Objective:  We performed a clinical trial on the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle function and bone health of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.

Participants:  Forty participants (11.3-20.8 years) with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (GMFCS II-III)

Methods:  Underwent 20-week WBVT on a vibration plate for 9 minutes/day 4 times/week at 20 Hz (without controls).  Assessments included 6-minute walk test, whole-body DXA, lower leg pQCT scans, and muscle function (force plate).

Results:  Twenty weeks of WBVT were associated with increased lean mass in the total body (+770 g; p = 0.0003), trunk (+410 g; p = 0.004), and lower limbs (+240 g; p = 0.012). Bone mineral content increased in total body (+48 g; p = 0.0001), lumbar spine (+2.7 g; p = 0.0003), and lower limbs (+13 g; p < 0.0001). Similarly, bone mineral density increased in total body (+0.008 g/cm(2); p = 0.013), lumbar spine (+0.014 g/cm(2); p = 0.003), and lower limbs (+0.023 g/cm(2); p < 0.0001). Participants reduced the time taken to perform the chair test, and improved the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test by 11% and 35% for those with GMFCS II and III, respectively.

Conclusion:  WBVT was associated with increases in muscle mass and bone mass and density, and improved mobility of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.

SUMMARY STUDY:   In a group of 40 patients with cerebral palsy whole body vibration training improved time for chair rising test, and the distance in 6 min walking test by 11 and 35% respectively. Improvements were also found in muscle mass, bone mass and density and mobility.