The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercise on Balance and Lower Extremity Muscle Activity in Stroke Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise on balance and lower extremity muscle activity according to different intensity of vibration in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group Ⅱ (n=10), Ⅲ (n=10), and control groupⅠ (n=10). Each subject was exposed to three WBV conditions, as follows: 1. no WBV (groupⅠ), 2. 10 ㎐ (group Ⅱ), 3. 30 ㎐ (group Ⅲ) in semi squat position. The exercise program was conducted for six weeks (five times per week; 16 minutes per day). Subjects were measured on balance (limited of stability: LOS) and lower extremity muscle activity. Results: Significant difference in balance and lower extremity muscle activity was observed in the experimental group (Ⅱ, Ⅲ), compared with the control group (Ⅰ). Results of post-hoc analysis, showed a significant difference in balance (LOS) in on group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ compared with group Ⅰ, but no significant difference in on group Ⅱ compared with group Ⅲ, and a significant difference in lower extremity muscle activity in on group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ compared with group Ⅰ, and a significant difference on in group Ⅱ compared with group Ⅲ. Conclusion: WBV exercise may be helpful in improvement of balance and lower extremity muscle activity in stroke patients.