Short-term effects of vibration therapy on motor impairments in Parkinson’s dise

Short-term effects of vibration therapy on motor impairments in Parkinson’s disease

NeuroRehabilitation, Vol. 25, No. 4. (2009), pp. 297-306.

by Lauren K. King, Quincy J. Almeida, Heidi Ahonen

– Using a parallel cross–over design the authors utilized the Unified Parkinson”s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), quantitative gait assessments, and a grooved pegboard for upper limb control. Improvements were seen in all symptom, motor control and functional outcome measures at the time of assessment. Specifically, a significant decrease in rigidity, and tremor were shown, as well as a significant increase in step length and improved speed on the grooved pegboard task. Results of this initial investigation provide support for vibration therapy as a non–pharmacological treatment alternative. Long–term benefits of vibration therapy will require further research.