Whole-body vibration impedes the deterioration of postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective The current study aimed to investigate if whole-body vibration (WBV) might attenuate the processing functional and neuromuscular degeneration of postural control in patients with MS. Design Performance in postural control was assessed before and after 6 weeks of a control (CON) and a WBV intervention period. Setting Laboratory at the University of Freiburg & home-based training Participants Out of 29 interested participants, 15 subjects with severe MS fit inclusion criteria. Main outcome measures Centre of pressure displacement (COP), muscle activity and co-contraction indices of m. soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) as well as SOL H/M-ratios. Results After CON, COP was significantly enhanced with reduced muscle activity in RF and diminished shank muscle co-contraction. After WBV, no changes were observed in COP and neuromuscular control. However, over time, TA activity was reduced, but with no changes in muscle activation of SOL, GM and BF or H/M-ratios. Conclusions After CON, MS patients experienced substantial deteriorations in postural control which have previously been associated with greater postural instability. No further disease-associated deteriorations were observed following the intervention. Thus, WBV might alleviate neurodegeneration of postural control in people with MS.