The Focal Mechanical Vibration for Balance Improvement in Elderly – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Aging has been associated with the progressive depletion of lean mass, reductions in muscle strength and the coordination of the lower extremities, accompanied by decreased gait assurance and balance control. Also, less balance control favors falling which is the leading cause of injury among the elderly. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate existing evidence regarding the use of focused vibration (FV) to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling during the rehabilitation of elderly populations. Methods: The PICO question is what are the effects of focal/segmental/local vibration training on the assessment of balance and the risk of falls among the elderly population? A thorough literature review was conducted between May 1, 2009, and June 30, 2019, for studies in English, randomized clinical trials, including crossover and prospective design studies with assessing balance and the risk of falls in elderly populations (age > 60 years). Results: Eight articles (N = 8) satisfied the inclusion criteria and were considered, of which 6 are RTC, one cross-sectional study and one clinical study, for a total of 635 participants. A total of 6 different vibration devices were used, each of which was associated with different FV frequency and amplitude characteristics and different treatment protocols. Conclusion:In conclusion, FV can be effective in decreasing the risk of falls and improving the assessment of balance, but more evidence is necessary considering the limits of the studies; however, it does look an important promise during rehabilitative treatment.

Postural Responses to Achilles Tendon Vibration Depend on Feet Positioning

“…For example, it has been shown that calf muscle vibrations might improve postural control in the elderly (Toosizadeh et al, 2018). It can also improve the clinical assessment of postural control in the elderly (Paolucci et al, 2021). For instance, under vibration, some parameters of the CoP can differentiate between fallers and non-fallers (van den Hoorn et al, 2018).…”

Effectiveness and safety of subthreshold vibration over suprathreshold vibration in treatment of muscle fatigue in elderly people

“…Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis reported that the available studies on suprathreshold muscle tendon vibration after stroke are low in their methodological qualities and additional studies of high methodological quality are required to achieve a strong agreement concerning muscle tendon vibration intervention protocols and their recommendation in clinical settings[ 38 ]. Another systematic analysis reported that the studies that used focal mechanical suprathreshold vibration have several constraints[ 39 ]. Other studies found that prolonged exposure to high vibration is not safe and causes adverse effects.…”

Effects of muscle tendon vibration on balance after stroke: systematic review

“…Postural balance is the position in which an optimal distribution of body mass is achieved and that provides the body with stability and conditions for functionality in a stationary or moving position, with strategies that may include "reaction" (feedback), "anticipation" (feed-forward) or a combination of both 5 . Therefore, postural control represents a complex sensory-motor ability, whose body orientation is based on the internal representation of the body scheme derived from interactions between multiple sensorimotor processes, including peripheral and central components of the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems 6 .…”