The Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Knee Extensor Strength, and Balance and Walking Ability with Chronic Stroke

Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University Purpose：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Whole body vibration exercise(WBVE) inpatient with chronic stroke.Methods：Thirty patients were divided into two groups by randomly experimental group(14 subject) and controlgroup(16 subject) in a single blinded, randomised study. experimental group was conducted for the 6-weeksWBVE program and had a structured exercise program for 16 minutes, 5 days per week and control group wasconducted for the shame exercise program. Outcome variables included the knee extensor strength, Berg balancescale, Timed up and go test at 0 and 6 weeks.Results：The experimental group tended to improve more than the control group in balance(Berg balance scale)and walking ability(Timed up and go test). There were no trends in differences in change scores by the kneeextensor strength.Conclusion：WBVE program may be helpful to improve knee extensor strengthening, dynamic balance andwalking ability for patients with chronic patients.KeyWords：Stroke, Whole body vibration exercise, Muscle strength, Postural balance, Walking ability