Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Research

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on reaction time in Parkinson’s Disease Patients – A pilot study

Andrea Dincher

Saarland University, Sports Sciences Institute, Germany

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The symptoms are treated with medication, physiotherapy, exercise and occupational therapy. The effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) as an alternative training method has already been investigated for several symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. As the effect on the reaction time has not yet been investigated, the effectiveness of different application frequencies should be tested in this pilot study. Hypothesis: Different frequencies of WBV have different effects on reaction.

Study design: RCT.

Methods: The 43 participating PD patients (22 males, 21 females, age 69.02 ± 11.54 years, mean time past diagnosis 6.60 ± 4.74 years) were randomly assigned to a frequency (6, 12 or 18 Hz) or to the control group. Before and after the treatment of 5 x 60 seconds with a 60 second break each, the measurement of reaction time was performed by the Ruler Drop Test (three runs each, mean value and best of three of pre- and posttest were evaluated).

Results: All groups improved their performance in the Ruler Drop Test. Significant differences were found for the effect time for all groups (best of 3: F(1,38)=18.73, p=.00; mean of 3: F(1,38)=4.96, p=.03). There was no significant effect for factor group and for interaction time*group.

Conclusions: WBV can cause an improvement in reaction. Vibration frequency seems to play a subordinate role. There is a placebo effect for Whole Body Vibration that should be eliminated.

Keywords:

Whole Body Vibration, Parkinson’s Disease, Reaction Time, Bradykinesia