Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration for Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Baylor University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Parkinson Disease

Treatments: Other: Control; Other: Whole body vibration (WBV)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06352905

2157711

Details and patient eligibility

About

This is an exploratory study to assess the impact of whole body vibration on backward walking speed in people with Parkinson disease.

Full description

This study will provide valuable information towards the relationship between backward walking using the 3-minute backward walk test and whole body vibration (WBV). The 3MBWT has shown to have diagnostic accuracy for fall prediction in older adults. The 3MBWT has been found to be feasible within the acute stroke population. In a study, the 3MBWT revealed that in the geriatric population a score of more than 4.5 seconds were likely to report a fall history. Gait parameters including a decrease in gait velocity (p<0.01) have been found to worsen while performing dual tasks (serial-7 subtraction) in individuals with PD. Research has shown when compared to other cognitive tests, the "serial sevens" tests increased the time required to perform the Timed Up and Go in individuals with PD.

This study will use a control group performing mid-squats on level ground and an intervention group performing mid-squats on a WBV machine. Each group will perform 5 sets of mid-squats for 60 seconds with a 60 second rest period between each set. Pre and post testing will involve three trials of the 3MBWT.

The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate impact of WBV on backward walking velocity in individuals diagnosed with PD.

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 85 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD)
• classified Hoehn and Yahr stages I - IV
• ability to walk independently for at least 5 minutes
• alert and oriented to person, place and time
• Age between 40-85 years old

Exclusion criteria

• Deep-Brain Stimulation surgery less than 24 months prior to the start of the study
• physician changes in Deep-Brain Stimulation parameters during the study
• acute orthopedic injury or surgery that could impact gait
• a neurological condition other than PD

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

WBV Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will complete testing on the 3 meter backward test (3MBWT) for 3 trials (pretest). Participants will perform mid-squats on a whole body vibration (WBV) platform. The participant will complete the WBV with the platform next to a wall so they can use the wall for balance if needed. Additionally, supervision or hand held assist will be provided if needed for balance by a licensed physical therapist. After the completion of the WBV session, the participant will complete testing 3MBWT for 3 trials (posttest). All participants will have a gait belt donned the entire time and be closely guarded during every test by a licensed physical therapist. At any point the participant appears unsafe to continue, the protocol will stop immediately. Participants will be given the option to stop and rest when needed.

Treatment:

Other: Whole body vibration (WBV)

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will complete testing on the 3 meter backward test (3MBWT) for 3 trials (pretest). Participants will perform 5 sets of 60 seconds of mid-squats on level ground. There will be a 1 minute rest in between each set. The participant will complete the mid-squats next to a wall so they can use the wall for balance if needed. Additionally, supervision or hand held assist will be provided if needed for balance by a licensed physical therapist. After the completion of the the mid-squats, the participant will complete testing 3MBWT for 3 trials (posttest). All participants will have a gait belt donned the entire time and be closely guarded during every test by a licensed physical therapist. At any point the participant appears unsafe to continue, the protocol will stop immediately. Participants will be given the option to stop and rest when needed.

Treatment:

Other: Control