function through the six-minute walk test (6MWD) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and measured before and immediately after each protocol. After exercise with WBV, there was an increase in sTNFR2 levels in the NSG (P<0.01; d=-0.69 (-1.30; -0.08) and SG (P<0.01, d=-0.95 (-1.57; -0.32) groups. In conclusion, an acute session of WBV influenced sTNFr2 levels, with sarcopenic individuals showing a greater effect. This suggested that WBV had a more pronounced impact on sTNFr2 in those with loss of muscle strength and/or physical performance. Additionally, WBV is gaining recognition as an efficient strategy for those with persistent health issues.

Color VISION for improved ultrasound visualization of brachytherapy needles.

BACKGROUND: High dose rate brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Treatment planning is often performed under transrectal ultrasound (US) guidance, but brachytherapy needles can be challenging to digitize due to the presence of poor US conspicuity and imaging artifacts. The plan accuracy and quality, however, are dependent on the proper visualization of the needles with millimeter accuracy. PURPOSE: This work describes a technique for generating a color overlay of needle locations atop the grayscale US image. Prototype devices were developed to produce vibrations in the brachytherapy needles that generate a high contrast color Doppler (CD) signal that highlights the needle locations with superior contrast and reduced artifacts. Denoted by the acronym color VISION (Vibrationally Induced Shimmering for Identifying an Object's Nature), the technology has the potential to improve applicator conspicuity and facilitate automated applicator digitization. METHODS: Three prototype vibrational devices with frequencies between 200-450 Hz were designed in-house and evaluated with needle implants in a phantom and cadaveric male pelvis using: (1) an actuator attached to the front of a prostate needle template; (2) an actuator attached to the top of the needle template; and (3) a hand-held actuator with a stylet, inserted directly into a needle's inner lumen. Acquired images were postprocessed in MATLAB to evaluate the potential for automated digitization. RESULTS: All prototype devices produced localized shimmering in implanted brachytherapy needles in both the axial and sagittal planes. The template mounted actuators provided better vibrational coupling and ease of operation than the stylet prototype. The Michelson contrast, or visibility, of the shimmering CD signal was 100% compared with ≤40% for B-mode imaging of a single needle. Proof-of-principle for automated applicator digitization using only the CD signal was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The color VISION prototype devices successfully coupled mechanical vibrations into brachytherapy needles to generate US CD shimmering and accurately highlight brachytherapy needle locations. The high contrast and natively registered signal are promising for future work to automate the needle digitization and provide a real-time visual overlay of the applicator on the B-mode US image.

The effects of vibrating shoe insoles on standing balance, walking, and ankle-foot muscle activity in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes, which can lead to impaired balance and walking. Innovative footwear devices designed to stimulate foot sensory receptors, such as vibrating insoles, could offer a new route to improve motor impairments in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). RESEARCH QUESTION: Does wearing vibrating insoles for the first time alter measures of balance, walking, and ankle-foot muscle activity, in people with DPN? METHODS: A randomised cross-over study was conducted with 18 ambulant men and women with a diagnosis of DPN. Participants performed tests of standing balance (Bertec® force platform) under four conditions (foam/firm surface, eyes open/closed) and level-ground walking (GAITRite® instrumented walkway), whilst wearing vibrating and non-vibrating (control) insoles on two separate occasions (one insole/session). Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess soleus, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus activity during balance tests. Outcomes included centre of pressure (CoP) sway, EMG amplitude, spatiotemporal gait patterns, and Timed Up and Go test. One sample t-tests were used to explore %differences in outcomes between insole conditions. RESULTS: Wearing vibrating insoles led to a reduction (improvement) in CoP elliptical area, when standing on a foam surface with eyes closed, relative to non-vibrating insoles (P=0.03). Applying perceptible vibrations to the soles of the feet also reduced the EMG amplitude in soleus (P=0.01 and P=0.04) and medial gastrocnemius (P=0.03 and P=0.09) when standing with eyes closed on firm and foam surfaces. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings of signs of improved balance and altered muscle activity with suprasensory vibrating insoles provides new insights into how these devices can be used to inform innovative rehabilitation approaches in individuals with DPN. This will be strengthened by further research into possible clinical benefits of these devices - given that the effects we detected were small with uncertain clinical meaning.

Effects of 12 weeks of inspiratory muscle training and whole body vibration on the inflammatory profile, BDNF and muscular system in pre-frail elderly women: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: to investigate the effects of the whole body vibration (WBV) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the inflammatory profile and in muscle mass and strength in pre-frail older women. METHODS: this study was a randomized double-blind trial. Forty two older women aged 60-80 years were randomly allocated to IMT + WBV (G1), IMTsham + WBV (G2) or Sham groups (G3). During 12 weeks G1 received both trainings, whereas G2 received WBV alone and G3 received IMT with a low fixed load and were positioned at the vibratory platform without therapeutic effect. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention for the following outcomes: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory biomarkers (IB), respiratory (RT) and quadriceps thickness (QT) and diaphragmatic mobility (DM) using muscle ultrasound, body composition (BC) using a bioelectrical impedance scale and inspiratory muscle strength (IMS). RESULTS: after the training, G1 (114.93 ± 21.29) improved IMS (p<0.005) compared with G2 (91.29 ± 23.10) and G3 (85.21 ± 27.02). There was also a significant improve on time of the DM (p<0.001) and RT (p=0.006) for G1 (8.59 ± 3.55 and 11.11 ± 12.66) compared with G2 (1.05 ± 3.09 and 1.10 ± 10.60) and G3 (0.40 ± 2.29 and -1.85 ± 7.45). BDNF, IB, QT and BC were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: IMT associated with WBV is effective to improve in increasing IMS, RT and DM in pre-frail older women. However, these interventions do not modify BDNF, IB, QT or BC in this population.

The Role of Vibrators in Women's Pelvic Health: An Alluring Tool to Improve Physical, Sexual, and Mental Health.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In limited studies vibrators have been shown to improve sexual function and pelvic floor health; however, there are even fewer studies on the effect of vibrator use on overall genitourinary and mental health. To investigate the effect of regular vibrator use on sexual, genitourinary, and mental health in addition to quality of life. METHODS: We performed a prospective pilot study of women aged 18 to 80 years recruited from a urogynecology clinic. Study participants were instructed to use a vibrator according to the protocol. Sexual function, pelvic floor function, mental health, and pelvic examination were assessed at the initial visit and at 3 months' follow-up using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the 79 participants enrolled in the study, 53 women (66%) completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 54.7 years (range 19-80 years), and the majority of participants were white (n = 59, 74.7%), post-menopausal (n = 48, 60.8%), and not receiving systemic (n = 63, 79.7%) or local (n = 63, 79.7%) hormone therapy. Sexual function significantly improved over time (p = 0.002), whereas the rate of bothersome pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and pain scores significantly decreased (p = 0.034 and 0.0008 respectively). Rates of urge urinary incontinence decreased although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.059). There was a significant improvement in the gross appearance of lichen sclerosus lesions (p = 0.025) and in the severity of vaginal atrophy (p = 0.018). Rates of depression were significantly decreased (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Vibrator use was associated with improved sexual, genitourinary, and mental health.

Acute Effects of Vibrating Insoles on Dynamic Balance and Gait Quality in Individuals With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of vibrating insoles on dynamic balance and gait quality during level and stair walking and explored the influence of vibration type and frequency in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-two men with DPN were assessed for gait quality and postural and dynamic balance during walking and stair negotiation using a motion capture system and force plates across seven vibratory insole conditions (Vcs) versus a control (Ctrl) condition (insole without vibration). Vibration was applied during standing and walking tasks, and 15-min rest-stop periods without vibration were interposed between conditions. Repeated measures test conditions were randomized. The primary outcomes were gait speed and dynamic balance. RESULTS: Gait speed during walking significantly improved in all Vcs compared with Ctrl (P < 0.005), with Vc2, Vc4, and Vc6 identified as the most effective. Gait speed increased (reflecting faster walking) during stair ascent and descent in Vc2 (Ctrl vs. Vc2 for ascent 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.517 ± 0.127 m/s; P = 0.037 and descent 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.487 ± 0.125 m/s; P = 0.016), Vc4 (Ctrl vs. Vc4 for ascent 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.482 ± 0.197 m/s; P = 0.047 and descent 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.438 ± 0.181 m/s; P = 0.017), and Vc6 (Ctrl vs. Vc6 for ascent 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.506 ± 0.179 m/s; P = 0.043 and descent 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.463 ± 0.159 m/s; P = 0.026). Postural balance improved during quiet standing with eyes closed in Vc2, Vc4, Vc6, and Vc7 (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Vibrating insoles are an effective acute strategy for improving postural balance and gait quality during level walking and stair descent in individuals with DPN. These benefits are particularly evident when the entire plantar foot surface is stimulated.

IMPROVE study protocol, investigating post-stroke local muscle vibrations to promote cerebral plasticity and functional recovery: a single-blind randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a frequent disabling consequence following a stroke. Local muscle vibrations (LMVs) have been proposed as a treatment to address this problem. However, little is known about their clinical and neurophysiological impacts when used repeatedly during the subacute phase post-stroke. This project aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week LMV protocol on the paretic limb on spasticity development in a post-stroke subacute population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is an interventional, controlled, randomised, single-blind (patient) trial. 100 participants over 18 years old will be recruited, within 6 weeks following a first stroke with hemiparesis or hemiplegia. All participants will receive a conventional rehabilitation programme, plus 18 sessions of LMV (ie, continuously for 30 min) on relaxed wrist and elbow flexors: either (1) at 80 Hz for the interventional group or (2) at 40 Hz plus a foam band between the skin and the device for the control group.Participants will be evaluated at baseline, at 3 weeks and 6 weeks, and at 6 months after the end of the intervention. Spasticity will be measured by the modified Ashworth scale and with an isokinetic dynamometer. Sensorimotor function will be assessed with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity. Corticospinal and spinal excitabilities will be measured each time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was recorded in a clinical trial and obtained approval from the institutional review board (Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France IV, 2021-A03219-32). All participants will be required to provide informed consent. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals to disseminate information to clinicians and impact their practice for an improved patient's care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trial: NCT05315726 DATASET: EUDRAct.

The Effect of a Combination of Vibration and External Cold on Pain Caused during Vaccine Injection in Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of combining vibration and external cold on pain caused by vaccine injection among six-month-old infants. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this clinical trial, 80 eligible infants were selected from the infants referred to a health center as per the inclusion criteria. The infants were assigned to either a control group or an intervention group by block randomization. In the intervention group, a vibrating and cold device was placed above the injection site from one minute before to 15 seconds after the pentavalent vaccine injection. In the control group, no intervention was performed, and they were vaccinated according to the routine procedure. The pain status in the two groups was measured using the Modified Behavioral Pain Scale (MBPS) 15 seconds after the injection, and the crying duration was assessed from the injection of the vaccine till the end of it. Data were analyzed in SPSS 23 software using Mann-Whitney, t, Spearman, and chi-square tests. The level of significance was set to p < 0.05. Results: Most participants in the control (55%) and intervention (55%) groups were girls. Statistical data analysis of 80 infants showed that the mean pain intensity (p = 0.032) and duration of crying (p = 0.0001) in the intervention group (6.1 ± 1.8, 32.47 ± 16.78) were lower than those of the control group (7.2 ± 0.1, 51.02 ± 25.9), respectively. Conclusion: Because the intensity of pain, especially the duration of crying, was lower in the intervention group than in the control group, we may suggest that nurses use simple pain relief solutions in vaccination centers, such as a combination of vibration and cold. This trial is registered with IRCT201207157130N2.

Motor improvement in children with PMM2-CDG syndrome following a six-month rehabilitation treatment utilising whole-body vibration; a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital disorder of glycosylation, Type Ia; CDG1A, OMIM catalogue number). METHODS: The concept 'Auf die Beine' (Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation of the University of Cologne, Germany) combines two short inpatient stays (1 to 2 weeks) with a six-month whole-body vibration (WBV) home-training program. 13 patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome participated in this concept from 2006 until 2015. Assessments at start, six months and 12 months (follow-up): Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), One-Minute Walk Test (1MWT) and instrumented gait analyses. RESULTS: The GMFM-66 (9 of 13 children) improved by 5.3 (mean) points (SD 3.2) at 12 months (p=0.0039). The 1MWT (6 of 13 children) improved by 19.17 meter (SD 16.51) after 12 months (p=0.0313). Gait analysis (9 of 13 children) measured by pathlength/distance ratio improved by -0.8 (SD 1.9) at 12 months (p=0.0195). CONCLUSION: Patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome benefit from the interval rehabilitation program 'Auf die Beine' including WBV.

Modification of heart rate variability induced by focal muscle vibration in patients with severe acquired brain injury.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) reaction in persons with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) who undergo a rehabilitation treatment, such as focal muscle vibration (FMV).This study aims to evaluate if and how FMV can modulate HRV and to compare potential differences in FMV modulation in HRV between patients with sABI and healthy controls. METHODS: Ten patients with sABI and seven healthy controls have been recruited. Each individual underwent the same stimulation protocol (four consecutive trains of vibration of 5 minutes each with a 1-minute pause). HRV was analyzed through the ratio of frequency domain heart-rate variability (LF/HF). RESULTS: In the control group, after performing FMV, a significant LF/HF difference was observed in the in the second vibration session compared to the POST phase. Patients with SABI treated on the affected side showed a statistically significant LF/HF difference in the PRE compared to the first vibration session. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that FMV may modify the cardiac ANS activity in patients with sABI.

Trunk-oriented Exercises Versus Whole-body Vibration on Abdominal Thickness and Balance in Children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.

OBJECTIVES: Progressive proximal muscle weakening in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) impairs postural adjustments by impairing motor function and preventing ambulation. During daily activities, for gait and dynamic balance, certain postural modifications are required. The objective was to compare the impact of trunk-oriented exercises versus whole-body vibration on abdominal muscle thickness and balance in children with DMD. METHODS: Participants in this study were 30 boys with DMD, aged 6 to 10 years old. Children were divided into two groups (A and B) randomly. Children in group (A) underwent a prescribed regimen of physical therapy along with trunk-oriented exercises, whereas group (B) received the same regimen as group (A) together with whole-body vibration three times per week for three consecutive months. Balance and the thickness of the abdominal muscles were measured using the Biodex balance system and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after therapy. RESULTS: When compared to the pre-treatment results in both groups, the post-treatment results showed a significant difference in all measured variables (p<0.05). Post-treatment values showed that all of the measured variables significantly differed in favor of group A. CONCLUSIONS: Trunk-oriented exercises can improve abdominal thickness and balance more effectively than whole-body vibration in children with DMD. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT05688072.

The impact of whole-body vibration training and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on biomechanical characteristics of lower extremity during cutting movement in individuals with functional ankle instability: A parallel-group study.

BACKGROUND: We compared the effects of whole-body vibration training and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs in functional ankle instability patients during cutting movement to ascertain the superior rehabilitation method. METHODS: Twenty-two male College students with unilateral functional ankle instability volunteered for this study and were randomly divided into whole-body vibration training group and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group. Kinematics data and ground reaction forces were collected using infrared motion capture system and 3-D force plates synchronously during cutting. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the data. FINDINGS: Both training methods reduced the maximum hip abduction angle (p = 0.010, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = 0.69; whole-body vibration training = 0.20), maximum knee flexion angle (p = 0.008, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = 0.39, whole-body vibration training = 1.26) and angular velocity (p = 0.014, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = 0.62, whole-body vibration training = 0.55), maximum ankle inversion angular velocity (p = 0.020, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = 0.52, whole-body vibration training = 0.81), and knee flexion angle at the time of maximum vertical ground reaction forces (p = 0.018, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = 0.27, whole-body vibration training = 0.76), and increased the maximum ankle dorsiflexion moment (p = 0.049, effect size: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation = -0.52, whole-body vibration training = -0.22). Whole-body vibration training reduced the maximum ground reaction forces value in the mediolateral directions (p = 0.010, effect size = 0.82) during cutting movement. INTERPRETATION: These findings suggested that the two types of training might increase neuromuscular conduction function around the ankle. After these two types of training, functional ankle instability patients showed a similar risk of injury to the lateral ankle ligaments during cutting.

Enhancing anti-tumor potential: low-intensity vibration suppresses osteosarcoma progression and augments MSCs' tumor-suppressive abilities.

Rationale: Osteosarcoma (OS), a common malignant bone tumor, calls for the investigation of novel treatment strategies. Low-intensity vibration (LIV) presents itself as a promising option, given its potential to enhance bone health and decrease cancer susceptibility. This research delves into the effects of LIV on OS cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a primary focus on generating induced tumor-suppressing cells (iTSCs) and tumor-suppressive conditioned medium (CM). Methods: To ascertain the influence of vibration frequency, we employed numerical simulations and conducted experiments to determine the most effective LIV conditions. Subsequently, we generated iTSCs and CM through LIV exposure and assessed the impact of CM on OS cells. We also explored the underlying mechanisms of the tumor-suppressive effects of LIV-treated MSC CM, with a specific focus on vinculin (VCL). We employed cytokine array, RNA sequencing, and Western blot techniques to investigate alterations in cytokine profiles, transcriptomes, and tumor suppressor proteins. Results: Numerical simulations validated LIV frequencies within the 10-100 Hz range. LIV induced notable morphological changes in OS cells and MSCs, confirming its dual role in inhibiting OS cell progression and promoting MSC conversion into iTSCs. Upregulated VCL expression enhanced MSC responsiveness to LIV, significantly bolstering CM's efficacy. Notably, we identified tumor suppressor proteins in LIV-treated CM, including procollagen C endopeptidase enhancer (PCOLCE), histone H4 (H4), peptidylprolyl isomerase B (PPIB), and aldolase A (ALDOA). Consistently, cytokine levels decreased significantly in LIV-treated mouse femurs, and oncogenic transcript levels were downregulated in LIV-treated OS cells. Moreover, our study demonstrated that combining LIV-treated MSC CM with chemotherapy drugs yielded additive anti-tumor effects. Conclusions: LIV effectively impeded the progression of OS cells and facilitated the transformation of MSCs into iTSCs. Notably, iTSC-derived CM demonstrated robust anti-tumor properties and the augmentation of MSC responsiveness to LIV via VCL. Furthermore, the enrichment of tumor suppressor proteins within LIV-treated MSC CM and the reduction of cytokines within LIV-treated isolated bone underscore the pivotal tumor-suppressive role of LIV within the bone tumor microenvironment.