Early Vibration Therapy

Early vibration therapy encompasses various techniques tailored to address different needs and conditions. One common approach is WBV, where individuals stand, sit, or lie on a vibrating platform. This method stimulates muscle contractions and relaxations, promoting improvements in muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Another type is localized vibration therapy, which targets specific muscle groups or areas of the body using handheld devices or attachments that deliver vibrations. This localized approach is often used for muscle recovery, pain relief, and enhancing circulation in specific areas. Additionally, neuromuscular vibration therapy combines vibration with exercises or movements to enhance neuromuscular activation and coordination, making it useful in rehabilitation settings for improving motor skills and function. Lastly, pulsed vibration therapy involves intermittent bursts of vibration, offering benefits such as muscle relaxation, pain management, and improved circulation, making it applicable for conditions like chronic pain or muscle tension. Each type of vibration therapy offers unique benefits, and the choice of therapy depends on the individual’s condition and therapeutic goals

Early vibration therapy has shown promising results in improving motor function, coordination, and strength in children with conditions such as CP. Studies have demonstrated immediate improvements in coordination deficits, reflex excitability, and spasticity following WBV sessions, leading to enhanced gross motor skills, gait, and mobility. Long-term benefits include increased muscle mass, improved bone mineral density, and sustained improvements in motor function.

During early vibration therapy sessions, your child will engage in structured exercises using whole body vibration techniques. These may include standing still or performing gentle squats, sitting on a specialized platform, or assuming specific positions with hands on the platform. Each session typically lasts around 9 minutes and may involve a series of exercises tailored to your child’s abilities and needs. The therapy aims to improve motor function, coordination, and mobility over time.

Early vibration therapy is typically provided by trained therapists, including occupational therapists or physical therapists, with expertise in neurorehabilitation and working with children with conditions like CP. These professionals are skilled in assessing your child’s needs and designing individualized therapy plans to optimize their motor development and functional abilities.

The treatment period for early vibration therapy can vary depending on your child’s specific needs and response to therapy. Typically, sessions are conducted several times per week, with each session lasting around 10 minutes. The duration of therapy may span weeks to months, with the frequency and duration adjusted based on your child’s progress and therapy goals.

Early vibration therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for children with conditions like CP. However, as with any therapy, there may be minor discomfort or fatigue associated with engaging in new activities or exercises. It’s essential to communicate openly with your child’s therapist and monitor their progress closely to address any concerns that may arise during therapy sessions.

Whether early vibration therapy is the right fit for your child depends on various factors, including their specific motor challenges, therapy goals, and individual preferences. Consulting with healthcare professionals and discussing your child’s needs and concerns can help determine if early vibration therapy aligns with their unique circumstances and can contribute positively to their motor development and overall well-being.

One high quality waiting control design RCT (Stark et al., 2016) investigated the effects of side alternating whole body vibration (sWBV) on motor function among infants aged 1-2 years with CP (GMFCS Level II-IV). In this high quality RCT, infants were randomized to sWBV training & usual care or usual care alone. Motor function was assessed using the gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) at 14 weeks post intervention. No significant between-group differences were found.

Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (Level 1b) from one high quality RCT that sWBV training + usual care is as effective as usual care alone in motor skills in infants with CP.

One high quality waiting control design RCT (Stark et al., 2016) investigated the effects of sWBVon cognitive development among infants aged 1-2 with CP (GMFCS Level II-IV). In this high quality RCT, infants were randomized to sWBV training & usual care or usual care alone. Cognitive development was assessed using the German Bayley-II Mental Scale at 14 weeks post intervention. No significant between-group differences were found.

Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (Level 1b) from one high quality RCT that sWBV training + usual care is as effective as usual care alone in cognitive development in infants with CP.

One high quality waiting control design RCT (Stark et al., 2016) investigated the effects of sWBV training on motor function among infants aged 1-2 years with CP (GMFCS Level II-IV). In this high quality RCT, infants were randomized to sWBV training & usual care or usual care alone. Motor function was assessed using the gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) at 14 weeks post intervention. No significant between-group differences were found.

Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (Level 1b) from one high quality RCT that sWBV training + usual care is as effective as usual care alone in motor skills in infants with CP.