Vibration therapy.

Full Abstract

Whole-body vibration training is a method for muscle strengthening that is increasingly used in a variety of clinical situations. Key descriptors of vibration devices include the frequency, the amplitude, and the direction of the vibration movement. In a typical vibration session, the user stands on the device in a static position or performs dynamic movements. Most authors hypothesize that vibrations stimulate muscle spindles and alpha-motoneurons, which initiate a muscle contraction. An immediate effect of a non-exhausting vibration session is an increase in muscle power. Most studies of the longer term use of vibration treatment in various disorders have pursued three therapeutic aims: increasing muscle strength, improving balance, and increasing bone mass. In a small pilot trial in children we noted improvements in standing function, lumbar spine bone mineral density, tibial bone mass, and calf muscle cross-sectional area.

Author information

Author/s: Rauch, Frank (F);

Affiliation: Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC, Canada. frauch(-atsign-)shriners.mcgill.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 51 Suppl 4 (issue ) : pp 166-8

Dates: Created 2009/09/10; Completed 2009/10/06;

PMID: 19740225, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/6/2009, IMS Date: )

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