The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Training on Neuromuscular Property in Individuals with Spinocerebellar Ataxia: A Pilot Study

BackgroundSpinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a neurodegenerative disease causing weakness and balance disorders that affected quality of life. Whole body vibration (WBV) had been reported to facilitate neuromuscular contraction in healthy people and athletes.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether four weeks of WBV training can enhance central and peripheral muscle strength and balance performances in patients with SCA.MethodsThirteen individuals with diagnosed SCA were randomly assigned into WBV and control groups. Subjects in the training group received four weeks of WBV training at semi-squatting position for 3 sessions per week; whereas subjects in the control group performed semi-squatting position for the same duration. The maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation level (VA), twitch force, Berg balance scale (BBS), and one-leg standing time were evaluated before and after training. All subjects in the training group could tolerate the WBV training.ResultsThe MVC of soleus, the VA of plantar flexors and knee extensors, the score of BBS (p < 0.05) and one-leg standing time improved (p < .05) only in the training group.ConclusionsWBV training is a feasible rehabilitation strategy which can improve general and central origin force and balance performance in individuals with SCA.