Search Results (17)

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a growing health challenge with increasing prevalence. Early diagnosis and effective interventions are crucial to the management of KOA individuals. Vibration therapy has shown promise as an intervention for KOA. Systemic vibratory therapy (SVT) and local vibratory therapy (LVT) have gained interest in recent years. In these therapies, mechanical vibrations are transmitted to the body either systemically or locally. The current systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize SVT and LVT effects on the functional capacity of KOA individuals. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and EMBASE on 3 July 2024, including only randomized controlled trials, were performed. The data collected were participant characteristics, vibrating devices, intervention duration, and main findings. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with Cochrane tools, and methodological quality (MQ) was assessed via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Nine papers were selected from 922 articles: five on SVT and four on LVT, involving 352 individuals aged 40–80. SVT studies reported acute or chronic responses like increased muscle strength and improved functional capacity. LVT studies also indicated functional capacity improvements. RoB was classified as ‘high’ in three SVT studies and ‘low’ in two LVT studies. MQ was classified as ‘high’ in five SVT studies and one LVT study. Both SVT and LVT studies reported improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and functional capacity. The current review revealed beneficial effects of both therapies on the functional capacity of KOA individuals. However, further well-designed studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions about the effect of SVT and LVT for KOA individuals. Full article

Background: This observational study investigates the efficacy of combining local muscle vibration (LMV) therapy and kinesiotaping using the McConnell method (KMcCM) in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a prevalent knee condition characterized by anterior or medial knee pain exacerbated by activities that overload the patellofemoral joint. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LMV combined with KMcCM in reducing pain and improving function in PFPS patients. Methods: A total of 52 participants, aged 25–85, with PFPS were included. Participants underwent LMV and KMcCM treatments three times weekly for three weeks. Pain and function were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline (T0) and six months post-treatment (T1). Radiological assessments of patellar alignment and biomechanics were also conducted through dynamic MRI. Results: Significant pain reduction and functional improvements were observed across all age groups. Notably, younger participants showed greater improvement compared to older participants. Among women, those in the younger age group experienced more substantial reductions in VAS scores compared to their older counterparts. KOOS scores improved significantly, indicating enhanced knee function overall. A significant decrease in VAS scores from T0 to T1 was observed across all patellar alignment groups, signifying a reduction in pain levels. However, Group 2 (Laxation and Subluxation) experienced the most substantial reduction in VAS scores at T1 compared to the other groups. These results suggest that the combination of LMV and KMcCM may be particularly effective in addressing biomechanical abnormalities associated with patellar maltracking and enhancing VMO muscle contraction, leading to more substantial improvements in these patients. Conclusions: The combination of LMV and KMcCM demonstrates promising efficacy in reducing pain and improving knee function in PFPS patients, with age and gender influencing treatment outcomes. The most significant improvements were observed in younger individuals and those with specific patellar alignment issues, highlighting the potential of this combined approach for the targeted treatment of PFPS. Full article

Microcirculation is an essential system that regulates oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues in response to various environmental stimuli and pathophysiological conditions. Diabetes mellitus can cause microvascular complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. The pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction in diabetes is associated with hyperglycemia and the result of an interplay of various factors. Research studies have demonstrated that functional microvascular dysfunction appears much earlier than structural alterations in vasculature in diabetes. This finding of the progression from microvascular dysfunction to macrovascular disease establishes a foundation for the screening and early diagnosis of diabetes by assessing the microvascular function. This comprehensive review discusses technologies (laser Doppler, transcutaneous oximetry, infrared thermography and near-infrared spectroscopy) with computational methods (linear (time and frequency domains), nonlinear and machine learning approaches) for diagnosing microvascular dysfunction in diabetes. Pathophysiological changes of microvascular dysfunction leading to impaired vasomotion and blood flow oscillations in diabetes are reviewed. Recent findings in managing microvascular dysfunction using lifestyle modifications and force-based modulations are evaluated. A consensus endorsed by the American Diabetes Association has been reached that an effective exercise program would greatly slow down the progression of microvascular dysfunction and its impact on diabetic foot ulcers, muscle fatigue and weakness and peripheral neuropathy. However, it is imperative to determine the dose–response relationship of exercise and microvascular responses in patients with diabetes. Research studies have demonstrated that local vibration and whole-body vibration can improve microcirculation in various pathological conditions, including diabetes. Due to the complex nature of microvascular regulation, various computational methods have been developed to shed light on the influence of diabetes on microvascular dysfunction. This comprehensive review will contribute to the diagnosis and management of microvascular dysfunction in diabetes. Full article

This article aims to provide a concise overview of the best available evidence for managing post-stroke spasticity. A modified scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), involved an intensive search on Medline and PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2023. The focus was placed on high-quality (GRADE A) medical, rehabilitation, and surgical interventions. In total, 32 treatments for post-stroke spasticity were identified. Two independent reviewers rigorously assessed studies, extracting data, and evaluating bias using GRADE criteria. Only interventions with GRADE A evidence were considered. The data included the study type, number of trials, participant characteristics, interventions, parameters, controls, outcomes, and limitations. The results revealed eleven treatments supported by GRADE A evidence, comprising 14 studies. Thirteen were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and one was randomized control trial. The GRADE A treatments included stretching exercises, static stretching with positional orthosis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, peripheral magnetic stimulation, non-invasive brain stimulation, botulinum toxin A injection, dry needling, intrathecal baclofen, whole body vibration, and localized muscle vibration. In conclusion, this modified scoping review highlights the multimodal treatments supported by GRADE A evidence as being effective for improving functional recovery and quality of life in post-stroke spasticity. Further research and exploration of new therapeutic options are encouraged. Full article

The prolonged application (>20 min) of local vibration (LV) on muscles or tendons is known to reduce maximal isometric strength. However, the effect of short vibration durations (≤6 min) is still unknown. In fourteen participants, the changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were measured after 1, 3, and 6 min of rest (CONT) or local vibration (LV) over the quadricipital tendon (frequency: 100 Hz; amplitude: 0.5 mm). Before and after each condition, the amplitude of the twitch induced by a 100 Hz potentiated electrical doublet (PD_POT); the relative electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscle during the MVIC (RMS_MVIC.M⁻¹); the torque developed 50 ms after the onset of contraction (T₅₀); and the voluntary activation level (VAL) were evaluated. None of the three LV durations significantly changed the MVIC compared with the control condition (p = 0.379). The indices of central (i.e., VAL, T₅₀, RMS_MVIC.M⁻¹) and peripheral (e.g., PD_POT) fatigue were unaffected (p > 0.147). In conclusion, a short-duration LV (≤6 min) on a voluminous muscle group does not impair maximal force production or induce any central or peripherical fatigue. Full article

Currently, the preparation of actuators based on ionic electroactive polymers with a fast response is considered an urgent topic. In this article, a new approach to activate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by applying an AC voltage is proposed. The suggested approach involves an activation mechanism in which the PVA hydrogel-based actuators undergo extension/contraction (swelling/shrinking) cycles due to the local vibration of the ions. The vibration does not cause movement towards the electrodes but results in hydrogel heating, transforming the water molecules into a gaseous state and causing the actuator to swell. Two types of linear actuators based on PVA hydrogels were prepared, using two types of reinforcement for the elastomeric shell (spiral weave and fabric woven braided mesh). The extension/contraction of the actuators, activation time, and efficiency were studied, considering the PVA content, applied voltage, frequency, and load. It was found that the overall extension of the spiral weave-reinforced actuators under a load of ~20 kPa can reach more than 60%, with an activation time of ~3 s by applying an AC voltage of 200 V and a frequency of 500 Hz. Conversely, the overall contraction of the actuators reinforced by fabric woven braided mesh under the same conditions can reach more than 20%, with an activation time of ~3 s. Moreover, the activation force (swelling load) of the PVA hydrogels can reach up to 297 kPa. The developed actuators have broad applications in medicine, soft robotics, the aerospace industry, and artificial muscles. Full article

Pushing and gripping forces may contribute to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome but, thus far, have not been taken into account in vibratory dose assessment according to the current standards. To obtain a better understanding of the symptom onset, we developed a finite element model of the hand to replicate its vibratory behaviour in gripping and pushing actions. In a case study, Supersonic Shear Imaging measurements revealed the significant dependence of muscle stiffness and anisotropy on gripping. The use of these measurements in our model showed that muscle activation influences the driving-point mechanical impedance of the hand and local vibration propagation. Full article

There is a broad scope of literature investigating whole-body vibration (WBV) effects on blood flow (BF). However, it is unclear how therapeutic localized vibrations alter BF. Low-frequency massage guns are advertised to enhance muscle recovery, which may be through BF changes; however, studies using these devices are lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if popliteal artery BF increases from localized vibration to the calf. Twenty-six healthy, recreationally active university students (fourteen males, twelve females, mean age 22.3 years) participated. Each subject received eight therapeutic conditions randomized on different days with ultrasound blood flow measurements. The eight conditions combined either control, 30 Hz, 38 Hz, or 47 Hz for a duration of 5 or 10 min. BF measurements of mean blood velocity, arterial diameter, volume flow, and heart rate were measured. Using a cell means mixed model, we found that both control conditions resulted in decreased BF and that both 38 Hz and 47 Hz resulted in significant increases in volume flow and mean blood velocity, which remained elevated longer than the BF induced by 30 Hz. This study demonstrates localized vibrations at 38 Hz and 47 Hz significantly increase BF without affecting the heart rate and may support muscle recovery. Full article

Despite the restoration of the mechanical stability of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), patients often experience postoperative limitations. To our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews analyzing additional physiotherapy interventions implementing standard rehabilitation programs in the early postoperative phase after ACLR. The objective of this study was to analyze the additional physiotherapy interventions implemented in standard rehabilitation programs that improve early-stage ACLR rehabilitation. For this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2022 we conducted a literature review using electronic databases. Primary outcomes were pain, edema, muscle strength, ROM, and knee function. The risk of bias and scientific quality of included studies were assessed with the RoB 2, ROBINS-I and PEDro scale. For the review, we included 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria (total n = 3271). The included studies evaluated the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping, Whole-body vibration, Local Vibration Training, Trigger Point Dry Needling, High Tone Power Therapy, alternating magnetic field, and App-Based Active Muscle Training Program. Most of the additional physiotherapy interventions improved pain, edema, ROM, knee muscle strength, or knee function in early-stage postoperative ACL rehabilitation. Except for one study, no adverse events occurred in the included studies, which demonstrates the safety of the discussed physiotherapy interventions. Further in-depth research is needed in this area. Full article

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effect of vibration therapy with holistic and local intervention in treating muscle fatigue in elite athletes during their intensive training season. Methods: Study participants included five male athletes from a provincial Greco-Roman wrestling team who were qualified for the finals of China’s national games. During the study, conventional therapeutic intervention was applied during the initial three weeks of the study, and an instrument intervention was adopted in the following three weeks. A surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure muscle fatigue of latissimus dorsi, both before and after each intervention session. Specifically, the pre-intervention measurement was conducted right after the daily training completion; and the post-intervention measurement occurred in the following morning. The data analyses were to compare the differences in the muscle fatigue data between the two modes of interventions, conventional and instrument therapy. Results: The conventional intervention showed no significant difference in the sEMG indexes before and after the intervention; while for the instrument intervention, the pre- and post- intervention sEMG indexes differed significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The long-term effects of instrument vibration therapy on muscle fatigue recovery were studied based on observational data from elite athletes. The results indicate that the vibration therapy with holistic and local consideration demonstrated an effective reduction of muscle fatigue and/or fatigue accumulation in elite athletes during their intensive training season. Full article

Background: Cellulite is a cosmetic defect that affects over 80% of post-pubertal women. One of its pathomechanisms involves microvascular dysfunction. It has been suggested that vibration is a physical stimulus that may improve circulation in the skin and muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local vibration on cutaneous microcirculation and on eliminating the symptoms of cellulite in women. Methods: A total of 57 healthy women with at least grade 1 cellulite were recruited and divided into four groups differing by treatment time (30′ or 60′) and position (sitting or lying) during the vibration treatments. Participants took part in 15 vibrotherapy sessions. Body composition, selected circumferences, cellulite grade, and thermographic images of buttocks and thighs were recorded. Results: Significant changes in skin temperature were observed in both studied areas after the first and last treatments in each group. A significant decrease in cellulite grade was observed after a series of treatments. The strongest effects were observed for the sitting position with a treatment time of 60 min. Conclusion: Vibration treatment improves microcirculation in cellulite-affected areas. Over time, no adaptation was observed, and subsequent treatments maintained the beneficial effects. Extending the treatment time increased its influence on the microcirculation in the skin. Full article

Prolonged exercise can lead to muscle damage, with soreness, swelling, and ultimately reduced strength as a consequence. It has been shown that whole-body vibration (WBV) improves recovery by reducing the levels of stress hormones and the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of local vibration treatment applied after exercise on the level of selected markers of muscle fiber damage. The study involved 12 untrained men, aged 21.7 ± 1.05 years, with a VO₂peak of 46.12 ± 3.67 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. A maximal intensity test to volitional exhaustion was performed to determine VO₂peak and individual exercise loads for prolonged exercise. The subjects were to perform 180 min of physical effort with an intensity of 50 ± 2% VO₂peak. After exercise, they underwent a 60 min vibration treatment or placebo therapy using a mattress. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after the recovery procedure, and 24 h after the end of the exercise test. Myoglobin (Mb) levels as well as the activities of CK and LDH were recorded. Immediately after the hour-long recovery procedure (vibration or placebo), the mean concentrations of the determined indices were significantly different from baseline values. In the vibration group, significantly lower values of Mb (p = 0.005), CK (p = 0.030), and LDH (p = 0.005) were seen. Differences were also present 24 h after the end of the exercise test. The results of the vibration group compared to the control group differed in respect to Mb (p = 0.002), CK (p = 0.029), and LDH (p = 0.014). After prolonged physical effort, topical vibration improved post-workout recovery manifested by lower CK and LDH activity and lower Mb concentration compared to a control group. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to demonstrate an increase in muscle action potentials and an enhancement of the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BoNT) after mechanical leg vibration. Methods: A 53-year-old healthy male volunteer underwent vibration ergometry training (VET) every morning and every evening for 10 min for 14 days. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the right (R) and left (L) extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle was analyzed by supramaximal peroneal nerve stimulation before and after VET 12 times during the 14 days. Thereafter, VET was stopped and 20 U incobotulinumtoxin (incoBoNT/A) were injected into the right EDB. During the following 10 days, CMAP of both EDBs was tested 12 times. Results: Under VET, the CMAP of both EDBs significantly increased (L: p < 0.01; R: p < 0.01). During the first 14 days, CMAP of the left EDB before VET was significantly (<0.008) lower than 20 min later after VET. This was not the case for the better trained right EDB. After day 14, CMAP of the untreated left EDB further increased for 6 days and then decreased again. In the right EDB, BoNT-treated EDB CMAP rapidly and highly significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased during the first 48 h by about 90%, from a level of about 14 mV down to a plateau of around 1.5 mV. Conclusion: Local mechanical leg vibration has a short- and long-term training effect. Compared to other studies analyzing the reduction in EDB CMAPs after BoNT injections, the reduction of EDB CMAPs in the present study observed after combined application of BoNT and VET was much faster and more pronounced. Full article

Mechanical vibration, applied to single or few muscles, can be a selective stimulus for muscle spindles, able to modify neuromuscular management, inducing short and long-term effects, are now mainly employed in clinic studies. Several studies reported as treatments with focal vibratory (FVT) can influence neuromuscular parameters also in healthy people. However, the application modalities and the consequent effects are remarkably fragmented. This paper aims to review these studies and to characterize the FVT effectiveness on long-term conditional capacities in relation to FVT characteristics. A systematic search of studies published from 1985 to 2020 in English on healthcare databases was performed. Articles had to meet the following criteria: (1) treatment based on a locally applied vibration on muscle belly or tendon; (2) healthy adults involved; (3) outcomes time analysis enduring for more than 24 h. Twelve studies were found, all of them presented an excellent quality score of ≥75%. All selected papers reported positive changes, comparable with traditional long-lasting training effects. Muscle force and power were the most investigated parameters. The after-effects persisted for up to several months. Among the different FV administration modalities, the most effective seems to show a stimulus frequency of ≈100 Hz, repeated more times within three-five days on a voluntary contracted muscle. Full article

Mechanical vibrations seem to affect the behaviour of different cell types and the functions of different organs. Pressure waves, including acoustic waves (sounds), could affect cytoskeletal molecules via coherent changes in their spatial organization and mechano-transduction signalling. We analyzed the sounds spectra and their fractal features. Cardiac muscle HL1 cells were exposed to different sounds, were stained for cytoskeletal markers (phalloidin, beta-actin, alpha-tubulin, alpha-actinin-1), and studied with multifractal analysis (using FracLac for ImageJ). A single cell was live-imaged and its dynamic contractility changes in response to each different sound were analysed (using Musclemotion for ImageJ). Different sound stimuli seem to influence the contractility and the spatial organization of HL1 cells, resulting in a different localization and fluorescence emission of cytoskeletal proteins. Since the cellular behaviour seems to correlate with the fractal structure of the sound used, we speculate that it can influence the cells by virtue of the different sound waves’ geometric properties that we have photographed and filmed. A theoretical physical model is proposed to explain our results, based on the coherent molecular dynamics. We stress the role of the systemic view in the understanding of the biological activity. Full article