Effect of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, spasticity, and motor performance in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children

Abstract

Background and purpose: Spastic diplegia is a common form of cerebral palsy (CP) and is characterized by spasticity and muscle weakness of both lower limbs resulting in decreased walking ability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) training on muscle strength, spasticity, and motor performance in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children after 12-weeks treatment.

Methods: Thirty spastic diplegic CP children (8–12 years) were randomized to two equal groups, control group and WBV group. The control group received a selected physical therapy treatment program for spastic diplegic CP and the WBV group received the same program in addition to WBV training. Measurements of isometric strength of knee extensors, spasticity, walking speed, walking balance and gross motor function were performed before and after 12 weeks of the treatment program.

Results: Isometric strength of knee extensors, spasticity and the walking speed were significantly improved only in the WBV group (P < 0.05). Growth motor function measure-88 (GMFM-88) (D%) was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both groups in favor of the WBV group and GMFM-88 (E%) was significantly increased (P < 0.05) only in the WBV group, while walking balance did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that 12-weeks’ intervention of whole-body vibration training can increase knee extensors strength and decrease spasticity with beneficial effects on walking speed and motor development in spastic diplegic CP children

Keywords: Whole body vibration; Cerebral palsy; Spastic diplegia; Walking balance; Motor development