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

Abstract

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 different neuromuscular training modalities on postural stability in healthy recreation people: A randomized controlled trial

“…The VIBRO group did not demonstrate signi cant improvements, which aligns with past research suggesting that the e cacy of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training may hinge on vibration frequency 42,43 . Vibratory stimulation activates the Tonic Vibration Re ex (TVR), characterized by muscle contractions prompted by the excitation of Ia afferents in the muscle spindles 19,20,29 .…”

Whole-body vibration provides additional benefits to patients with patellofemoral pain: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…The vibration may affect the alpha motor neuron, and activate a number of muscle groups, possibly resulting in a better neuromuscular performance. [19,24] However, there is no consensus whether WBV training is beneficial to the functional improvement of patients with PFP, on top of this the pooled outcomes in this study did not support application of WBV training to patients with PFP.…”

Balance Changes Following a Controlled Whole-Body Vibration Training: A Pilot Analysis Addressing Balance Control in Adult Women with Obesity

“…Melo et al , through a recent systematic review, found positive results when vibration-with frequency values of 30 to 35 Hz as set in our study's protocol-was used alone or in association with other types of exercises in older adults with obesity (57). Maghbouli et al reported that CWBV training using a vibration frequency higher than 100 Hz may improve muscle strength and open-eye mediolateral postural control, recommending this technique as a promising approach for decreasing fall risk (58). Additionally, several recent studies found this modality to be an effective stimulus to improve neuromuscular performance and balance in healthy individuals (26), as well as in elderly individuals with neurological disorders (27,32).…”