Effects of whole body vibration training on cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke:A randomized controlled trial

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness reduction is potentially related to function/structure,and activity of the stroke patients may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole body vibration(WBV)training is an efficient alternative therapy for neurological conditions. However,no study has investigated the effects of WBV training on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with subacute stroke. This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects WBV training on cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in individuals with subacute stroke. Methods Thirty-three people with subacute stroke(66.56±5.25 years)were enrolled from 87 patients initially screened(25 patients were excluded by inclusion/exclusion criteria,13 patients for other reasons,16 patients declined participation). Participants were randomly assigned to the low-intensity WBV group(LWBV),high-intensity WBV group(HWBV)and a control group(No WBV).All participants of low-and high-intensity WBV group were exercised on a vibration platform,and the control group performed the same exercise without WBV. Outcome measurements included oxygen uptake(VO2)rate and walking distance during the 6-Minute Walk Test(6 MWT),and quality of life(Short-Form 12 Health Survey,SF-12). The measurements were performed by a researcher at baseline and immediately after the 8-week WBV intervention period. Results Statistical analysis revealed a significant time effect for VO2rate and walking distance achieved during 6 MWT,and the SF-12 physical composite score domain in all three groups after the 8-week treatment period(P<0.05). However,the effects of time by group interactions were not significant for any of the VO2and walking distance during 6 MWT,and quality of life(P>0.05). Conclusions The addition of the 8-week WBV program to the leg exercise protocol is not more effective in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life than leg exercises alone in subacute stroke patients with mild to moderate motor impairments.[S Chin J Cardiol 2019;20(3):131-140]