Elbow Joint Position Sense After Neuromuscular Training With Handheld Vibration

Abstract

Context: Clinicians use neuromuscular control exercises to enhance joint position sense (JPS); however, because standardizing such exercises is difficult, validations of their use are limited.Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of a neuromuscular training exercise with a handheld vibrating dumbbell on elbow JPS acuity.Design: Crossover study. Setting: University athletic training research laboratory.Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-one healthy, collegeaged volunteers (16 men, 15 women, age 5 23 6 3 years, height 5 173 6 8 cm, mass 5 76 6 14 kg).Intervention(s): We measured and trained elbow JPS using an electromagnetic tracking device that provided auditory and visual biofeedback. For JPS testing, participants held a dumbbell and actively identified the target elbow flexion angle (906) using the software-generated biofeedback, followed by 3 repositioning trials without feedback. Each neuromuscular training protocol included 3 exercises during which participants held a 2.55-kg dumbbell vibrating at 15, 5, or 0 Hz and used software-generated biofeedback to locate and maintain the target elbow flexion angle for 15 seconds.Main Outcome Measure(s): We calculated absolute (accuracy) and variable (variability) errors using the differences between target and reproduced angles.Results: Training protocols using 15-Hz vibration enhanced accuracy and decreased variability of elbow JPS (P # .005), whereas 5-Hz vibration did not affect accuracy (F 1,61 5 2.625, P 5 .100) but did decrease variability (F 1,61 5 7.250, P 5 .009). The control condition and 0-Hz training protocol had no effect on accuracy or variability (P $ .200).Conclusions: Our results suggest these neuromuscular control exercises, which included low-magnitude, low-frequency handheld vibration, may enhance elbow JPS. Future researchers should examine vibration of various durations and frequencies, should include injured participants and functional multijoint and multiplanar measures, and should examine long-term effects of training protocols on JPS and injury.

Effects of low frequency continuous muscle vibration on learning and transfer of a knee joint positioning task

“…A previous study reported benefits in reduction of error of an elbow joint positioning task when 15 Hz vibration was applied [4]. However, in that particular study, vibration was not applied directly to the musculo-tendon of the elbow joint [4], and this fact may well account for the differences between our results.…”

“…However, in that particular study, vibration was not applied directly to the musculo-tendon of the elbow joint [4], and this fact may well account for the differences between our results. The indirect nature of the stimulation may make it more similar to whole body vibration, which has been shown to induce more positive effects on neuromuscular adaptation and motor performance than direct musculo-tendon stimulation [9].…”

“…Moreover, a recent study reported that low frequency continuous vibration was actually beneficial for reducing error and variability of elbow joint positioning [4]. However, in this study, vibration was applied with the use of a hand held dumbbell instead of directly to the musculo-tendons of the elbow joint [4].…”

Elbow joint position sense after total elbow arthroplasty

“…18,21,22 Researchers have focused on different aspects of elbow proprioception and the effect of different factors, including normal elbow, anesthetized, soft tissue degeneration, neurogenic disorders, exercises, and throwing. 2,14,18,29,38,41,42 To our best knowledge, no study has investigated elbow proprioception after TEA, and those studies with other joint replacements have not been numerous. 3,20 TEA is currently a reliable surgical option for patients with a broad variety of indications, although some treatment problems and complications might be challenging.…”

Effects of vibration training on elbow joint position sensing

“…A study by Tripp, Faust & Jacobs found 15 Hz vibration applied indirectly via a vibrated handheld device improved elbow joint position performance [16]. However, Chelette & Layne found the same frequency of vibration applied directly to the quadriceps tendon did not significantly improve knee joint position sensitivity [17].…”