The effects of whole-body vibration therapy on the lower extremity motor function of children with spastic diplegia

Objective To observe the effect of whole-body vibration therapy on the lower extremity the motor function of children with spastic diplegia. Methods Fifty-six children with spastic diplegia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 28. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation exercise training, while the treatment group was additionally provided with 15 minutes of whole-body vibration therapy every day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Their GMFM-88 D (standing) and E (walking and jumping) scores were recorded before and after the treatment along with the active and passive range of motion of the ankle in dorsiflexion, and the root mean square surface electromyogram signals from the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles. Berg balance scale scores were also assigned before and after the treatment for both groups. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment. Afterward all of the evaluations except the signals from the tibialis anterior muscle in active ankle dorsiflexion had improved significantly. The improvements were all significantly better in the treatment group. Conclusion Whole-body vibration therapy can effectively improve the lower extremity motor function of children with spastic diplegia. Key words: Vibration therapy; Spasticity; Cerebral palsy; Motor function