Author:
Zeng Duchun,Lei Wei,Kong Yurou,Ma Fenghao,Zhao Kun,Ye Xiangming,Tan Tongcai
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The efficacy of vibration therapy (VT) in people with post-stroke spasticity (PSS) remains uncertain. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of VT in PSS.
Methods
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Web of Science were searched from inception to October 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of VT in people with PSS. The primary outcome was spasticity, and secondary outcomes included pain, motor function, gait performance, and adverse events. A meta‑analysis was performed by pooling the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, VT had significant effects on reducing spasticity (SMD = − 0.77, 95% CI − 1.17 to − 0.36, P < 0.01) and pain (SMD = − 1.09, 95% CI − 1.74 to − 0.45, P < 0.01), and improving motor function (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.64, P < 0.01) in people with PSS. However, VT had no significant effect on gait performance (SMD = − 0.23, 95% CI − 0.56–0.10). In addition, subgroup differences in short-term anti-spasticity effects between different vibration subtypes, vibration frequencies, vibration durations, frequency of sessions, control therapy, spasticity distribution, and population classification were not significant.
Conclusion
We found that VT significantly alleviated spasticity and pain in people with PSS and improved motor function, but its effect on gait performance was unclear. However, further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Funder
Medical and Health Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province
General Scientific Research Project of Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education
Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging,Biomedical Engineering,General Medicine,Biomaterials,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology