Comparison of the effect of whole-body vibration therapy versus conventional therapy on functional balance of patients with Parkinson's disease: adding a mixed group.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the effect of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) therapy in functional balance status of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and compare this to conventional and combined therapy.

INTRODUCTION

PD patients experience a decreased mobility, inactivity, and loss of independence as consequence of disturbances in gait, posture, and balance. Rehabilitation therapy is a non-pharmacological way of improving functionality. One of the most studied modalities is WBV, with multiple studies showing improvement in motor function. However, results in this manner are inconsistent.

METHODS

Forty-five patients were enrolled in a non-randomized controlled trial and divided into three groups. Group 1 received conventional therapy (thermotherapy, stretching, strengthening, coordination and balance). Group 2 received WBV therapy, and group 3 patients underwent a combined therapy protocol. A total of 20 sessions (3 per week) were conducted, assessing Berg Balance Scale (BBS) before initial and after final session.

RESULTS

The 3 intervention groups showed significant improvement in BBS scores after concluding the 20-session trial compared to initial assessment. When comparing mean change in BBS score from initial to final assessment, the combined therapy group had a greater increase compared to conventional therapy, but no significant differences were observed comparing to WBV group. Mean change in BBS score showed no significant difference between conventional therapy and WBV therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

WBV therapy is a useful tool as co-adjuvant in conventional therapy. The combination of both therapies is a significant therapeutic alternative for the improvement of functional balance status in PD patients compared to conventional therapy alone.