Can Vibration Therapy Decrease Spasticity After Stroke

In this episode of Neuro Simplified, we review a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of vibration therapy for people with post-stroke spasticity. The study included 12 randomized controlled trials with 442 participants and examined both whole-body vibration and local muscle vibration.

The results suggest that vibration therapy may help reduce post-stroke spasticity and pain while also supporting improvements in motor function. However, the evidence did not show a significant improvement in gait performance.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How vibration therapy may affect muscle tone after stroke
• Whole-body vibration versus local muscle vibration
• The potential benefits for stroke spasticity, pain, and motor recovery
• Why reduced spasticity does not always lead to better walking
• Which upper-extremity areas may respond most favorably
• Important limitations in the current stroke rehabilitation research

This episode is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation professionals, stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone interested in evidence-based stroke recovery.

Keywords: stroke recovery, vibration therapy, post-stroke spasticity, stroke rehabilitation, whole-body vibration, local muscle vibration, stroke physical therapy, muscle tone after stroke, gait training after stroke, motor recovery, neuro rehabilitation, spasticity treatment

Source:

Zeng D, Lei W, Kong Y, et al. Effects of vibration therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BioMed Eng OnLine. 2023;22:121. doi:10.1186/s12938-023-01176-x.

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