Utilization of Whole-Body Vibration Intervention for Improving Mobility in Spinal Cord Injury

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Utilization of Whole-Body Vibration Intervention for Improving Mobility in Spinal Cord Injury

Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 3

Abstract

Suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) constitutes numerous neurologic, vascular and muscular problems below the level of injury. Neurologic problems can include sensation and motor impairments which can limit effective and efficient mobility and jeopardize safety. Vascular problems can include reductions in thigh blood flow, femoral artery diameter, vascular reactivity and capillary alterations [1]. Muscular problem alterations have included atrophy, particularly of type 2 fibers and eventually a shift from type 1 to type 2B [1]. These skeletal-muscle changes seemingly paralleling vascular reductions, over time, increase the risk of secondary clinical conditions such as pressure ulcers and cardiovascular disease [1]. Bone mineral density reductions and architecture due to lack of mechanical loading have been observed within 12 months post SCI [2]. Skeletal-muscle atrophy, bone density decreases and vascular insufficiencies, coupled with motor impairments can lead to subsequent mobility and gait problems. Mobility interventions for SCI have included conventional physical therapy. The neurally intact muscle mass that remains for a person with SCI is generally the focus of acute and chronic rehabilitative techniques. While conventional physical therapy, such as electro-stimulation, passive and active assistant and resistive range of motion, have been featured in reducing dependency with a SCI, these therapies have not offered consistent and significant results in improving motor impairments or mobility and gait [3]. Whole body vibration (WBV) is an intervention which has a person seated or standing on a metal platform which vibrates at various amplitudes and frequencies. Vibration is transmitted to the feet by a typically 2’ by 2’ flat metal surface. Amplitudes of the WBV range from 1 to 6 mm displacement and frequencies range from 20-120 Hz [3]. Significant ill effects from WBV have not been reported. But regardless of central nervous system (CNS) and/or peripheral nervous system (PNS) deficits, headaches, dizziness and nausea have been reported especially when standing with weight bearing heels on the platform at higher amplitudes [3].Increased skeletal muscle contraction may improve both blood flow and arterial diameter [1]. The ability to enhance muscle contraction could result in greater long term muscle mass which would increase metabolism. Increased metabolism has been demonstrated with higher oxygen consumption [1,6]. Bone density increases in the pelvis and lower extremities have also been documented [3,7].

Authors and Affiliations

J Birk Thomas

Keywords

EP ID EP566732
DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000300
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