G Attanasio1, F Camerota2, M Ralli3, G Galeoto4, G La Torre4, M Galli5, M De Vincentiis6, A Greco6, Claudia Celletti7. 1. Head and Neck Dept, ENT Clinic, Umberto I University Polyclinic of Rome, Rome, Italy. 2. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division, Umberto I University Polyclinic of Rome, Rome, Italy. 3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 4. Department of Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 5. Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy. 6. Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 7. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division, Umberto I University Polyclinic of Rome, Rome, Italy. clacelletti@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS: Imbalance in elderly is a common problem strictly related to fall. AIMS: This study investigates the possibility that a new protocol based on the focal mechanical muscle vibration may improve balance and stability in elderly. METHODS: Pre-post non-randomized clinical trial has been used. Patients referring postural disequilibrium with negative vestibular bed-side examinations have been treated with focal muscle vibration applied to quadriceps muscles and evaluated before and immediately after therapy and after 1 week and after 1 month with postural stabilometric examination and with an inertial measurement units during the time up and go test. RESULTS: Stabilometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in both the area (p = 0.01) and sway (p < 0.01) of the center of pressure during the close eyes tests. Moreover, the global time of the time up and go test was reduced (p < 0.05) and the rotation velocity was increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the beneficial role of focal muscle vibration in elderly patients improve postural stability and mobility.
BACKGROUNDS: Imbalance in elderly is a common problem strictly related to fall. AIMS: This study investigates the possibility that a new protocol based on the focal mechanical muscle vibration may improve balance and stability in elderly. METHODS: Pre-post non-randomized clinical trial has been used. Patients referring postural disequilibrium with negative vestibular bed-side examinations have been treated with focal muscle vibration applied to quadriceps muscles and evaluated before and immediately after therapy and after 1 week and after 1 month with postural stabilometric examination and with an inertial measurement units during the time up and go test. RESULTS: Stabilometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in both the area (p = 0.01) and sway (p < 0.01) of the center of pressure during the close eyes tests. Moreover, the global time of the time up and go test was reduced (p < 0.05) and the rotation velocity was increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the beneficial role of focal muscle vibration in elderly patients improve postural stability and mobility.