Effectiveness of focal muscle vibrations in improving sensorimotor performance, mobility and strength in spinal cord injury population: a systematic review
Our systematic review of 25 studies, with 21 (84%) reporting positive outcomes, suggests that FMV may improve sensory perception, motor function, mobility and strength in individuals with SCIs, with benefits observed in both limbs. However, substantial heterogeneity in FMV parameters, study designs, participant characteristics and the high prevalence of serious/critical risk of bias (13/25 studies, 52%) limit definitive conclusions. Further research with optimised protocols, larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm efficacy and establish clinical guidelines.
Authors
- Imran Amjad
- Amit N. Pujari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1688-4448)
- Moeez Ashfaque (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5147-3815)
- Simon F. Farmer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5193-8195)
- Imran Khan Niazi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8752-7224)
- Heidi Haavik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7182-2085)
Institutions
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- University of Hertfordshire (GB)
- New Zealand College of Chiropractic (NZ)
- Riphah International University (PK)
- University of Aberdeen (GB)
- Auckland University of Technology (NZ)
- University College London (GB)
- Aalborg University (DK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Open
- Published
- 2025-12-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-110054
- Primary Topic
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00