Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 

MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. It is caused by destruction of the myelin insulation covering nerve fibers (neurons) in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS causes a wide variety of symptoms and can affect vision, balance, strength, sensation, coordination, and bodily functions.
The latest general opinion for MS treatment has been that intense physical therapy or exercise can help to regenerate the nerves that are connected to the muscles that are being exercised.  With Oscillating WBV (Whole Body Vibration) muscles are pushed in certain ways which can actually help to stimulate the nerves to redevelop neural pathways or possibly even repair or rebuild the damaged nerves.

Whole body vibration exercises can help MS patients with:
  1. Low impact exercise without creating large amounts of fatigue
  2. Improve MS fine finger movements 
  3. Improve MS dexterity
  4. Improve pelvic floor function helping bladder problems or incontinence
  5. Decreases depression by increasing serotonin and neurotrophine
  6. Helps reduce MS insomnia
  7. Decreases MS Stress by decreasing the stress hormone cortisol 
  8. Reduces MS Spasms and Spasticity and increases smoothness of muscle function
Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.Schuhfried O, Mittermaier C, Jovanovic T, Pieber K- CONCLUSION: The results indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.

TRAINING PROGRAMS IMPROVE BALANCE IN MS PATIENTS
 
Resistance training and whole body vibration may improve balance in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, researchers reported in October at the Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Prague.
 
Regular physical activities improve lower-extremity function, bladder and bowel function, level of fatigue and other symptoms in MS patients.   Despite these advantages, recent trials have shown that people affected by MS participate in fewer physical activities than patients with other chronic conditions.
 
The aim of the present randomized controlled study was to investigate the effectiveness of standardized exercise programs such as resistance training with and without electrostimulation, and whole body vibration on strength and functional mobility in MS individuals.
 
A total of 33 MS patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores between 1.5 and 6 were enrolled in the trial. They were divided into four groups – nine participants performed resistance training (RES), eight received additional electrostimulation during the resistance training (RES + EL), eight practiced whole body vibration group (WBV) training, and nine served as controls.
 
Physical training programs consisted of two or three sessions a week during two periods of 10 weeks. The efficacy of training sessions on strength and functional mobility was measured by Timed 25 foot walk (T25FW), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Timed Get Up and Go Test (TGUG), Functional reach (FR) test, Berg Balance Test (BBS or scale – BBS), and walking test.
 
The investigators presented preliminary results, as the study is still on-going. Analysis of data showed that RES and WBV training was associated with a significant improvement in balance (p<0.05), but not with any other measure of functional mobility. Electrostimulation did not influence the effect of RES.
 
According to researchers, “significant effects on other variables are, however, expected after the second training period of 10 weeks, which is more intensive that the first period in which patients were first familiarized with the training equipment and followed a conservative training program”.
 
It is well known that physical activity has a positive influence on premature mortality and morbidity. Participation in regular physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, improved mood and relaxation. Despite these health benefits, only 23% of people with disabilities practice any regular physical activity.
 
Infonicks. November 2007
 
References: Roelandts M., Alders G., Broekmans T., Op’t Eijnde B., Van Hoof E., Charlier C., Woutersh L., Meesen R., Feys P. The effects of resistance training and whole body vibration on strength and functional mobility in multiple sclerosis. 23rd Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis October 11-14, 2007


EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A PILOT STUDY
Schuhfried O, Mittermaier C, Jovanovic T, Pieber K, Paternostro-Sluga T.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. othmar.schuhfried@meduniwien.ac.at
 
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a whole-body vibration (mechanical oscillations) in comparison to a placebo administration leads to better postural control, mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.
DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
SUBJECTS: Twelve multiple sclerosis patients with moderate disability (Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5-5) were allocated either to the intervention group or to the placebo group.
INTERVENTIONS: In the intervention group a whole-body vibration at low frequency (2.0-4.4 Hz oscillations at 3-mm amplitude) in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied. In the placebo group a Burst-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application on the nondominant forearm in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied as well.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test, the Timed Get Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test immediately preceding the application, 15 min, one week and two weeks after the application. The statistical analysis was applied to the change score from preapplication values to values 15 min, one week and two weeks post intervention.
RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group the intervention group showed advantages in terms of the Sensory Organization Test and the Timed Get Up and Go Test at each time point of measurement after the application. The effects were strongest one week after the intervention, where significant differences for the change score (p = 0.041) were found for the Timed Get Up and Go Test with the mean score reducing from 9.2 s (preapplication) to 8.2 s one week after whole-body vibration and increasing from 9.5 s (preapplication) to 10.2 s one week after placebo application. The mean values of the posturographic assessment increased from 70.5 points (preapplication) to 77.5 points one week after whole body vibration and increased only from 67.2 points (preapplication) to 67.5 points one week after the placebo application. No differences were found for the Functional Reach Test. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.

PMID: 16323382 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 
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