3-week whole body vibration does not improve gait function in mildly affected multiple sclerosis patients--a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) training on gait function in persons with mild multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: 18 patients with MS were assigned randomly to WBV (intervention group) or to placebo WBV. METHODS: Both groups performed a 3-week training period under static conditions on a vibration platform. In the placebo group, the vibration platform was covered and therefore vibrations could not operate. Gait function (gait velocity, stride length, double support phase, single-step variability left and right) was assessed at baseline, after 3-weeks of WBV intervention or sham WBV, 4-weeks after baseline, and 5-weeks after baseline using a mobile plantar food pressure system and the "Timed Up and Go" test under four different gait conditions (comfortable overground gait, comfortable gait on treadmill, -20% comfortable gait velocity on treadmill and +20% comfortable gait velocity on treadmill). RESULTS: None of the outcome measures of gait function showed statistically significant alterations following 3-weeks of intervention/placebo WBV. CONCLUSION: The applied protocol of WBV does not show a meaningful improvement of gait function in mildly affected MS patients.