The effectiveness of vibration therapy for muscle peak torque and postural control in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Objective This study aimed to review and summarize the existing evidence on the effectiveness of vibration therapy (VT) in comparison with conventional rehabilitation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed patients considering muscle peak torque and postural control. Methods We searched available online databases for relevant studies published up to February 2020. All randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of VT on quadriceps peak torque, hamstring peak torque, and postural control (closed-eye and open-eye) were included. Overall, 13 clinical trials with a total sample size of 407 participants were included for the meta-analysis. We used the pooled mean difference with random effects model for meta-analyses. We assessed the heterogeneity of the studies using the I2 and Cochran’s Q test. Meta-regression analysis was used to assess the source of heterogeneity. Results We found that VT significantly improved hamstring peak torque [weighted mean difference (WMD) 12.67, 95% CI 4.51–20.83] and quadriceps peak torque (WMD 0.11, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.29). However, subgroup analysis showed a significant increase in mentioned muscles’ peak torque in studies employing interventions including both local muscle vibration (LMV) and vibration frequency higher than 100 Hz (WMD 20.84, 95% CI 11.75–29.93). With regard to postural control, we observed a significant improvement only in open-eye mediolateral postural control (WMD 0.26, 95% CI −1.26 to 1.77). Conclusion This study suggests that VT, especially LMV type with vibration frequency higher than 100 Hz, can be effective in rehabilitation of ACL-reconstructed patients. Although improvement in the peak torque of hamstring and quadriceps muscles was seen, there was no significant improvement in postural control, especially closed-eye, in comparison with conventional rehabilitation. Level of evidence 1. Highlights Vibration therapy can increase hamstring peak torque in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Local muscle vibration type in comparison with whole-body vibration is recommended for ACL-reconstructed patients. Vibration frequency higher than 100 Hz is preferred in ACL-reconstructed rehabilitation.

Effect of Vibratory Therapy in Decreasing the Vaccination-induced Pain in Infants: Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Different non-medical therapies such as Non-nutritive sucking (NNS), oral sucrose with or without NNS (non-nutritive sucking), wrapping with thin blanket or cloth, kangaroo mother care (KMC), songs as well as multi-sensory stimulation are beneficial in pain reduction among neonates and infants. According to the gate control theory, vibrations applied sat a site on the body block the nociceptive signals via the A???? and C fibers reducing the pain perception. When used along with many other nonpharmacological methods, This technique has been shown to minimize discomfort in pain-inducing treatments such as Intravenous cannulation, vaccines, heel prick, etc. The primary purpose of this study is to analyze vibrational therapy effects on infants pain perception, thereby, providing evidence for a better pain management strategy in vaccination centers. Objective: To determine the efficacy of vibration therapy on pain perception by infants during vaccine administration. Material and Methods: Out of total 90 eligible healthy infants who come for routinely immunization will be given either vibrational therapy (interventional group) or breastfeeding(control therapy) after doing randomization in this randomized controlled trial. The baseline vitals include cardiac rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen (SpO2) will be recorded before, during, and after vaccination during this treatment. Similarly, we will report Visual analog scales (VAS), Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Modified Behavioral Pain Scale (MBPS) after giving the vaccine to the infant. Results: After completion of the study we will come to know the effect of vibratory therapy on pain control. The pain intensity with the help of the NIPS score will get less in the vibratory group than in the control group. The level of distress by using the Color Analogue Scale, MBPS scale, and FLACC scale, during the vaccine-related procedure will get a lower score in the infants who has taken vibratory therapy than the control group. Conclusion: study will probably give us information about vibration therapy, which will be an effective method for managing the pain after vaccination in infants.

Dynamics of Сhanges in the Power Characteristics of the Biceps Brachii Muscle under the Influence of Different Vibration Effects

Aim. To determine the effects of vibration therapy devices exposure with a constant and aperiodic frequency of vibrations on the tissue of the biceps muscle of the shoulder. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 10 volunteers aged 24-35 years. the program Adobe Audition CC 2020, the device for vibration therapy with a constant vibration frequency “Charm 1-t”, the device for vibration therapy with an aperiodic vibration frequency “Individual massager with a pseudo-boiling layer” (MI EPS), the robotic biomechanical diagnostic and training complex with biological feedback CON-TREX were used. The measurement of the maximum strength of the biceps brachii muscle was carried out once to detect sensitivity to vibration, and then during 7 days for the dynamics of power characteristics. The maximum force was measured before exposure to vibrotherapy devices and immediately after exposure using the isokinetic classical mode of operation of the diagnostic system. Results. In a single measurement of biceps strength on one shoulder in a group of women, the average increase in muscle strength after using the Charm 1-T device was 0.8 N (2.3%), after using MI EPS – 1.9 N (6.4%). In the group of men, the average increase in muscle strength after using the device “Charm 1-T” was 1.9 N (3.2%), after using “MI EPS” – 4.6 N (7.2%). At the seven-day follow-up, the average increase in strength in the group of women on the right hand after using the Charm 1-T device was 21.8% (5.6 N), on the left hand after using MI EPS, the increase was 23.2% (6.1 N). In the group of men, the average increase in strength on the right hand after using “Charm 1-T” was 53% (30.7 N), on the left hand after using “MI EPS” – 15.5% (11.5 N). Conclusion. All participants in the study groups were determined to be sensitive to both types of vibration exposure. The study participants demonstrated an increase in strength indicators when testing the biceps muscle of the shoulder, and there was also an improvement in the tolerability of the procedure itself.

Effects of vibratory massage therapy on grip strength, endurance time and forearm muscle performance

BACKGROUND: Vibration therapy (VT) causes an increase in motor unit activation tendency, an involuntary recruitment of earlier sedentary motor units, which increases the muscle fiber force generating capacity and muscle performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of vibratory massage therapy at 23 Hz and 35 Hz on grip strength, endurance, and forearm muscle performance (in terms of EMG activity). METHODS: Ten healthy and right-handed men participated voluntarily in this study. The experiment was characterized by the measurement of MVC (maximal voluntary contraction) grip strength and grip endurance time at 50%MVC, accompanied by the corresponding measurement of the EMG signals of the muscles viz., flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS); flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU); extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB); and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) in supine posture. RESULTS: MANCOVA results showed significant effects of VT frequency on endurance time (p < 0.001); but no significant effect on the grip strength (p = 0.161) and muscle performance (in terms of EMG activities of the forearm muscles). However, VT improves the MVC grip strength and grip endurance time (better at 35 Hz). The Pearson correlation was significant between: weight, palm length, palm circumference, and forearm length with MVC grip strength; and the palm length with the endurance time. In addition, the palm length, palm circumference, and forearm circumference generally serve to better predict MVC grip strength and grip endurance time. CONCLUSIONS: Vibration therapy at 35 Hz for 10 minutes on the forearms had a significant positive effect on the neuromuscular performance to enhance muscle performance of upper extermitites and can be used as the optimal range to study the effect of VT. Findings may be used to prepare guidelines for VT in rehabilitation, healthcare, sports, and medical for therapists.

Focal Vibration Therapy: Vibration Parameters of Effective Wearable Devices

Focal vibration therapy can provide neurophysiological benefits. Unfortunately, standardized protocols are non-existent. Previous research presents a wide range of protocols with a wide range of effectiveness. This paper is part of a broader effort to identify effective, standardized protocols for focal vibration therapy. In this study, the authors evaluated the vibration characteristics (frequency and peak-to-peak intensity) of four commercially available focal vibration devices: (1) Vibracool (wearable), (2) Novafon (hand-held), (3) Myovolt 3-actuator (wearable), and (4) Myovolt 2-actuator (wearable). An accelerometer was used for the measurements. Measurements were made under the following two conditions: (a) when the devices were free, i.e., unconstrained vibration, and (b) when the devices were strapped to the human body, i.e., constrained vibration. In the free vibration condition, frequency ranged from 120 to 225 Hz and peak-to-peak amplitude ranged from 2.0 to 7.9 g’s. When the devices were strapped to the body (constrained), vibration amplitude decreased by up to 65.7%. These results identify effective ranges of focal vibration frequency and amplitude. They illustrate the importance of identifying vibration environment, free or constrained, when quoting vibration characteristics. Finally, the inconsistency output of multi-actuator devices is discussed. These results will guide protocol development for focal vibration and potentially better focal vibration devices.

Focal Vibration Therapy: Vibration Parameters of Effective Wearable Devices

Focal vibration therapy can provide neurophysiological benefits. Unfortunately, standardized protocols are non-existent. Previous research presents a wide range of protocols with a wide range of effectiveness. This paper is part of a broader effort to identify effective, standardized protocols for focal vibration therapy. The vibration characteristics of four commercially available focal vibration devices that have been used for research and clinically were measured. An accelerometer was used for the measurements. Frequency and peak-to-peak amplitude were measured. Measurements were made when the devices were free and then again when they were strapped to the human body. Vibration frequency ranged from 120 to 225 Hz. Free vibration amplitude ranged from 2.0 to 7.9 g&rsquo;s (peak-to-peak). When the devices were strapped to the body (constrained), vibration amplitude decreased by up to 65.7%. These results identify effective ranges of focal vibration frequency and amplitude. They illustrate the importance of identifying vibration environment, free or constrained, when quoting vibration characteristics. Finally, the inconsistency of multi-actuator devices is discussed. These results will guide protocol development for focal vibration and potentially better focal vibration devices.