Whole Body Vibration in Chronic Stroke

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Stroke

Treatments: Behavioral: Leg exercises; Device: High intensity whole body vibration; Device: Low intensity whole body vibration

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01822704

HSEARS20130209001

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is a randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a 10-week whole body vibration training program on physical functioning, societal participation and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. It is hypothesized that the whole body vibration program will induce significantly more gain in physical functioning, societal participation, and quality of life in chronic stroke patients, compared with the control group.

Enrollment: 81 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosis of a hemispheric stroke
• chronic stroke (onset of 6 months or more)
• aged 18 years or older
• medically stable
• able to stand for at least 1 minute with hand support
• Abbreviated Mental Test score at 6 or more
• Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment leg or foot score less than 7 points

Exclusion criteria

• recurrent stroke
• brainstem or cerebellar stroke
• other neurological conditions
• significant musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. amputations)
• vestibular disorders
• peripheral vascular disease
• other serious illnesses
• other contraindications to exercise.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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81 participants in 3 patient groups

Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group will undergo three 45-minute exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks. No whole body vibration will be given.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Leg exercises

Low intensity vibration

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive three 45-minute whole body vibration training sessions for 10 consecutive weeks. The vibration will be of low intensity (frequency: 20 Hertz, amplitude: 1mm).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Leg exercises

Device: Low intensity whole body vibration

High intensity vibration

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive three 45-minute whole body vibration training sessions per week for 10 consecutive weeks.The vibration will be of higher intensity than the low intensity vibration group (frequency: 30 Hertz, amplitude: 1mm).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Leg exercises

Device: High intensity whole body vibration