| Objective: To investigate the effect of whole body vibration training on walking efficiency of the hemiplegia patients. Methods: Eleven patients with cerebral apoplexy accepted the whole body vibration for 10 min with vibration exciting frequency being 10 Hz, amplitude being 4 mm. Gait spatial and temporal parameters containing step length, cadence, walking speed, single support phase time, swing time and double support phase with time and the largest maximum of lower joint angles were collected and calculated by gait analysis system before and after intervention. Results: After the whole body vibration stimulation, stride frequency, walking speed, walking cycle, double limb support phase, paretic swing phase, and step length were significantly increased (P<0.05). A significant increase in hemiplegia ankle dorsiflexion angle was associated with increased maximum hip flexion and knee flexion (P<0.05). Conclusion: Whole body vibration stimulation can significantly improve gait parameters and enhance lower limb walking ability of patients with stroke. |
