Citation

Attanasio G, Camerota F, Ralli M, Galeoto G, La Torre G, Galli M, De Vincentiis M, Greco A, Celletti C. Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 2018; 30(10): 1161-1166.

Affiliation

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division, Umberto I University Polyclinic of Rome, Rome, Italy. clacelletti@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40520-018-0909-x

PMID

29468616

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS: Imbalance in elderly is a common problem strictly related to fall. AIMS: This study investigates the possibility that a new protocol based on the focal mechanical muscle vibration may improve balance and stability in elderly.

METHODS: Pre-post non-randomized clinical trial has been used. Patients referring postural disequilibrium with negative vestibular bed-side examinations have been treated with focal muscle vibration applied to quadriceps muscles and evaluated before and immediately after therapy and after 1 week and after 1 month with postural stabilometric examination and with an inertial measurement units during the time up and go test.

RESULTS: Stabilometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in both the area (p = 0.01) and sway (p < 0.01) of the center of pressure during the close eyes tests. Moreover, the global time of the time up and go test was reduced (p < 0.05) and the rotation velocity was increased (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the beneficial role of focal muscle vibration in elderly patients improve postural stability and mobility.

Language: en

Keywords

Fall; Muscle vibration; Performance-oriented mobility assessment; Postural instability; Rehabilitation; Tinetti test