J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 2016; 16(3): 183-92, PMID: 27609033

Early vibration assisted physiotherapy in toddlers with cerebral palsy - a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Year: 2016

Stark C, Herkenrath P, Hollmann H, Waltz S, Becker I, Hoebing L, Semler O, Hoyer-Kuhn H, Duran I, Hero B, Hadders-Algra M, Schoenau E
University of Cologne, Children"s Hospital, Germany.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: to investigate feasibility, safety and efficacy of home-based side-alternating whole body vibration (sWBV) to improve motor function in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial including 24 toddlers with CP (mean age 19 months (SD+/-3.1); 13 boys). INTERVENTION: 14 weeks sWBV with ten 9-minute sessions weekly (non-individualized). Group A started with sWBV, followed by 14 weeks without; in group B this order was reversed. Feasibility (>/=70% adherence) and adverse events were recorded; efficacy evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), at baseline (T0), 14 (T1) and 28 weeks (T2). RESULTS: Developmental change between T0 and T1 was similar in both groups; change scores in group A and B: GMFM-66 2.4 (SD+/-2.1) and 3.3 (SD+/-2.9) (p=0.412); PEDI mobility 8.4 (SD+/-6.6) and 3.5 (SD+/-9.2) (p=0.148), respectively. In two children muscle tone increased post-sWBV. 24 children received between 67 and 140 sWBV sessions, rate of completed sessions ranged from 48 to 100% and no dropouts were observed. CONCLUSION: A 14-week home-based sWBV intervention was feasible and safe in toddlers with CP, but was not associated with improvement in gross motor function.

Keywords: CP, Kleinkinder, Toddlers, Tilt Table, Safety, Cologne Concept, Auf die Beine, Kölner Konzept
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