Effect of vibrotherapy on spasticity in the lower limbs in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Introduction: vibrotherapy is a physiotherapeutic strategy proposed for the modulation of spasticity in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, its application is carried out using high-tech and high-cost devices, not always available in the field of public health.The present study evaluated the neuromodulatory effect of a low-cost abdominal vibrating belt on spasticity in individuals with SCI.Methods: a single-blind crossover experimental study was carried out, in which the response to treatment, both immediate and delayed, was recorded using the modified Ashworth scale in 4 muscle groups of the lower limbs.Results: the responses, in the 22 subjects included, showed statistically significant differences in favor of the proposed treatment. Scores were found in favor of the operated group in the dimensions of immediate abductor (p=0.01), late abductor (p<0.02) and late knee flexor (p=0.005). When cohorting by type of injury, in subjects with S.L. complete the effect was more positive in the dimensions of immediate abductor (p<0.01), late abductor (p<0.01) and immediate knee flexor (p=0.025).Conclusions: it is concluded that the use of a low-cost abdominal vibrating belt is effective in reducing spasticity in individuals with L.M. complete; this effect seems to decrease in effectiveness as it moves away from the area of application of the stimulus.